Trotting for Turkey (November Running)

[Veronica]

Keep at it seven! It took me a long time to decide that I was a runner. For the ah ha came when I set reasonable goals and expectations. I hope you find the magic soon!

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

I did my first organized 5K today! Turnout was low, so as I suspected, I was the only woman in my age group (46-54), so I won it by default. Even though I was slower than most of the veteran runners in this race, I still had my best ever time (compared to treadmill, trail runs, beach runs, and road runs in the past) for this distance -- 30:28, for a 9:50 pace. Yes, it's slow, but for me, it's awesome!

Even better, my DH came in FIRST overall! He's going to be 58 next Saturday, and there were certainly younger male runners, so I was sooooo proud of him! He did it in 23:16. It's his first organized running event in over 25 years, but he ran track in his young days and has always done well at running. Where I struggle with every stride, it comes easily to him. Lucky guy.

I am super motivated now and want to do more 5Ks to try to get my time under 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there are few organized running events here on the island, so it may be awhile until my next chance.

[emily_in_nc]

I am waiting for the day when I become a runner. In the meantime, I will be a plodding, suffering, jogger who sorely needs a good a-ha moment to make running work for me.

I can totally relate, 7rider! I would describe myself similarly. I have been a cyclist for years and a very irregular runner/jogger. It's never come easily to me as it seems to come to others. It's miserable much of the time, actually.

BUT, I think my "a-ha moment", as you say, came today when I completed my first organized 5K. It was hard, hot, and sweaty, and I was one of the slowest runners, but it really changed my attitude about running.... I suffered, but I was very proud to finish and actually set a PR.

You'll have your moment too. Hang in there!

[VeganBikeChick]

Congrats, Emily! That's great!

I've been invited out for a social run on Thursday, just a 3 miler around the lake. I have a VERY slow pace, and really want to go, but I've never met these people before, don't want anyone to feel like they have to run with me, but also don't want to be the outcast because I can't keep up with the group. Decisions, decisions.

[Veronica]

Congrats, Emily! That's great!

I've been invited out for a social run on Thursday, just a 3 miler around the lake. I have a VERY slow pace, and really want to go, but I've never met these people before, don't want anyone to feel like they have to run with me, but also don't want to be the outcast because I can't keep up with the group. Decisions, decisions.

I say go! Sometimes running with someone just a little faster, makes you a little faster.

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

Congrats, Emily! That's great!

I've been invited out for a social run on Thursday, just a 3 miler around the lake. I have a VERY slow pace, and really want to go, but I've never met these people before, don't want anyone to feel like they have to run with me, but also don't want to be the outcast because I can't keep up with the group. Decisions, decisions.

Do it! You'll never know until you try, and even if you end up last and running alone, at least you got out there, which is more than 99% of people would do.

Believe me, I was nervous about even attempting this 5K today. Sure, I've run that distance many, many times in training, but I was afraid it would be much harder on race day, I'd freeze up or something. I knew I would be one of the last finishers. But you know what, it doesn't matter. I still had a blast and feel great about it!

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Do it do it do it!

[emily_in_nc]

By the way, if anyone wants to read the excruciating details, or (more likely) see the photos from a 5K in Belize, I wrote it up on our blog:

http://bebelize.weebly.com/1/post/20...mily-home.html

Emily

[GLC1968]

Awesome job, Emily!

7rider - I didn't feel like a runner (ie, I never started enjoying my runs) until I started upping my mileage and running more often. I think it was the week I got up to 20 miles per week by running every day that it hit me that I was having a lot of good runs and that I was starting to *crave* a run! I'd heard that would be the case, but I never believed it until it happened to me.


Now I have plenty of lousy runs, but they only serve to make the good ones seem even more special. Oh, and I'm still slow, but improving...

[Crankin]

Congratulations, Emily. I feel just like you; I'll never feel "good" while running. But, although I am on an extended forced rest from running due to a probable stress fracture, it's nice to hear about others' adventures. I've certainly had the urge to run, which must count for something. But, I am going to wait, probably until the spring or late winter to start up again, so I can enjoy my winter sports.

[VeganBikeChick]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Just put in my yes.

[jessmarimba]

Running doesn't feel "fun" to me until 5 miles becomes easy. Fortunately I know now that once I reach that point, it becomes a lot less sucky, but the first couple times i started from scratch I found running to be miserable for a long time.

I still prefer company to do more than 8. For me, people are a better distraction than an ipod or anything else.

(Got back out on the bike today for the first time since I raced a couple months ago. Ugh. Unfortunately my biking probably feels like running to you. Baby steps...)

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Just put in my yes.

Yay, VBC! Proud of you...

[emily_in_nc]

Running doesn't feel "fun" to me until 5 miles becomes easy. Fortunately I know now that once I reach that point, it becomes a lot less sucky, but the first couple times i started from scratch I found running to be miserable for a long time.

Good point, Jess. I think I am at the point now where I need to increase my distance, even though 3.5-ish (my usual training run MWF) is still somewhat difficult. It wouldn't be *that* much harder to do 4, and maybe eventually 5. I don't know that it will ever be *easy*, but the easiest it's going to get is during the cool season here (Jan-Mar), so if I can't do it then, I probably never will.

I know what my NY's resolution will be this year!

[7rider]

Thanks, all. It's good to know that I'm not alone and that my feelings aren't that unusual. I keep hoping that a 3-mile run will get "easy" (will if ever???). I figure if I hit that milestone, things may start clicking. Or something. I'm just not commited enough to run EVERY day. Training for this event has me solidly in a 3-days/week schedule, but with bike commuting, weekend rides, yoga, my strength work, oh, and a full time job, there are only so many hours - and so much energy - to dedicate to sport. And I don't even have any kids. I don't know how ironman athletes train and keep a home standing. I get tired just thinking about it.

It's great to read about all of your challenges - and accomplishments! You folks are inspiring. Keep up the excellent work.

Thanks!

[Bike Chick]

Great job, Emily, and congrats to your hubby. We run about the same pace so I know how good it feels to get a PR. I looked at your pictures and it's absolutely beautiful down there.