Running Update - The Arthritic Sloth Excels

I think it's official - the running bug has bitten. This morning I was miserable not because I am sick but because I was too sick to go for a run. ME!  Sad because I couldn't run!  Who would have thought.

Last week I ran my first 10km race AND I LIKED IT!! So much so that I have entered another one for two weeks time.

I thought I would do a blog post about my foray into 'running' as a few people have asked how the most running-phobic person ever (me) could end up actually liking this running thing.  (In my earlier life the only time I ran anywhere was when I ran to my car in the rain in the highly unlikely event that I had parked more than two metres away from the entrance.  I am the type of person who circles the parking lot endlessly until a parking bay opens right in front of the gym).

First let me state that I am far from a runner.  I 'run' twice a week, and so far I haven't run more than 6kms in one go (except for the race).  However, what I have done is go from only being able to run for 1 minutes MAXIMUM at a time (before it felt like my heart was going to explode out of my chest) to being able to run for 40 minutes non-stop.  

How did I do it?  By following DoctorMama's Running Advice:  http://doctormama.blogspot.com/2006/05/listen-up-maggots.html

Honestly, you should read her blog - it is all because of her very simple philosophy (and brilliant sense of humour) that I am now running.  (I am loathe to use the word 'running' because it seems like an exaggeration for what I am doing.  A brisk jog or slow run would be more appropriate. Except that no one jogs anymore (very 80s), now people run.)

What is the secret? 

RUN S L O W L Y.  That is the key to being able to go from only a few meters / few seconds to being able to run longer and further. I can't stress that enough - you should run so slowly that you could almost walk faster. 

Before I started with the 'run slowly' approach, I thought I was running slowly.  It didn't feel fast but after a minute I would get a huge stitch in my side, my heart would pound and I would be very out of breath.  DoctorMama writes:  

"Everyone makes the same mistake when starting out: going too fast. When you start, you need to go SLOWLY. So slowly that you could probably walk faster. So slowly that you will feel humiliated if you see anyone you know."

And she was right! The first time I ran slowly I was kind of embarrassed because it does feel like you are running in slow motion a bit.  But it works. I no longer get stitches and I can comfortably go for ages. 

I have slowly started increasing my speed and my distance.  For example, when I started running I was running at a maximum speed of 8 on the treadmill. I now start at 8 and I work my way up to 9'ish.  The first time I ran/walked 5kms I did it in 42 minutes. I now do it in 33 minutes, and I am working my way towards 30 minutes. And this all in only 2 and a half months since I started trying to run. It is so motivating to see yourself progress.

I have found that if I push myself too much (by trying to go too fast) I get sore knees, sore shins and a stitch.  But if I keep it slow I feel as if I can go on for ages. I think it will be even better in summer when the sun comes up early and I can run outside more often. Running on the road is definitely harder than running on the treadmill. 

I am not built like a runner and I don't think I will ever be a particularly good one, but I like that it is an easy and free way to exercise. And I feel a great sense of achievement when I go further or faster than my previous 'personal best'.  What works for me is running slowly, running two days a week so that I have sufficient time for my legs / shins to recover (I train at the gym the other three days) and very importantly - I wear two bras at the same time so that I can keep my replacement boobs in place.  

The only disappointment is that I don't think running helps you lose weight. Unless you get to the super fit, run-every-day and run-in-marathons stage.  But perhaps you (me) will get there (in terms of weight loss) if you keep at it long enough and if you stop rewarding yourself for your run by eating more (Oops.)

I encourage all of you to try it. Honestly, if I can do it, you can do it too.  Just make sure that you run slowly.  Slow down and you will enjoy it so much more.

And please go read all of DoctorMama's running advice, she is really awesome and I wish I had read her blog ages ago: http://doctormama.blogspot.com/2006/05/listen-up-maggots.html (If you look at the right hand side of her blog, near the bottom, you will find a list of running Q&As that are really useful)

Comments

[Kristin]

I need to do this, but my husband swears its bad for me. He doesn't believe that running does not damage your body, no matter what I show him.

[Adi]

This is all awesome except for one thing, allow me: Running DEFINITELY makes you loose weight. Amen. That's all I'm saying. The most awesome exercise ever.

[Rebecca S.]

First I would like to say that you ARE a runner! I've been running for three years now and it took me a long time to call myself a runner so I understand where you are coming from. But doing a 5k in 33 minutes is a good time for anyone but is a really awesome time for a newbie! And the fact that you did a 10k is even more impressive. My first summer of running I did all 5k races and ended with a 10k. My second season I did mostly 10ks and ran my first half marathon about half way through. Now I'm in my third season and I started with a half marathon. This Sunday I have my fourth half marathon but it is my 5th race 10 miles and over. On Labor Day I will run an extremely hilly 25k race! But I am by no means very fast. I started out at a little over a 10 minute mile and have worked my way up to a little over a 9 minute mile. I know some runners are elitist about speed but you will find that the majority of us are supportive and happy that people are just getting out there and moving!

[Renee]

Just wanted to comment and say that although I did not lose much weight from running, I have lost two dress sizes. It is as if everything simply tightened up all over my body. That is my wish for you. Also, I've been running for a little over two years and still cannot consistely run a pace of less than 11 minutes per mile.

[Shandra]

I totally am there with you - I've been following her advice too and am running my first 10k Dec 1! Woo hoo!

[JaneF]

So gad you are enjoying it and well done one your race! Proud of you!!
(I'm grumpy cos I started a stupid tonsilitis cold last night and the weather was horrendous, so no run or anything for me. In fact I felll asleep at 6pm while snuggled under a blanket with the boys just trying to warm up!) But really running becomes so much part of your life that you often can't wait to get out. It is completely my ME time and I love the social aspect at the races and the bit of competitiveness too!

There an 8km race on Sunday in Calremont BTW - the Don Lock Memorial. A nice easy flat run too.

[Alex Van Niekerk]

Argh. I thought I was running 'fast' at 7 on the treadmill, incline=1... Turns out I already run slowly! I an trying the couch to 5k program, on week 8 (yeah, I started 12 weeks ago, but at least I am still trying). What do you suggest for boredom on the treadmill? By 10 mins I am watching the clock and ready to gouge my eyes out...

[JaneF]

Alex for boredom go run outside. SO much more fun and interesting, and better for you too. Treadmill leads to RSI as you don;t get full range of motion.

[Shannon]

5k's in 33 mins is flippin brillian! I run at an average rate of 7mins per km. I do 3 runs a week - 2 x 3km runs (around my property) and 1x12km (hilly) on the road. I have been doing it since Sept last year, and like you, the bug bit. Now I'm hoping to run my first half marathon next year at the 2 Oceans. Maybe we'll see you there? :) keep it up - you will loose weight - I've lost 12kg's, and feel fab. Just try to watch what you eat a little :)

[Alexicographer]

Go, you! And thank you because, through you, I found my way to Doctor Mama's running stuff and ... oddly ... I seem to have started ... running. It is quite an amazing thing. I tried C25K sometime back and really couldn't stand it, I think because (although I rnderstand the Merits of Interval Training and appreciate that many people find C25K FABULOUS) it kept requiring me to stop running (that part was OK) and then to ... start ... again ... oh ... please ... not that. Anything but that! Now I just have to find ~3 blocks of 50 minutes per week (I only run for 30, but allowing for change of clothes, cooldown, possibly a shower, etc.) and run, very, very slowly. And I am actually, well, enjoying it might be a bit strong, but enjoying knowing that I am doing it. So, thank you.

[Veronica Dowdy]

Congratulations on completing your first 10K! That's very exciting. I have thought about getting back to running but with our daily obligations it's not easy at times and yes, I do know that making it a priority would work :)

I first gave up my passion for running back in 2007 when I found out I was pregnant after completing a 20 mile training run for a marathon... so, I decided I'd complete my training after my daughter was born. Almost 5 years later, I have yet to fulfill that promise i made to myself. I did however, manage to put on so much weight that I was considered obese. I lost that weight going from obese to fit to super fit in about 14 months and competing in a bikini category competition. Yeah, i did that. Having that as a goal, as scary as it sounded was what made it possible for me. I did NOT feel comfortable standing in a bikini having my body judged... but when it was all said and done, I realized I had earned my right to be on that stage. Maybe, just maybe i may do that again (or not). I do however, want to continue to take care of my health and fitness now that I'm 44. :)

I can't wait to check doctormama's website :)

[Toymaker]

Love this post. I have never had a runner's body type either and while I exercise, running has always been a daunting way to work out. I am going to try your tip!

[Desperate Housedad]

I've started running lately, after having knee surgery. I used to take the baby just for walks, but now the walks have turned into little jogs that are getting longer and longer. Running slow is great advice, especially if you aren't with a pack. Thanks for sharing!

http://mykidisspecial.blogspot.com/

[snickollet]

Yeah, Tertia! Welcome to the fold :)!!!