traineo community
Member of traineo? Sign in here
traineo Community / Motivation Tips / Running - a motivating "poem"
. 1 . 2 . >>
Author Message
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:05


I used to HATE jogging because I felt got nowhere, but I still enjoyed the act of running and the speed and the way it got my heart pumping. After forcing myself to do HIIT a couple of times, I started to get into a routine and really love it. Everytime I hit the "workout" playlist on my iPod now and get my shades on, I know it'll be a good day.

So...

what makes a runner a runner?

http://healthandfitness.sympatico.msn.ca/I+Am+Not+ A+Jogger/Fitness/ContentPosting_Rodale.aspx?isfa=1 &newsitemid=139812&feedname=RODALE-RUNNERWORLD&sho w=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect= &abc=abc&date=False

My favorites that apply to me:
I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

Enjoy!
THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:17


thanks for that. im still working on my 90 day goal of running a mile. so far the most is half a mile. running is so hard for me. i want to like it so badly. i dont know why i want to like it so much. after i meet my goal, if i dont like it im going to focus on other stuff and stop pushing to like it. i know how much it could change my body.
Matt A.
Fitness Guru
Posts: 253
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:20 - Edited by: vashts121


Jennifer, you shouldn't try "running" a mile. Build up your endurance and lung capacity by slow jogging for extended lengths of time. I do a mile in around 9min, I try jogging 5-6min of that at a steady pace, then walk the rest. If your sides start to cramp, walk it off and take lots of deep breaths and in a minute or two it should be gone.

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.
I like that one the best. I'm not fast but I can go far without gasping for air or break.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:40


Jen, like I said I used to not like running, or rather jogging. That's why I do HIIT, intervals of bursts of running at a time.

And maybe the reason you want to like it so much is because running is like the most popular type of cardio exercise you can do. You always hear people talking about running and stuff, I understand it now.

Took me a couple of times to get to like it, now I'm hooked.
THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:40


well i should say i hate jogging too. it is so hard on my body. i never cramp up. thats not the problem. it just takes such a toll on my body like no other cardio. it is just hard work that my body needs to get accustomed to doing.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 05:50


hard work as in..

muscles
heart
joints

?
Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 06:01


jennifer, I used to hate running. The only exercise I did was shopping. I have joined a local running group in Feb, then run my 1st marathon in June. Now, I am hooked. There is no exercise makes me feel happier than running. I can't explain it.

But, it does take time to enjoy running. I remember my 1st run with the local training group was 2 miles. I dropped on the couch and slept like dead the whole day after the run. I was frustrated. I asked myself what a silly thing I have done to myself. However, I paid the full price to join the training. The paid $ kept me going. Now, I have to say that joining the running group is the best thing I have done to myself. I wish I have done it when I was younger.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 06:20


I'm glad I'm into it now. I'm just scared for winter... I don't have a treadmill and won't join a gym.. I think I'll use the elleptical but it doesn't give me the same high at all.

I don't push myself was hard on the elleptical, nor do I enjoy it as much.
Matt A.
Fitness Guru
Posts: 253
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 07:42


Quoting: jenngetfit
it is so hard on my body


Jogging works basically everything, especially at an incline. You gotta keep yourself going with your feet and have steady hand motions, and you gotta breathe at a constant rare; too slow and you'll gasp, too fast and you'll get tired. And if you're on a treadmill it's a bit harder because you have a small space to stay within.
Matt D
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 103
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 08:16


Jessipoo, I agree about the elliptical, but I find that not using the swinging-arm thingies makes me swing my arms regularly and so I push myself a bit that way.

I used to hate running too, and I think when we would run a mile for gym on high school, I ran it at something really slow like 10 minutes (probably my best). Now that I've been running for a while now, I've run a mile in 7.5 min a few times in the past few weeks, and the satisfaction of destroying my previous "personal best" is great.

I call what I do running even though it's more like a jog. I run 30-45 minutes at a pace of about 9:30 per mile.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 08:24


ya in high school we had to run 2km in 12 minutes tops (that was 60% grade, passing grade, some people did it in like 9 something minutes)

and I sucked at that. I was among the last ones to complete it, just because my body isn't made for endurance type activities. I was among the first for sprinting though..

Now I feel like I could run the 2km in like 10 minutes no problem.

I'm just glad I have this habit at my age and hopefully it'll stick. I'm already looking to purchase a second hand treadmill that'll allow me to put inclines and adjust the speed easily for HIIT. That's all I need it for. I never use those preset stuff.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 08:26


well I call what I do running even though it's HIIT...

I use 2.5lbs in each hand when I do the run (instead of putting an incline on the treadmill for example, it helps get my heart rate up in less steps) and I'll do

1 minute jog
1 minute walk

but I still call it running because I push myself hard and HIIT isn't something you can do as a beginner and it's physically demanding.

So I consider it a run. If I didn't have 5lbs of weights on me, I would be speed running.
karrie bean
traineo Newbie
Posts: 14
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 11:47


i haven't considered myself a runner for about a year now. but i used to LOVE it! i am ready to love it again!!







i am a runner because i love the runners high and the power of my body
THE NEW ME
The Master
Posts: 2856
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 14:21


i always failed the mile in gym class the running/jogging now takes a toll on my body meaning my joints. im not in pain it is just discomfort. its like my body cant hold me to continue the exercise. thats the only way i can explain it.
Cindy N
Fitness Guru
Posts: 733
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 22:10


I am also from the "I used to hate running" club. I love it now! I was so horrible when I started, that I would run (jog, actually) for only 30 second intervals. I chose to start with 30 secs of running, 4:30 minutes of walking. I added 15-30 secs of running every 1-2 weeks at first and then found myself adding a full minute of running as I progressed. My walk breaks decreased more and more until I ran my first 5K.

I would suggest Jeff Galloway's site for anyone who wants to start running. He is the king of walk breaks during runs and recommends it for everyone. It takes a lot less toll on the body.

The Couch to 5K program is great too, and there is a group here for it.
Brittany har
traineo Regular
Posts: 32
Post History
 # Posted: 15 Nov 2007 23:37


i luv these two lines
I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate â€" things I once avoided â€" are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on.
t
hanks for that! its motivating and i can really relate too it! i luv to run especially when i get a great routine down and have been running for several weeks. i luv that feeling of completeing a new goal, or even a day when i have ran harder faster or longer, and the hhigh that it gives me. this poem shows exactly what it feels liks to become a runner! thanks

brit
Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833
Post History
 # Posted: 16 Nov 2007 07:02


I am practicing Galloway training also. It really helps beginners to run. Before the training program, I did nothing physical. The only physical demanding activity I did is shopping. After training for 4 months, I ran the 1st marathon. I was slow and completed in 5:45. However, at least I finished it and now I hooked to running.

The most amazing benefit of running is that it can burn off the extra calories easy on the day I overeat.
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 18 Nov 2007 19:48


I guess I really do running.

I never want to go, but doing it first thing in the morning sets me up for a rather good day and puts me in a good mood, and keeps me warm. If I don't do t first thing and I don't push my butt out the door, I don't do it and I regret it.

So I did today and after about 6 minutes (after warm up and an interval of HIIT) I forget about time, I forget that I'm working out, I just listen to my workout playlist and keep running, it's an amazing sense of euphoria.

And I don't think yay I'm burning xx calories, not anymore. Now I just love it.

And I pushed myself to 97% of my HR a couple of times today without even trying that hard.

It was great.
Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833
Post History
 # Posted: 18 Nov 2007 20:13


Quoting: Jessipoo
doing it first thing in the morning sets me up for a rather good day and puts me in a good mood


I totally agree with Jessipoo. Running in the morning sets a good day for me also.

But, I never use HRM and never play much attention to it. I only measure my effort based on how hard I breath and feel. If I am in a comfortable zone, I think I am jogging instead of running. But, I still enjoy it. Just listen to the playlist, move my legs and arms along, feel the breeze and observe the sky brigthen up. Then go home take a shower. It just feel great!
Jessipoo .
Fitness Guru
Posts: 622
Post History
 # Posted: 18 Nov 2007 22:31


Quoting: malibublue
Just listen to the playlist, move my legs and arms along, feel the breeze and observe the sky brigthen up


I know what you mean. Amazing feeling.
Tim Wilson
Fitness Guru
Posts: 650
Post History
 # Posted: 18 Nov 2007 22:41


I have never really been a hater of running. I have always loved it, just had about 20 years where I couldn't go more than 50 yards without almost keeling over.

I have many threads on here talking about my running and the ups and downs I have had. I love running and I too feel horrible when I don't go for some reason. It helps my mood and my day goes much better when I get up and go first thing in the morning. I get up at 4:30, out the door by 4:50 to get my run in before breakfast and work.

I loved this saying best: I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I am not a fast runner, but I am working my way up to longer distances as I train for my first half marathon, and a full sometime following that. Yesterday I ran 8 miles, the farthest I have ever run, and I LOVED it and felt good.

I get really depressed when I can't run for some reason. I had to take almost 2 months off because of a pulled muscle, and that really got me down.
Jess McCarthy
traineo Newbie
Posts: 1
Post History
 # Posted: 18 Nov 2007 23:20


Injury stopped me training too several years ago. I've just started giving it a go again now. That's depressing too, when you start to push yourself and realise how much physical condition you don't have! All these fancy training style names now. I probably should learn them all. I just run.

But there's no doubt getting out there fixes those down feelings. Just got to keep going.
Fred L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 753
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 01:30


I used to hate running in school. I actually used to call in sick when we had the mille test every year. I never played any high school sports because I heard you had to run for practice.

Now, I run up to 6-8 miles at a time. Mostly, 2-4, but either way, I love it. I am hoping to do my first 1/2 and full marathon next year. The only thing that sucks being addicted to this are the injuries.
Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 02:45


Quoting: timwilson
I have never really been a hater of running. I have always loved it
Tim, you are great. You were born to love running.

Quoting: bigmex44
I used to hate running in school.
I was worst than Fred. I hated all kind of sports in school.

I wish I have discovered the joy of running when I was younger.

Fred, Tim, which race are you training for? I am going to run the Carsbad Marathon in Jan 20, 08.
Tim Wilson
Fitness Guru
Posts: 650
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 02:57


The race I am training for right now is a local half marathon. It is about 2 miles from my house, but is a pretty big local one.

www.runthereagan.com

I am also looking to run a full marathon in 08, but haven't decided which one yet. I have a lot to choose from being in the Atlanta area. I would like to run the ING Georgia Marathon, but it is too soon following the half I am running that I will not be ready for the full by then. I may also run the ING half since I will already be at that fitness level.

I will choose a full to run once I complete the half and see all that are posted around here.
Phil Mcly
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 158
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 04:51


Quoting: Jessipoo
I'm glad I'm into it now. I'm just scared for winter... I don't have a treadmill and won't join a gym.. I think I'll use the elleptical but it doesn't give me the same high at all.

I don't push myself was hard on the elleptical, nor do I enjoy it as much.


Doing treadmill (easier on the joints than road) and later HIIT, got me into running. Before that I avoided both running and gyms like the plague, using two wheels whenever practical.

I also was only into outdoors sports, but last winter, I caved in and joined a gym, since I was not getting enough outdoors activity in winter -- or the rest of the time for that matter.

Boy was I surprised. As a cyclist, I thought I was going to use the exercise bikes -- but ended up gravitating to the treadmill, weights, and the elliptical (occasionally, and for time-pressed days).

Now I'm just glad I did, and it has added a lot of fun.
Jocelyn Coutant
Fitness Guru
Posts: 222
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 05:16


winter is nothing! haha. actually, i just say that now, but i'll probably resort to the treadmill sooner or later.
i've gotten to love running this semester at school. it's like being free for me. my campus is in the middle of nowhere (compared to being in Prov.) and kind of fenced off from the world, and so i go on runs to escape it, and run to find new places and see new things.
however it's gotten to the point where if i don't go running, or get some form of workout equal to the adrenaline rush/heart pumping i get from running, i feel like shit and get very antsy and irritable.
oh well.
i'm glad you got into running jess.
it's the one thing you can always do by yourself w/o any real equip.


Glovia L
Fitness Guru
Posts: 833
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 05:58


Tim, it is a very good strategy to try a few ½ before committing to a full marathon. I was an exercise idiot before. I have no idea of shorter races of 5K, 10K, half marathon. When I determined to run to lose weight, I signed up a full marathon. I have pushed myself very hard to get thru it and able to call myself runner confidently today. I heard the ING Georgia Marathon has great course. It will be cool to run it.

Quoting: Jessipoo
the elliptical but it doesn't give me the same high at all
I have the same feeling to elliptical. I can work hard on it, but it just not giving me the same feeling like running.

Treadmill and gym are good when the whether condition does not allow running outdoor. I personally prefer running outdoor. I am lucky to be in California that the winter is not too bad for outdoor exercises.

Quoting: jocoutant
it's the one thing you can always do by yourself w/o any real equip.
That is real true, Jocelyn. Running is one great exercise that you can do alone without any equipment or partner.

Recently, I am reading “The Complete Book of Running for Woman” by Claire Kowalchik. Some paragraphs in the Introduction is very inspiring. “Running is an act of will. It requires mental as well as physical toughness. The more we do it, the stronger we become, …I knew I have accomplished something that is difficult. This strength permeates the rest of my life.”
john carpenter
traineo Newbie
Posts: 1
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 06:02


br />
<b>Fatal error</b>: Cannot access empty property in <b>/var/www/traineo.com/pspell_comp.php</b> on line <b>131</b><br />
Tim Wilson
Fitness Guru
Posts: 650
Post History
 # Posted: 19 Nov 2007 10:47


don't you just love that John? Your first post and Traineo screws it up?


. 1 . 2 . >>
Please sign up to traineo or log in if you wish to post.
 
© traineo 2007