Anybody can be a runner

Not too long ago, I would have read those words and said, "Yeah, whatever." I have never been a runner. I have attempted to run, but I have never been a true "runner". Just a few years ago, a mile or two was hard for me. Even a year ago, I was content running 3 miles a few days a week. I assumed I just was not born to run. The thing is, I recently discovered it's true. Anybody can be a runner. I proved that to myself. A few months ago, I decided I was going to do the half marathon. I printed out a running program from Runner's W. but when I saw some of the distances I about died. I thought there was no way I could ever do it. But instead of focusing on the negative and not believing in myself, I started out slow and followed the program religiously. Slowly, my endurance increased. I still had to walk once in a while when I got tired, but I tried to push myself out of my comfort zone. I focused on the goal. April 19th. It kept me going. I purposely told people that I was doing the race. I printed it in my Christmas newsletter, as obnoxious as that may seem, but I wanted to commit. I wanted it out there. I wanted no excuse to back down. And I did it. I still can't believe it, just days later. It's like it was all a dream or something.

My mom came to the finish line to support Jared and I. As we drove away, she commented on all the interesting types you see in an event like this. All ages. All body types. All walks of life (see Homer photo). She realized that she can do it too. Ok, I don't think she's planning on doing a half marathon anytime soon. But I mean running, in general. She saw a mother walking with her son in the 5K and she said to Landon and Austin, "Hey guys, see that? We could do this." That day she came home and told my dad about it. Then the idea emerged- we should ALL do it. A family run. A 3 generation family run. Grandparents, parents, and kids. So we've set a date in June to do a 5K together. I just love the idea of this. Not just b/c it involves running and fitness, but because it's something we can all do. Something we can share. It will be a great experience. I can't wait!



I guess it's the season but it seems to be in the air. My friend Jamie also posted about doing a 5K on her blog. She and some women from her church group got together and did a 5K. I found it really inspiring. Her mother and mother-in-law also did the race too- a first for both, I believe. What a fun memory for them to share! I was also inspired by Hannah and her recent race debut. She is amazing. Just a few months ago she was battling all kinds of physical issues and yet she ran the 1/2 marathon on Saturday. Wow, talk about overcoming adversity and rising above. Aren't blogs great? I love that we can all inspire and help each other.

Now that we've go the family 5K planned, Amy also posted about running on her blog. What you are doing sounds good Amy.Basic programs for new runners usually go like this: Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 10 times. Eventually, you will find you don't need to do the walks. You will feel good running continuously. This got me to thinking about beginning runner plans and training programs. I read an article in this month's Runner's W. called "A Fresh Start". It's all about starting out, planning your runs, getting the right shoes, etc. I found it really interesting and would highly recommend it. I couldn't find it online but it's in the May 08 issue. Online I found the following 8 week program if you're interested in building your endurance and becoming a runner (Remember, anyone can be a runner). It is designed for the most basic beginner. It's more of a walking program at the start, then builds slowly. Below, the Fresh Start article included these tips which I thought were very practical:

1. Walk first- if you haven't been doing any cardio exercise, do three 30 minute walks a week for 2-3 weeks
2. Then run/walk- Once you are comfortable walking 3x 30 min a week, start jogging every couple of minutes as described above. Run 1 minute and walk 2.
3. Go for time- don't worry about miles, just build up minutes slowly
4. Power of three- Plan to run at least 3 times a week. You must be consistent if you want to build your endurance
5. Build slowly- Increase your running time by 10-20% a week. This avoids soreness and injuries.
6. Get to the 9th run- The end of the third week is usually make or break. By then you should feel the rewards and be motivated to stick with it. So focus on doing 3 runs a week for 3 weeks. Think more energy, strong body, feeling good.
7. Endurance first, speed second- Build to 30 minutes of continuous running before you think about speed. You must first be able to cover the distance before you can do it fast.
8. Seek peer pressure- make a running date, walk with a friend, join a club, or email a friend to share your daily success
9. Race- a race gives you a deadline, something to work for
10. Reward yourself- when you hit a milestone, buy yourself a new pair of shoes, socks, water bottle, ipod, whatever
11. Enlist family- Use your support system. Tell your spouse to push you out of bed or drag an older child along with you on a walk/run. Share your goals with your family or make a chart to be displayed in a prominent place. Mark down each small goal as you reach it.

Here is a sample 5 week program that would be good for a fit beginner:



I hope that this information was helpful. I just love the resources that are out there- magazines, websites, blogs, etc. I am currently trying to decide what to do with myself and my training. I want to either keep focusing on running and do a couple more 1/2 marathons this summer, or maybe a... dare I say it, a FULL marathon? OR I want to just give my body a rest and do some cross-training. I can really see how the focus on running has taken it's toll. I eat a lot more (ALOT more) when I am racking up the miles. Also my body composition is much different when I am not doing weights or yoga 3 times a week. Not sure which direction I want to go.

For now, I want to get my kids excited about this family 5K. I plan to make a little fitness chart of some kind so we can keep track of how much we're walking or jogging each week. I want them to learn about setting a goal, working at it, and enjoying the amazing feeling of achieving that goal. I need to think of a cute reward for them to receive when they complete the 5K. FYI, I don't plan on running or even jogging this 5K with my kids. If they walk and make it through, I will be ecstatic. Don't want you to think I have some kind of Kiddie Boot camp happening here. Just encouraging some physical fitness, that's all.