“Running gets it done,” is what a friend of mine once told me a couple years ago when I first started to run. I have never forgotten what he said and now, two years later, I have a better understanding of what he meant by that. Running is empowering, in a mental and physical way, it torches calories and fat, it is measurable by distance and time – building confidence and character, it also strengthens not only your legs but also your core, which is so important after having a baby.
You may remember my description of how I started running back in the fall of 2007, shortly after my 3rd son turned one:
When circumstances changed, I made sure to plan ahead.
When my middle son started preschool at a Montessori school, he was “phased in”, meaning he went for a little bit longer time each morning he went to school. Since I normally did my workout in the morning, this presented a real challenge for my already regular exercise routine. So, I planned ahead as to how I was going to accomplish my daily exercise routine. I decided to pack up the stroller and take my youngest son for a walk around the school’s surrounding neighborhood while we waited for his brother to finish school each day. Well, as the days went by, my walk turned into a jog and that daily jog got a little longer each day as my son was staying in school a little longer each day. I lost 5 pounds through what I thought would be a hiccup in my exercise routine. I was so pleased to discover, as well, how much I like to run. It was rewarding to know that, no matter what changes in my kids’ routines occurred (and they inevitably will), I could improvise, plan and stick to my work out routine.
I remember how I started out back then, I would run for a bit, then walk for a bit, then run for a bit, then walk…..but it did not take me very long (about a week of running) before my running intervals became longer and my walking intervals disapeared altogether. I began in a similar way when I started running a couple of months ago – about 8 months after having our 4th son. We had just moved into a very hilly neighborhood and my run around the block (all hills) took about 35 minutes. I quickly sought out flatter ground (I like to use RunningMap.com) and began to run a mile, then 2, then 3, until I decided to sign up for the Denver 1/2 marathon coming up this October. I have been following an awesome beginner’s half-marathon training guide by Hal Higdon that you can view here and I am now running between 6 and 9 miles a day – a personal record for me! I am almost ready for my race.
It has been so refreshing to focus on fitness with more of a performance perspective rather than a weight loss perspective. And, as a result of training for this race (at a nice, easy pace that has worked for me and my lifestyle) I have scorched another 7 or 8 pounds and dropped another dress/pant size.
Ironically, the September issue of Women’s Health Magazine featured an article for beginning runners that I recommend if you are interested in running. This issue should still be in the stands for you to buy. They, too, suggest starting out with short, easy runs, and doing them in intervals of walking and running, you’d be amazed at how quickly you progress if you keep training.
As important as the committment to running (and to listening carefully to your body as you’re training, after consulting your physician, of course!), is the gear that you invest in that can protect you as well as enhance your running performance, maximize your calorie and fat burning: from the shoes to the sports bra to the jog stroller and the music on your playlist. I am excited to share my training experience with you as well as the tools and advice that are helping me to achieve my training goals!
So whether you’re a new runner or a veteran, I would love to hear from you. What races have you done, what is your training like, what obstacles do you face and how do you overcome them? Do you run alone or with some pals or your significant other, what about your kids? How did you get started running, and, of course, what’s on your playlist?
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I am so glad you are blogging again! You must look smoking hot with all of that running going on =)
Dan and I used Hal Higdon’s schedules when we ran a half marathon together and it really worked for us. We weren’t runners really at all before that.
Now you have got me all motivated! The kids are back in school and I can start walk/running!
Me, too! We will have to swap ideas. I love your link thumb on your site, I’ll add it here for all to see!
Yes, I remember you guys talking about your race, I was so impressed. My sister and I are running the 1/2 together and she has never done one either, though she’s in great shape and has done a 10k. We have both had to work up to more miles, easing our joints into it since we’ve both had knee surgeries and other injuries from soccer and volleyball. But I am amazed at how well my joints have adjusted, I just listen to my body and take it easy when I need to. For sure the key to a good run in HYDRATION! Any other ideas? I’ll take all the advice I can get!
Wish I were there to do our regular mall walk with you (and Michelle!)
Thanks for the link!
I miss walking at the mall too.
I’ll be starting my exercise program in a couple of weeks when Noah is phased into preschool. We will have to help motivate each other!