i hopped out of bed at 5:30am, eager to start running again. i had no idea what 'level' to start on, but i figured two miles would be a good start. maybe i should have done a little couch-to-5k run/walking, but i didn't want to. i wanted to run.
i hoped i had not forgotten how to run (i hadn't). it was slow (and felt even slower), but technically i was running.
thursday (9/1) am run: 2miles!!!, 20:13**, 69ยบ
**as in, just a few seconds slower than my 5k time. ohh yeah. ;)
i gained a new respect for newbie runners, so i wrote them all a note:
dear beginner runners,
i applaud you with an unending standing ovation. having been running for 12 years or so, i had long forgotten just how hard it is to start running.
that first day is brutal! the first quarter-mile might be fine, but then your lungs start to burn, your heart feels like it is pumping out of your chest and you have to force yourself to maintain a little bounce in between strides to qualify it as running vs. walking.
it gets better - i promise.
hang in there,
a runner on her 2nd take
Woot Woot for what sounds like a good start!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! You are already on the right track! Keep plugging away - your fitness will come back to you sooner than you think.
ReplyDeleteNice! That note is perfect as well. Hope you keep enjoying your second time around.
ReplyDeleteWahoo!! That's seriously awesome! I'm so glad you were able to get out there and do 2 miles!! I hope it's truly a new start and you can start running again without pain.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to run! And don't worry, you will come back. It will take a couple weeks for you to get there, but you can do it. I remember my first run after having to take 5 weeks off due to anemia, it was 1.5 miles but so nice to finally be able to run!
ReplyDeleteAnd newbie runners, I agree, I totally admire them. To me it's harder when you run slower, because you're running for a longer period of time.
You know, I just listened to a podcast where Bart Yasso talked about how runners can improve. He said that one can improve for 7-8 years after they start running. Then, the only way to improve is to take a break from running. I think this is your ticket for new PRs:) AM
ReplyDeleteI stopped running! Help me! I just can`t seem to find the proper motivation :(
ReplyDeleteThat feeling is the exact reason that I keep running! I don't want to know what it feels like to start over unless I have to do so.
ReplyDeletewelcome back!!!
ReplyDeleteyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. get training. for both "events" ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's such a cute letter! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling healthy this fall. You have so much talent I hate to see you sidelined!
So happy you are back out there. I like the letter too. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE newbies. It was so dang hard for me to start running. Pure pain.
ReplyDeleteHey Lindsay,
ReplyDeleteI am just now staring up too... again. I got pretty hurt and it was really hard on me. I'm trying to stay positive and motivated but everyday is a challenge.
Keep at it girly. :)
Come on! Improvement will come soon, just dedication and devotion to running.
ReplyDeleteThe hardest part is to start again and you already did it!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to read that you and your heart are OK :-)
hugs
Tania
The most important part of this post is the fact that you are RUNNING again:) SO exciting for you. You will gain all your speed and endurance back quick... good luck girl.
ReplyDeleteGo Lindsey!!! Good to hear you are back on the roads! I still remember a time I went out for a "first" run....'bout killed me!!
ReplyDeleteRight with you on that "starting over" run!
ReplyDeleteIt does suck.....the first mile is my worst-then the music kicks in, then the stubborn kicks in!
When I run beyong a 5k, it is a "long run" in my world still. Last night I did 3.8. My lungs did not burn, my heart rate was decent, but my shoulders whimped out on me. Too much yoga in the AM of a PM run?? Bad form? Who knows, but I had a chatty running partner who distracted me with talk of the different colored running socks she just bought and that pushed me through it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got up and out! Remember, Sept is Yoga month, do a downward dog for me :)
The hardest step is the first one!! I remember after I had Emma it was SO hard to get back. I was way over weight and about 8 months out of practice!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the run and this was awesome so I am going to tweet it out.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be busting out your usual runs like nothin' in no time!
ReplyDeleteRemember, you are the same person who ran the Goofy challenge a few years back, with a half marathon and a full marathon on back-to-back days. Gah!!!
ReplyDeleteI have found it difficult starting from scratch........ it keeps you humble!!
ReplyDeletehappy Sept. and back to running :)
ReplyDeleteI have witnessed my hubby start back running several times, and it terrifies me. It's so hard, but yes, it get's better relatively quickly. Keep Running my friend!
Good for you! It is tough to start back up, but you'll get back to where you were pretty quickly. You can do it!!
ReplyDeleteI found that week 3 was incredibly difficult. I'm so out of shape that this week's big news was I finally broke 12:00. Per mile that is. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI've had to almost start over a few times, and it's awful. Makes me wonder how I ever got started. But you'll come back a lot faster than the first time, don't worry! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
ReplyDeleteSound like this is my chance to finally hang with you while running... I expect the window of opportunity to be very slim and you'll be back running fast in no time!
In 2007, after running with no breaks for 2 years, I took 3 months off just "because". Getting back into it was BRUTAL and I have feared that ever since. I know what you mean, it's that beginner feeling that motivates me to get my runs in each week.
ReplyDelete