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I'm definitely not a runner, but a lot of my friends run and make it seem a little (am I really about to say this?) fun. In a fantasy world, I would like to get fit enough to run a marathon, but logistically, I don't know that I have my friends' discipline. However, if I could hire a scary clown to chase me every morning, I'll bet that I'd be hitting the 10 minute mile in short order. And maybe that's the trick: finding the motivation that works for you. For instance, my friend Poppy is motivated by free T-shirts at charity runs, while my friend Karen started running just to see how far she'd get, and Erin finds it easy to move if she's running toward a specific destination and Christina Applegate uses her run as an excuse to look at the scenery and Anne trucks it out to the gym as part of a mutual goal with E.
Every spring in Wisconsin (of course) there is a local fun run/walk called "The Beer Belly 2" in which every half mile, runners stop and chug an icy cold brewsky (or root beer) and then set out on your way, which sounds alternately like a feat of brilliance (do you think about blisters if you have a buzz?) and also a bit like a fraternity hazing situation. What about you? What are your ideal running conditions? What does/would it take for you to put on the sneaks and kick it up, long distance style? The comments are humming the theme song from Chariots of Fire. 10 CommentsLeave a comment |
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FEED ME
I used to do 5k runs once a quarter or so. Which, now that I think about it, was kind of awesome. I like the Beer Belly concept ALOT. My favorite run was Wharf to Wharf, there would be bands set up in peoples driveways, it was a festival atmosphere.
I'm always terrified that I will have to make a pit stop. I'm afraid to even drink the little cups of water at the "refreshment" table. If I had to chug a mug of anything* every half-mile, I would be running to the nearest bathroom. With my legs crossed. This would not be pretty. I might be able to break my best time, though.
*Well, not anything. Sand would probably be ok.
Forget bathroom breaks, there is a lot of puking that goes on at those Beer Belly things. Gross.
VFB, obviously it's because people don't train hard enough.
Must... train... to... win....
I am not a runner AT ALL, but it has crossed my mind a few times to get into good enough shape to do the Bay to Breakers at some point. Running the entire thing, and not killing myself while doing it, would be pretty kickass.
However, back down on earth, just last week I hired a personal trainer. Nothing gets me motivated to get to the gym like a swift kick to the wallet. Oh, and I agreed to do a half hour of cardio for every adult beverage I consume from now on. Since I can no longer afford booze, I think this might work out. ;)
And, not for nothing, my trainer is a certified hot piece.
I'm a runner. I'm also a fat girl. Runners have been universally lovely and encouraging to my goals : I run half marathons and get nothing but kudos for getting my butt out there and moving.
Last weekend, I ran a half marathon, came dead last, keeping the volunteers out there for ages. When the volunteers got to vote on their favourite runner (to win a prize of two bottles of wine) they picked me, because they said seeing me do it inspired them to give it it a go. (I am so pleased and touched.)
I am slow, but I get there. I might only beat my own times, but it's all good.
I love the PROMISE of running (the freedom of just tossing on my shoes and GOING) but alas Im still going by my ole nickname:
Runs If Chased
I love Emma's comment! I too am a fat girl, and I just started running in a 10k clinic a few weeks ago, and I'm in the back of the pack every time. My group leader is always encouraging us slow pokes and saying how far ahead we are than people sitting on the couch!
For me what got me going was the people I run with. They are interesting and fun and we chat throughout, so really, it's social hour (or longer sometimes, on our long slow distance days!) I couldn't fathom running that long on my own-talk about torture-but I am usually pretty happy to go out with the lovely ladies three times a week in all kinds of weather.
I don't run marathons or long distances. What gets me going is just going itself. If I feel 'blah' I jog it and think "it's okay to jog today". It really helps to listen to my body.
Laura, I know! Bay to Breakers sounds like a lot of fun (I would be one of the runners with clothes on, though, for sure). But I am so not ready for prime time -- SF is really hilly, and I remember getting way winded just walking up Van Ness (granted, it was with a 30 pound pack on my back).
I like the idea of running, and I like the feeling I get upon having finished a run. The stuff in between the idea and the finish? Not so much. I have to get cracking, though, since I am planning a 10k this summer. (This one: http://la08.uncoverthecure.com/site/PageServer?pagename=la08_homepage.)