Happy Feet Friday

7:57 AM Edit This 18 Comments »
So, I want to learn how to run. Which seems like a really stupid thing to say. Who needs to "learn" how to run? Geez. Just run! But I tell you what. I have serious shame issues regarding running. You know those Presidential Fitness Award thingies they did in grade school? (If you're not old enough to remember, just humor me, okay?) And I rocked it with the sit ups. Can't tell that now... But I did. And I could jump and do pull ups and climb a rope and all that stuff. But I could never run the mile. Never. Not once in all those years. I would watch as everyone else was crossing the finish line across the field and I would be hopelessly walking because I just couldn't DO it. Every year, I'd practice and practice and practice. Telling myself that THIS WOULD BE THE YEAR that I would run the whole way! And I never could get it accomplished. I even quit the tennis team because the new coach made us run laps. And I couldn't do it. So I quit. Everyone loves a quitter, right?

So yeah. Shame. Self-imposed of course. But shame. And I'm going to conquer it. Ever since I read the book Born To Run, I knew I wanted to try one more time. Because he makes it sound like anyone can do it. And he shuns special equipment and shoes and says "Just get out there and pretend you're a kid again!" And even though I couldn't do it as a child, I'm going to try. Because he says I can.

So, when I finally got up the courage to actually GO inside the gym that I joined and found out that it's just normal people like me trying their best, I decided to give it a shot. And so far, I'm still walking, but it feels good. So I'm going to keep doing that for awhile. And then, when I'm certain that no one is looking, I'm going to pick it up and go. Just a little bit at a time. And since I couldn't run the mile in grade school, middle school or high school, that's my goal. One whole mile. And I'm not ashamed of that goal.

And if anyone wants to weigh in on a good sports bra, I'd be very, very happy to listen. Because DANG! Not comfortable.

In other news. WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS WHEN IT CAME OUT?! For the love of GOD, people! This is like heaven to me! I'm going to watch it this weekend.

18 comments:

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Awesome, Kate! Seriously, awesome. And you have the right attitude this time. Take it a little at a time. Don't be afraid to walk when needed. And don't get down on yourself when you have a bad day. All runners have them and the good thing about a bad day is you know it'll just get better.

Anonymous said...

Running is a great stress reliever. I used to run all the time (before I discovered rock climbing, which is an even better stress reliever). There is always a point when you think you can't run any farther and your body is saying "stop!" - but if you keep going anyway, your body will eventually give in and let you finish.

Then again, I was younger in those days, so now I should probably listen to my body when it says "stop", because it probably means I'm having a heart attack...

Sorry, I can't help you with the sports bra. All I know about bras is how to remove one, in the dark, with one hand, in 2 seconds or less...

Anonymous said...

I run sometimes if I can't ride my bike. I can run for 15 minutes. After that I want to die. During that 15 minutes I want to die. Before that 15 minutes I want to die.

My best advice: get some rocking music on the ipod, and a cool t-shirt to wear. I always wear cool t-shirts to run. Makes me feel better. I also have a Descendants sweatshirt that I wear. You're welcome to it.

Malaise Inc said...

I ran track and cross-country in high school. I've run as much as 18 miles in a day and, as a junior, I ran a 4:47 mile and probably could have improved on that, but didn't go out for track as a senior. Why? Never really had the passion for it. Switched over to bicycle racing in college and loved it. Alas, due to adult obligations I don't ridemy bike anymore either.

In short, find an exercise regime you enjoy. If you don't enjoy running, don't beat yourself up for not doing it.

Test said...

I like what Malaise has to say. Try it but don't beat yourself up if you find it still doesn't meet your needs/you don't enjoy it. Pounding the pavement is not everyone's thing.

When I started, long after high school I thought I would never be able to run anything more than a 5k. But, I've run marathons, half marathons and between-a-thons. (And am patiently waiting for my PT to tell me I am cured and can run again - I fear that may never happen.)

Good luck!

BrianAlt said...

Sorry, limited experience in the sports bra area.

artemisia said...

Whoooooooooo! You can totally do it. I know you can!

Anonymous said...

Did you ever see that episode of Friends where Rachel and Phoebe go running?

I'm certain you can't look any sillier than that. Get your run on, girl!

Susan Carpenter Sims said...

I'm in the same boat as you. Maybe we can be virtual running buddies.

I bought good running shoes a couple of months ago but haven't used them yet because of the weather. Now the snow is melted and it's a bit warmer, and I'm thinking it's time to get out there.

I'm going to check out that book!

buffalodick said...

I was on the track team in H.S., but hated to run long distances..in my mid 20's to mid 30's I ran two 1/2 marathons, and 2 25K(15.5) mile races..after bone spurs set in, I tried a tin man triathalon (swim 1/2 mile, bike 17, run 10k)- did one!
Those days are long behind me!

lacochran said...

Definitely get a good sports bra. I think Moving Comfort makes some decent ones for, um, ample needs. You might also go to a running gear store and get yourself a decent pair of running shoes--it makes a world of difference. Finally, yes, set reasonable goals. When I first started running I was trying to do 6.0 on the treadmill and I would exhaust myself very quickly and get discouraged. My friend pointed out that I was short and had a short stride and that I ought to work UP to a 6.0 run. I backed off some and jogged some and was able to work up to a 6.0 run and beyond. You can, too. Consider a 10th of a mile at a time and congratulate yourself on every success!

Jen said...

You know I could never run either. I would do it and then feel like my heart was going to jump out of my throat and I was going to for sure die right there. But recently, in the past years I started taking it up slowly. I run intervals, never have quite ran more than a couple minutes in a row. I like that I get my heart pumping and then slow it down so it can calm down a bit, before starting it up again. I do 2 minutes on 5.7 or so and then 2 minutes on 4.5 to catch my breath. I usually do this for 30 or 45 minutes, depends on my energy level. So far it has worked, I need to keep at it though, these days my gym motivation seems to be negative. You can do it Kate! I know you can.
Oh and Nine? I want to see it too!!!!

Rebecca said...

I run worse than Pheobe from friends. It's bad and on the rare occasion that I do run, my husband makes fun of me and says that I run like a girl. Which is funny because I AM A GIRL!! But, I do admit that I run like a girl with some major gross motor problems.

I sucked so bad on the Presidential Physical Fitness test that I'm pretty sure my name went across his desk every year as the biggest loser ever in the history of physical fitness.

You're not a quitter, you are just opening the door for another opportunity!

P said...

I remember signing up for a 200m sprint in primary school at our local gala day. I was running against three other girls and they all finished about 10 seconds before me. Which was embarrassing when the sprint only takes like 20 seconds in total.

I don't think I've ever quite recovered from the humiliation...

Kim said...

Build up to the running! Do some run/walking intervals for awhile before you attempt a long run - that will build up your endurance.

I like Moving Comfort bras :)

CatKrny said...

Moving Comfort bras are available at Hanes.com, titleninesports.com, athleta.com and onehanesplace.com. Also, try wearing two bras; it really helps.

The Good Cook said...

I have tons of running books. My entire family are runners. I could send you one or two if you'd like.

You need to run/walk. As in, walk 60 seconds, run, 30 seconds. When you can do that comfortably for a week or two Walk 30 seconds, run 60 seconds, and on and on... increasing your time until you're just running... you can do it!!!

justme said...

i agree that the run/walk thing can be very effective and a better way of getting you to stick with running as a whole i wish that i had started running that way. there is a man that started the run/walk thing as a real science. his name is jeff galloway and i believe his site is www.jeffgalloway.com. it's very good and has many ways to start "running". also for sports bras, the latest and greatest that claims "no bouncing!" is : http://www.ladiesonlysports.com/enwhenyouare.html i think that if you enter in the code "fitness5" when you check out, you get 5% off!