I admit that in the past I was a runner basher " Who can possibly enjoy the torture? In +30 degrees, -30, in rain, in snow. Why? What is so fun about running?" I didn't get it. Note: I still don't get those obsessive joggers.
However, at the beginning of August, taking full advantage of the nice weather and a reason to leave the house, I laced my mom's old running shoes (they fit perfectly and even though they are past their prime, I like them and have never had any issues with them), grabbed my iPod ("running away" playlist) and double (and triple) checked my goal from my "couch to 5km" training schedule. And I just started running.
I'm doing a walk-run program, which is a gentle initiation to running. Nothing too hardcore and I don't beat myself up if I miss a day in the week. Or even an entire week (which happened at least twice since I began my schedule)
Last weekend, I decided to sign up for a race (and not just think about signing up). Like most big decisions (and this is big for me), I did a lot of research. There's only so many races in Ottawa in the fall (it's not like 30 will be added in the next few weeks) . Luckily, Ottawa is a race city which means that there are many races every month. Which one to choose??? For me, the cause is also important. Did I really want to race for the Wellness campaign in aid of the Government of Canada workplace or the Ottawa hospital emergency services? So I chose the Children's Make A Wish Foundation. I'm not soliciting anyone for donations, I just want to run for something which I believe in. It's in 2 weeks and I'm doing well in my "training". I'm on week 7 (out of 8-week training), which means that I'm now running 12 minutes + 2 minutes walk x3. I have no idea how long 5 km is, but I think that I'm running that distance... We'll see on race day! (update: today I ran 30 minutes non-stop for 3.88km - it felt great!)
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| This is me after my run today. This is what I wear: beat-up running shoes, rolled-up yoga pants, cotton T-shirt and long-sleeved (cotton is a big no-no), $5 shades. I have a stick in my right hand which I hold when I jog ( it works!) and it's the only time I sport a watch) |
Here's why I like running:
-It's simple.
-It gives me a reason to listen to upbeat tunes.
-It doesn't take a lot of time (compared to a 90-minute yoga class)
-I'm outside!!! BIG PLUS!!!
-I feel refreshed after a run (and after a shower)
-I'm out of the house (not like practicing yoga at home)
The location of the run is also important. At first, I was running around my neighbourhood: lots of road options, not a lot of cars, lots of uphills... But recently I started running on the NCC path by the water: it's easy access, lots of trees, I can run on the grass by the bike path (I feel like I'm doing trail running), it's calm (except on weekends when cyclists and rollerbladers take over). Also, last weekend, I ran on the Sugarbush trail in Gatineau Park while Simon and Margot were walking. That was fun!
I love this post. It's so cool that you've taken up running and are enjoying it!! That was a downside of being pregnant when I was...I had to miss this entire running season, but I can't wait until next season.
ReplyDeleteI'm already planning to join Simon in Ottawa for that 5K he does along the Rideau in...May I think it is. Perhaps you can join us too!! Wouldn't it be fun if doing races is something we can all enjoy together in the coming years??
You look fabulous by the way :)
If you do get into it more, my only word of advice is don't hang on to old running shoes for too long. That's one of the quickest ways to get injured, believe me! Take them to your local Running Room store, and they can tell you whether you need new ones and whether you're using the right type of shoes (I, for example, need shoes that provide stability because my feet pronate when I run a lot, and it causes strain).
Oh, and yes if you can stay off sidewalks that's good...asphalt and other surfaces are waaay easier on your joints than concrete.
Yay running!!
p.s. that's the stick for?
Yeah, I should probably get a new pair of running shoes.
ReplyDeleteThe stick is for motivation. I just picked it up at the beginning of a run a week ago and liked the feeling of holding something. It makes me feel more focused and I believe I'm quicker. ;)
Yeah!!! Join us in May for the race! I don't know if I'll do it, but I'll cheer you on.
Well you've nearly convinced me that running isn't just something for nutters. Nearly... Pretty much everyone I know has taken up running in their 30s but I'm afraid almost everyone I know is a nutter ;) xxx (because obviously the logical conclusion here is that I am the sane one)
ReplyDeleteYay Jen!
ReplyDeleteI had the same question, why a stick? Then I saw that you had answered above, but I'm still left with a question mark hanging over my head. Stick=motivation? Am I missing something? Perhaps running really is for nutters. I know I'm one!
;)