Becoming a runner

I have been getting a bunch of people recently asking how I started running because they want to increase their distance or want to start running.

I should probably start by saying I have not always been athletic.  I was nominated "laziest" staff member when I worked as a counselor at a sleep away camp, and will never forget that.  Yes, it was funny, but also very hurtful.  It is funny how something like that will resinate with you, especially on those long runs, trying to prove everyone wrong.

Running has never been easy for me. One mile is sometimes still hard on the treadmill.  ( I will never forget when I ran one mile non stop on the treadmill). One New Years I made a resolution to complete a 5k, I wanted to be active and didn't know how.  I started with the couch to 5k program but it didn't really work for me as I was on the treadmill and it felt funny.  I had no idea what speed I was supposed to be running because I never ran before.  As I started with that for a few weeks I needed to figure something else out. I needed more intervals and what better than songs since I would listen to my ipod on the treadmill.  I started one song run, one song walk, etc.  I then progressed to  two songs run, one song walk, etc.  It was time to do the first 5k and for me, I rocked it!  I wanted to do it in under 45 minutes, because all I cared about was finishing it.  I managed to run it in under 35 minutes I believe with some walking stops of course.  That is how I began running.  

After a 5k or two or three, I wanted to increase my distance as I never really cared about speed.  To me, that was important.  I tried longer distances, but again I didn't really know how.  That is when I joined team in training just to see about it without any real intention to join.  I left that meeting registered!!  They provided me with a coach and all I had to do was fundraise.  I had a schedule to follow.  It got easier and easier because I was being accountable.  I slowly increased my milage, they recommend about 10% a week.  I incorporated a lot of run walks to get my body used to the feeling of being on my feet for so long.  

I remember, while training for my first Half, I said I would never do a Full marathon and on that last day of training for my half, I wanted to do a full.  

The way to get the miles increased is to do it slowly and safely.  Do not push your body past its limits.  Listen to it, if it says slow...SLOW..if it says rest..REST

Yes..simple as that!!

I hope everyone finds their grove in running like I have, I may not be the fastest, but I can guarantee I am the happiest one out there :)

HAPPY RUNNING!!

and please remember, I am not a certified coach, or a coach at all..Just a girl on the running trying to help out a fellow runner 

You can also check out my Team in Training webpage (and make a donation) here:

pages.teamintraining.org/sun/wdw13/ghimelfarb