I was never a runner. I've always been overweight, fat, big-boned, hefty whatever you want to call it. After eight years, 30 triathlons, three 1/2 Ironmans, an Ironman, and 3 1/2 marathons I've resigned that I am now a runner. Today I ran 6.5 miles and it was the happiest I've been all year. Seriously. I'm never happier than when I'm running along the Lakefront of Chicago and I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't run. I used to hate running. I drove to the corner store. Now I love it and even when I have a bad run I can't wait to wake up and try it again. Running is the only consistent thing in my life and it gives me pleasure behind measure. I wish this on everyone else, this running bug, this addiction, this thing that gets me out of the bed in the the morning. I'm not fast, don't come in first many times but I'm a winner each time I strap on my running shoes and hit the road. It's a victory to savor for a lifetime!
writingprincess: I was never a runner. I've always been overweight, fat,
I'm glad to hear the running bug has bit you! From somebody who's started out doing less than me (I've been non-competitively cycling since I was four and bike commuting up to 20 miles/day for the last six years), you certainly have proven yourself!
I just got into running last year, two "official:" 1/2 marathons and one marathon (the many "unofficial" 1/2 marathons being times in marathon training when I ran 13.1+ miles). It's truly amazing what the human body can accomplish on its own.
My one and only question for you: is there a full marathon in your future? I think it's something we should all experience just once even if you never do it again. Chicago, which is on my to-do list, is an excellent course!
thelimoliberal: I'm glad to hear the running bug has bit you!
I've never been a runner...but similarly, I have done dozens of sprint and olympic tris, 1 duathalon, a half marathon, I'm training for two Ironman 70.3's next year, and my first full Ironman (Lake Placid) in 2014. I'll probably try to do a marathon in the process as well since that is only one leg of the full Ironman. I now look forward to running and love getting my pulse racing. I train in all three disciplines 6 days a week...addicting. I have the bug as well.
Jen_Perrin: I've never been a runner...but similarly, I have done dozens
I was an extremely fortunate runner, having been able to pursue it for 30+ years, relatively uninjured. Biking is now my best friend, but I still take a little run, once in a while, in my mind.
GoodDog0325: I was an extremely fortunate runner, having been able to
Funny, my dad once told me that he was addicted to running. Both his parents had been alcoholics and running was my dad's drug of choice. I am a runner myself now and I can totally understand that feeling.
Indiegirl99: Funny, my dad once told me that he was addicted
Sprints are no more an essential part of anything than distance running is bad for you. Almost all myths about long-term negative effects from distance running have been disproven. When you hear about runners with injuries it is usually because they are still trying to use their bodies. You can increase your running fitness much later into life than you can see gains in a "good training regiment" (which I assume means something largely based in resistance training).
Thediscriminatingpirate: Sprints are no more an essential part of anything than
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Posted: 03/28/2012 1:59 pm Updated: 03/28/2012 1:59 pm