If you had asked me that question 4 weeks ago, I would have split my side laughing. When I attend my lunch hour boot camp at my gym and we are sent to log time or mileage on the treadmill and encouraged to run, my legs lock up, my ankles freeze, my feet cramp- and that’s before the treadmill is even in sight!
But something changed. I’m doing something I never dreamed I would do in my lifetime. This has never been a serious goal.
I have signed up for the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure in Indianapolis on April 17. My very first ever 5K. Because of personal connections to people involved, I won’t be competitively running it. I will walk with friends for a bit and then jog part of it. This 5K is less about the healthiness of the runners. This 5K is about the cause. It’s about supporting those who have survived breast cancer, are fighting breast cancer, supporting family members who have lost a loved one to breast cancer. On that note, please do your monthly breast exams.
I have signed up for the Fishers Freedom Festival 5K on June 26. It is a run/walk and I assume there will be people who do walk the 5K. I really believe that I will be able to fully run 3 miles by that time and hope to finish with at least some of the other runners.
I am currently in Week 4 of the Couch to 5K interval training program that is designed to get non-runners slowly building distance and time until the 5K goal is reached. The longest time that I’ve been able to run so far is 5 minutes on the treadmill. That is a huge change from struggling through 30 seconds, in pain, gasping for air, stitch in my side.
I’ve learned a lot about running in the past month.
I’ve learned about my step. I went to The Running Company and got fitted for running shoes. I was put on a treadmill and they did a quick video analysis of my step. That helped determine the best type of shoe for me- I need Support because I tend to push off with my instep after turning my foot outward when my foot lands. I also purchased microfiber pants, shirt, bra, and socks.
See? Don’t I look like a runner? 
I’ve learned about chaffing. Even with all my “right” clothing, there are still sensitive areas that can rub to the point of bleeding when running. Petroleum jelly is a runner’s best friend.
I’ve learned that there is a big difference between running indoors and running outdoors. I’ve learned that it’s a good idea to do my treadmill work on a 1% incline to mimic outdoor conditions. I’m still learning how to adapt my breathing when I’m outdoors. I’m also still learning how to control my pace when I’m outdoors.
I’ve learned that when my time becomes limited and I miss my regular workouts, my body aches to move. I need to get out and do my running workout. I need to sweat and stretch and even hurt a little bit.
I’ve learned about fueling my body and how what I choose to eat can impact my running performance the next day, the next hour.
I’ve learned that my family is proud of me and that my kids are looking to me as a role model for making healthy choices. My dad has expressed interest in coming to the finish line for one of my first races; it feels good that he is proud of me.
Am I a runner? I don’t run a mile. I don’t run more than 3 or 5 minutes on the treadmill. I don’t run a 3 minute stretch outdoors. I don’t run without pain.
Am I a runner? I run more now than I ever dreamed I would. When I do my workout outside, other runners give me a little wave. It’s like they recognize me as part of their club- even though I don’t feel like a full fledged member.
What will it take for me to say that I Am A Runner?
I want to be able to head out for a warm up walk and then run a mile.
I want to run, even at my slow pace, a 5K.
I want to be able to have a goal to shave time off my mile.
But for now, as I place one foot in front of the other; as I work on my posture, my gait, my hands, my head; as I learn more about indoor vs outdoor running and breathing and pacing; as I slowly gain strength and stamina, I think I can say that I am becoming a runner.
Tags: 5K, Couch to 5K, exercise, Race for the Cure, running
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I could have written this exact same experience. I crack myself up when I say that “I’m going out for my run.” I never thought I would ever say that. Keep up the great work. YOU CAN DO IT!
You go girl…you are a runner! Congratulations on a great start to a new you!
Liz,
You are awesome! And, yes I do believe you can call yourself a runner. Maybe not a marathon runner or a tri-athlete, but a runner, yes. Keep it up. Hey maybe I’ll be running with you some day. I am doing the iFit workouts with Jillian on my treadmill. The first set was just power walking, but I started the second set (24 different workouts) and it is definitely running…side stich pain, labored breathing, feeling incredibly out of shape…that was me yesterday…:)
Yay Ashli!!
Let’s set a goal together. As soon as we can both run, say 20 minutes, we should meet up and run together. That will definitely be after the Race for the Cure for me. Late April, early May, I think.
Holland Park? Or somewhere more scenic, perhaps?
Liz,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us via the web. You had no way of knowing that the timing and your words would line up so well with what I need, too, but there it is — you never know what impact you can have until you put it out there. I’m sure you’re getting countless others thinking and running, too.
Nuff said for now… I’ve gotta get my run now or it might not happen today — and that is NOT an option!
Kris
ooh..that sounds like fun. Let’s target for early May…that gives me 6 or so weeks to get running consistently…yesterday’s trial was a major downer, but I am ready to tackle again tomorrow! We’re thinking about getting a car pass to Fort Ben and I know that they have some great trails for running too…so we have options…
Congrats…you have motivated ME to do the unthinkable. I started Week 1 of the C25K yesterday. And you know what? It felt awesome…it felt incredible. I challenged and pushed myself to do something I never would’ve though possible. I RAN. Now, I ran for 60 seconds and then walked for 90, repeat, repeat, repeat, but I RAN.
You inspired me woman…keep up the great work!
@Lana Thanks! I love that we’ve been working through the weeks together!
@Julie Thank you!
@Kris I love that you are doing the program with me, too! I’m so proud of you for sticking with it!
@Lori YOU GO GIRL!! Doesn’t it feel AWESOME?
You’re the second person I know who has tried the Couch to 5K. I’m going to check it out. I’m definitely at the right starting point — the couch!
@Jennifer You can totally do it! I’m at a point right now where I’m a little stuck. But I know I can stay at the previous week and still be getting a great workout and that I will overcome the next hurdle when my body is ready. I’ve also gotten a ton of great advice from friends who have or are following the program as well- and also on the C25K Facebook Fan Page!
Liz–My dad is a runner. When I was several weeks into the C25K program, I remember him saying I’d get to the point that I identified myself as a runner, and wanted to have running conversations with other people.
I’m not sure exactly when I got to that point (I think around the time I completed C25K?), but boy do I consider myself to be a runner now, and I LOVE that label!
When I started C25K, as I was doing my 2nd 60-second running segment on my first day, I realized…oh. This is hard. I thought I was in better shape than this. I remember doing W2D3, and just struggling through the 90 second running segments, and deciding to repeat that week. And now, less than 5 months later, I was able to do a 44 minute run today, and, because I kept my pace very slow, it was actually pretty easy. Easy?! 44 minutes? How in the WORLD did I get to that point? It’s an exhilarating, joyful feeling, and you know what? You keep up with your workouts like you’ve been doing, and you’ll be there soon.
But even now, in your mindset, I think you either are a runner, or are very close. You’re doing great!
Whew–I get very long-winded (pun intended) when I write about running!
I think about this during every run now. I think of my friend, Charlie, who is a runner to me, but who might be considered a “plodder” by some who consider themselves “elite” runners. I think about how everyone should feel free to label themselves — or NOT! — as they feel appropriate, w/o being cut down by others.
Here’s my definition of a runner:
Runners plan. Runners choose realistic goals for themselves. Runners start. Runners learn about themselves. Runners *finish*!
These are the attributes that I want continually to develop, in every aspect of my life. That’s why I’m becoming a runner.
Liz,
Good luck to you!!! I hope you meet your goal of the running the 3 miles at the Fishers Freedom Festival.
Danielle
@C. Beth Given that you are part of my inspiration for starting the program and knowing that you have this in common with your dad and even your husband… I love reading your thoughts on the subject. And, not to be rude, but boy do I feel better knowing that other people really, really struggle, too.
@Kris I like your definition and I like that we are doing this together.
@Danielle. Thanks! I really think that I will be able to run it completely by then.
thanks
I added to my definition of runner over the weekend: if you make a klutzy mistake and hit the floor in a tangled mess of dining room chairs w/ your foot caught in one of them, and your first thought is “oh $&!#! I’ve broken my foot and I won’t be able to run…!” then you’re a runner
I’m happy to say that I passed the bone density pop quiz… nothing broken