Challenge / Announcement
Well, I was going to wait to post the fitness goal announcement later tonight, but I couldn’t wait any longer so I decided to do a quick post to share the news with you all… but before I get to it I wanted to provide some insight into it beforehand…
My struggle with running goes all the way back to grade school gym days when we had to run the dreaded mile… I wound up having to walk my mile, how embarassing. Despite the fact that I was generally active, I never participated in physical hands-on sports that involved running; however I was active in the sense that I participated in ballet, tap, jazz, and pointe from the time I was very young until high school, but that takes a different type of stamina. In college, I tried to run, but then became frustrated and stuck to the elliptical. This cycle has been pretty present throughout the years that followed. I think that every year I start out doing C25K and give it up around week 4 and resort back to spinning & road races (which I am NOT giving up btw), elliptical, and kb for fitness. However, I vowed to finally overcome my physical and mental fear of running a few weeks ago and toyed with the idea of actually running in a real race! I toyed with the idea of signing up for a 5K but kept telling myself, ok, next week I’ll register… Well, I took the plunge…
I registered for a 5K yesterday!!!!!!!
And guess what else?
Bill is going to do it with me 
I’m really excited but also really nervous that I won’t be able to run it all OR I’ll be slow, but I have to put the negative thoughts away and just focus on actually doing the best I can do and be happy with it.
And in case you are curious, we signed up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Mother’s Day.
Today’s running plan involved running for 8 minutes, walking for 5 minutes, repeating, etc… and I’m happy to say I did it… seriously, I know it sounds funny, but I have NEVER EVER ran for 8 minutes straight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, I’d appreciate any tips you can give me regarding breathing (I get so terribly out of breath, despite the fact that I don’t when spinning or ellipticalling!), motivation, pace, form, etc… I have some specific questions that I have been googling lately and I realized, “Lindsay why are you googling when you already have a GREAT set of blog friends who excel in running????!!!!!” So, here’s my list of questions… feel free to email me OR just leave a comment if you have some help for me…
- How do I breathe properly? When I breathe through my nose outside, it stings! (I know, weird)… I have a tendency to strictly breathe just through my mouth when running, so it feels uncomfortable for me to breathe through my nose…
- Can you recommend proper form? I know you’re suppossed to be loose, but somehow when I’m running, I get a pain right under my right rib (probably lung?)… could it be because I’m too loose or not loose enough?
- I feel like I’m faster on the treadmill b/c there’s something moving under me and I have to manually adjust it to slow down, but I enjoy running outside… how do you keep your pace up outside?
- Have any great, inexpensive tools to track the mileage you run (besides mapmyrun)… I’d love to get a Garmin but can’t justify it since I already have a HRM… anyone know of any inexpensive mileage calculators?
- What are your favorite ways to stretch out your muscles after a run?
- Have any great motivational stories for me? Did you have the same problems as me and now you can really run? Do share!
Thanks for your support!
And a special thank you to my wonderful hubby for his support and participation in this race with me! It means the world to me
Lindsay, Ive been reading your blog for a while (nd love it) but have never commented. Today I just felt like I had to chip in.
Like you, I have always had a mental fear of running. I too danced most of my life but gave it up when I went to college.
This year, I set my mind into running. I can tell you that running is definitely very mental. I started believing in myself and it has really paid off. I did the couch-to- 5k plan and I loved it. I had trouble running even 5 minutes straight when I started but cmpleted it successfully and am now training for my first half marathon!!! I ran 8 miles last saturday and feel so accomplished because I never thought I could. And the whole way felt so breezy, not torturous AT ALL.
So my best advice to you is to believe in yourself, because you CAN and you WILL do it! It takes time, effort and patience but it really pays off. Good luck!
First off…YES! I did have the same experience as you when I first started running. I remember running for 5 minutes before wanting to slump over and die. So don’t worry…it takes time to find your groove, and some days are better then others!
BREATHING: Be natural as possible! I used to read up on all the proper techniques to it, but seriously, nothing helped. Once I decided to just open my mouth a little, and actually just told myself to breathe as necessary, it all kind of worked out fine. Concentrating too much on controlling it will only make you lightheaded. The most important thing? Taking in the oxygen your body needs!
PROPER FORM: This kind of came with time for me. Sometimes I’ll roll my shoulders back and forth as if I’m shrugging, a few times before running, and tilt my head back and forth. Wiggle your arms, bend at the waste, and loosen up gently. When you’re running, I find it helps to pretend someone is pulling a string up from my head to the sky. This mental image reminds me to keep as tall as possible, with my head in line with my hips with my feet. It does take time though, and don’t do anything that feels uncomfortable. Sometimes forcing yourself into the “right position” just isn’t right at all. Do what feels right and comfortable for you!
PACE: I used to overdo my pace when I first started (sometimes I still do!) But that comes in time. For now, keep your pace slow and comfortable enough so that you’re not gasping for breath. If you are gasping, it means you’re going too fast too soon. Slow down, walk a little if necessary to catch your breath, and start again a little slower. There’s a time and a place for speedy runs, but for now, my best advice is just to run comfortably.
MOTIVATIONAL STORIES: Just remember that we all started somewhere! Even now, my longest run is probably some people’s short runs. And I still consider myself a slow runner. But THAT’S OKAY! We’re all unqiue and different, and what matters is that we’re out there enjoying our running sneakers!
You’ll have awesome days where you’ll want to run forever (trust me, those days come!) and some days where you’ll wonder why you’re out running. But they balance each other out beautifully to make running an addiction that’s impossible to break.
Congrats on signing up for your first race! For the mileage you can get a nikeplus sensor – they’re only $30 as long as you have an ipod nano already!
Lindsay!
Yea for you! You are going to do awesome! It looks like you have received some great advice already, but I will throw in my 2 cents
The biggest thing I would say is make sure you are having fun, once it becomes a chore or stressful, it isn’t worth it!
Also, the one thing for sore muscles that has saved me has been my foam roller. They are cheap and have helped my tight IT bands so much!
Good luck and keep us updated! I am so excited for you!
I am sooo happy that u just made this post! I am in the exact same position as you right now… I am in very good physical shape;I go to the gym everyday, and I am a former gymnast, but running has never been something that I have enjoyed. I too have just started running and was considering running my first 5K and when I was driving home from work yesterday I saw signs in my neighborhood for a local cause in May… I felt like this was a sign that I need to go for it. Anyway I too am beginning my training and going through a lot of the same issues that you seem to be. I know that running is mental and I need to overcome that block and find out what works for me. I am eager to hear how everything goes with you and I wish you the best of luck!
Good for you Linds! I’ve been debating doing the exact same thing!! Congrats!!
Congratulations! I also got tired of my gym routine and needed a challenge. I had always feared running but now I am entered to run a 5k in 11 days! I’ve built up my stamina but at times have trouble with pace/distance. The bottom line is, it’s such a rush to beat your goal, complete a goal or even just to remember when I took the first step on the treadmill and compared it to where I am now. If you would’ve told me I’d be running now a year ago I would’ve laughed. Life literally mirrors a run from the beginning, middle and end and I find it enlightening in a way:-) Good luck girly!
Looks like you’ve already got tons of good advice, so I’ll just say this… I can relate! I am NOT genetically predisposed to running or sports at all, but with some mental perseverance I was able to work my way up to a half-marathon. YOU CAN DO IT! It’s 60% mental, 40% physical, for sure.
This is wonderful! Signing up for a race really changed my whole mindset with working out. You’re gonna rock it
I have similar questions as far as something to track my run and breathing technique…it’s interesting to read the answers you’re getting. About the stretching, try Polly’s Yoga for Runners, it’s quick and effective
Congrats on registering for your 5k. Looks like you already got some great advice up above.
YYEEEAAAHHH RUNNNING!!!! Ok really it’s silly but just doing it is how you will figure out all of those pieces for yourself.
When you run outside, right now don’t worry about pace just decide you are going to run for an amount of time…most people find they run faster outside so it tends to feel harder.
I do lots of stretching just because it feels good. YogaDownload or Sage rountree are free options that have a lot of good things for runners
OHH so excited for you
Oh my goodness! Congrats to the both of you – that’s FABULOUS!
You two will be amazing!! GOOD LUCK
Oh my gosh! What a great challenge for you and Bill. How fun! I will have to answer some of your questions via email sometime, but I highly recommend using dailymile.com to track your runs! It’s such a fun site – and me and Andrea from Off Her Cork are both on there, so you could be running pals with us
First off… congratulations on the 5K! I’m SO excited for you. I totally get what you’re saying about the dreaded mile in high school. I was a dancer as well, so it’s not that I was out of shape, but without training, when they told me to run a mile one random day, I couldn’t do it. I, too, did the walk of shame for at least part of every mile I ever had to do for gym class and assumed that I just wasn’t a runner.
In November of ’07 I started trying to live a healthier lifestyle through both diet and exercise changes. Diet changes included making healthier food choices and tracking calories (yay sparkpeople.com!), exercise was the C25K program because cardio burns calories and running is great cardio (plus.. I thought it would be SO cool to be able to call myself a runner!). I struggled to get through even the first couple weeks of the program. I VERY vividly remember describing to by husband how terrified I was of running three 5-minute blocks in one run. And don’t even get me started on the first 20 minute run! I actually ended up modifying C25K to suit my needs. I found that my body just didn’t adapt to running as fast as the program dictated that it should, so I repeated several weeks and ended up taking 4 months to complete a 9 week program! I also signed up for a 5K as motivation and completed it in April of 08 (about 6 months after starting running). Now it’s almost a year later and would you believe I’m signed up for the same race again… but this time I’m running the half marathon distance??!?! C25K taught me that if I’m patient with and listen to my body, that it will adapt (though more slowly than others). My biggest piece of advice for you is to take it slow!! Speed will come with time, but I found that if I tried to run too fast or too far, I burnt out quickly and felt frustrated. If I paced myself, even forced myself to run slower than I may have wanted to certain days, I was rewarded with less soreness (which is a MAJOR motivation killer) and the ability to ALWAYS finish my runs! The running communtiy is an accepting and encouraging one… no one cares what you’re doing or how fast you’re doing it… just that you’re out there! Best of luck and keep us posted on your success!
BALLIN!
so, so exciting!!! That is great that Bill is running it with you
I love running outside so much more than on a treadmill, but i definitely run slower outside and it is harder on your joints (especially on cement/pavement).
I remember the day I finally ran 4 minutes straight! I was so excited, so I totally get where you’re coming from.
Take it slow outside – if you feel pain or if you can’t keep up with your breathing, either take a walking break or just slow way down until you’re caught up and feel good again. I don’t know what your terrain is like there, but most of our running outside in our neighborhood is up/down a bunch of little hills, so it’s still not easy for me even though I’ve run the same thing hundreds of times.
So exciting!
I’m planning on running a 5k in May and I’m so nervous I’m on week 3 of the couch to 5k plan. I also have the same problems with breathing through my nose, I felt so weird when I do try to.
Would it be too much trouble for you to post the answers to all your questions in your blog, so I can use them as well. Thanks!
Congrats on signing up for your first 5K!
I am by no means an expert, but when I’m running I find it’s best to just breathe in whatever way feels the most natural. I’m sure I’m probably “doing it all wrong” but I’m of the opinion my body knows best and I should just go with it!
As for going from the treadmill to running outside, I found it useful to pace myself with certain songs. I found a few songs where the beat lined up perfectly with the pace I was at on the treadmill and then just used those songs to set my pace outside. Is it perfect? No, but it certainly helps me quite a bit!
Good luck!!
I can so empithize with you. Up until about 3 years ago I had never ran a mile, now I have completed a half and am training for a full. So good luck and I know you can do it.
That pain in your side is reffered to as a “side stitch” they are actually more common in beginning runners.
ah inhaler for exercise-induced asthma has helped me tremendously, as does running itself
that will be a good run, tons of people, you may not even have to run at the start 
the momentum and support at races will take you further than ever imagined–it is amazing!!!
I’m really proud of you! That’s such a great challenge Lindsay! I have no advice, as I’m an avid non runner. I can’t wait to hear how it goes though
Awesome Linds!!!! I liked reading everyone’s advice! I am primarily a treadmill runner and have been trying to run outside more. I think my problem is, like you said, I am slower outside and I miss the speed. I just read (and posted about) an article about transitioning that said you should expect to be slower at first because you run a different way outside.
Good luck!!!
Woohoo!
You can breathe through your mouth, just be sure to breathe deeply. Short, shallow breaths can cause side cramps.
So actually, your breathing might be causing the pain in your side, not your form. Make sure your hands are parallel to your body, not crossing in front. Don’t clench your fists.
Don’t worry about your pace. Just enjoy being outside and focus on getting your endurance up first. Yes, it’s a little harder to run outside, but your race will be outside so it’s important to get used to it.
I didn’t have a Garmin for my first 12 years of running. I just used a stopwatch and estimated mileage. You could map out a route using your car if you want.
Always stretch! Quads, calves, hamstrings, groin, glutes.
http://www.seejessrun.com
congratulations!!!!
breathing: natural and however you feel comfortable- just remember to do it because running is aerobic and requires oxygen!!
Form: depends on distance and speed of your run. In general, you want to be leaning forward just slightly at the waist because if you lean back ( shoulders/head/back)- it slows you down and strains your back muscles. Use your arms- they are propelling naturally for a reason- to help you go!!! Use your hamstrings too!
Trackers: There are TONS of super inexpensive distance trackers- pedometers that are for walking and running- you can get them at like target or walmart. Of course you can go expensive too with polar and garmin- so whatever you want – its out there!
and mapmyrun.com is a site that you can type in your route or find routes close to you.
Stories:
I ran track in college and high school. I’ve sat in jacuzzi tubs filled up to my knees with ice everyday after practice… I had stress fractures in both ankles, I have gone to rehab for my knees twice. After finally giving up track as a varsity sport, I joined cheerleading ( i was on it in hs as well as college). I broke my ankle in three different places when I was dropped in a cheerleading stunt – I was actually showing freshman how to base. the trainer didn’t think it was broken and told me that when I could run on it again – I could go back to cheering. I tried running on that ankle for 3 months- and literally could NOT- it wouldn’t work. Finally my mom took me for an MRI and we found out it was still broken in 3 places.
After a boot for months, phys. therapy, and having to give up my last season of cheering- I run because now, I can.
I couldn’t for so long, literally could not run. I hated it every single day. When something as simple as walking out the door and going for a jog gets taken away from you, it changes your opinion big time. That is what motivates me on my tough days.
congrats!!! I’m planning to sign up for one too very soon!!!