Comments on: Nine things that have surprised me about running

By: K

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:17:45 +0000

I find that running outside helps with some of the boredom. Not sure if you do most of your runs outside or on a treadmill… Music can help too, as well as a running buddy. I run with friends at work whenever I can and they help pass the time and we help push each other when one of us is having an off day.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:48:12 +0000

The first five minutes…IS AGONIZING! I hate that inner prickly heat that happens, along with it.

I found the couch to five K helped with some of that at the beginning because you’re “not allowed” to run five minutes. Heh.

Great list.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:59:15 +0000

I think what surprised me the most was that training actually worked. I started out barely able to squeak out a mile and am up to 10 miles now, with a half-marathon planned in a couple of weeks. Your #5 still kicks my ass, though.

By: Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:36:53 +0000

These 9 things apply pretty universally not matter how experienced a runner you are, I think.
And as for the shins, I get KILLEr shin splints within about 3 runs if my sneaks are wearing out. Make sure you have good shoes!
And also, music helps with the boredom. The worst thing I find about running without music is the sound of my own breathing.
And awesome job!!! You are doing great!

By: ellbee

ellbee — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:33:54 +0000

I think what suprised me most was–like you said–how cool it is to get in a groove and how easy (well…easier) it became. I can still remember how much FUN I had when my running partner and I ran our longest distance (7mi) before my first 10k…we changed routes, threw in a GIANT staircase and I was having a ball.
Of course, that was months ago, and I’m now struggling to run 2mi. Oh well, I know I can do it because I did it before…

By: amy

amy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:26:29 +0000

I realize everyone’s different but.. I remember, back when I despised running, not being able to understand why people loved running, when the first few miles were so excrutiatingly awful. Eventually, after a few miles, it would become tolerable, but I was in major physical discomfort for the first few miles.

Now? Sure, the first few miles are warmup, and may not feel fantastic. But NOTHING like I used to feel. What I used to feel was almost like growing pains, as my body got accustomed to the pounding and the new sensations. And at some point, those just went away.

Your mileage my vary, but here’s some hope for you! Now I absolutely love running, even the first few miles. I neverevereverever thought I’d be able to say that.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:03:02 +0000

I do have a reward in mind! Both a ridiculously expensive pair of jeans and a fancy dress for my husband to take me out on the town in. So, clothes. My bank account is already afraid.

By: Sahara

Sahara — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:51:56 +0000

Your #8 is the prime reason I get myself to the gym regularly. I try really really hard at the end of each workout to imprint that feeling on my brain/body. Of course, it almost never works when it’s rainy out and I have a bucket of cookies nearby. But if at least part of me knows I’ll feel better (da brain), then I can usually convince my lazy body to get up and go already.

Congratulations on the success so far! Do you have a reward in mind for yourself once you’ve reached your goal (or is the reaching the goal enough)? It’s been awhile since I had a reward in mind for myself, but I used to promise myself some new workout pants or iPod holder or something to keep me interested.