Beginning Running Has NOT Been Fun!

[Melalvai]

I'll never be a "runner" but after reading all of your stories, and experiencing a modicum of success yesterday, I have faith that I can become a cyclist who also runs.

I know what you mean, I feel the same way.

[Artista]

I know what you mean, I feel the same way.

Yeah, I think that a person has to enjoy running to consider themselves a runner. I'm open to the possibility that I could learn to enjoy it but I'm not quite there yet. I'll take my satisfaction in enjoying having run for the time being

[OakLeaf]

No, you know, I don't know why it's so hard to think of oneself as a runner, when it seems easy to think of oneself as a cyclist. Maybe it's just because of all the ad models and TV coverage of the sport? Some time after my second marathon I started to occasionally entertain the idea of being a runner, but as I train for my third I'm really not comfortable with the term.

[emily_in_nc]

No, you know, I don't know why it's so hard to think of oneself as a runner, when it seems easy to think of oneself as a cyclist. Maybe it's just because of all the ad models and TV coverage of the sport? Some time after my second marathon I started to occasionally entertain the idea of being a runner, but as I train for my third I'm really not comfortable with the term.

Whaaaaa? You've done marathons and still don't consider yourself a runner?! That makes no sense to me.

I've never done more than a hair over five miles, and I know I am a runner. When others zip by me in their cars, golf carts (down here), and bikes, and I'm slogging along when I could be walking, biking, whatever, you better believe I'm a runner. Even when it sucks. And it often does!

[Artista]

I've had the good fortune to be able to ride many times over the last couple of weeks so running has been on hold. My plan is to stop posting in my whining thread and start posting in the monthly running threads after I accomplish a few runs within one week. I'm not there yet as I've been opting for riding or well needed recovery days over running lately. I'm still hopeful that I can complete my C25K plan by the end of spring.

Speaking of C25K, I've been following your progress in the monthly running thread, Crankin. Good job! You're my inspiration right now.

[Crankin]

Thanks, Artista, but frankly, I feel like it's taking time away from riding. I want to finish the program, but I am not willing to give up my training classes, either. Thus, I end up doubling up one day a week, to get a rest day.
Thankfully, it got colder and raw out, at least through Thursday, so I won't be riding, except on Wednesday and Friday. Next weekend looks beautiful, in the 50's; my perfect riding temperature.
I had one bad day, last Monday. I am hoping not to repeat that experience tomorrow at 5:30 or 6:00 AM. And, I do admit, when I was riding last Wednesday, and it was 81 degrees, I looked at my DH as we were riding over the Sudbury River and said, "How can you compare running to this? This is fun and beautiful." Nine weeks seems like a long time, and when I finish the C25K program, it will be prime riding season. After that, we'll see.

[Artista]

And, I do admit, when I was riding last Wednesday, and it was 81 degrees, I looked at my DH as we were riding over the Sudbury River and said, "How can you compare running to this? This is fun and beautiful."

I hear ya. I want my running to complement, not replace my riding and fitness classes. I'm also already doubling up on my riding and classes on the days that I have extra time. Running will come at some point for me. I'm just trying to avoid turning it into a chore right now 'cause I know that will turn me off to running altogether.