Guys, I am seriously going to bathe in smoothies when we finally take our Vitamix out of storage. Why-oh-why did we back it at the bottom of the storage unit? I am experiencing serious withdrawals.
I opted out of a first-thing-in-the-morning workout in favor of spending a good two hours writing today’s Blog Talk Tuesdays post and Ryan decided to sleep in, so we went to breakfast together, clean and not sweaty. Imagine that!
Today’s morning meal was sadly not a healthy smoothie, but rather breakfast buffet staples.
Scrambled eggs with cheese, yogurt and whole wheat toast with jelly. I smooshed the eggs between the toast to make a breakfast sandwich which was quite tasty!
Workout
A 5 mile run took place late this morning.
BAM!
I haven’t been running nearly as much as usual lately. I’d like to blame the ri-donk-ulous humidity and heat in Florida, but really, I’ve just been lazy.
Running is hard for me. It’s not a natural talent I have and I have to continue running constantly to keep up my running fitness. (You may read my running story here.)
Yesterday I realized there are only 12 weeks until the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon I am registered to run.
Twelve weeks! That motivated me to get my booty on the treadmill this morning.
I committed to conquering five miles, promising myself I could run as slow as I wanted to as long as I just completed the distance.
“Run as slow as you want to, but just get out there and run” was my go-to mantra on days when I didn’t want to run during my previous half marathon training plan and it worked like a charm again this morning. (Can you tell I am not a competitive runner at all?)
I was proud of myself for plugging away on the treadmill. I took two 30-second breaks to sip on some water and stretch out my legs that felt a little tight, but I did it!
The last time I ran 5 miles was more than a month ago on July 7. Has it really been that long? One of the benefits of keeping a daily workout log on the blog is that I can look back and see gaps in my workouts or patterns. Running must become more prevalent in my workouts if I want to cross the finish line in Savannah in November with a smile on my face!
I plan to officially start training for the half marathon soon but in the meantime, I want to run more often to build up a better running base before diving right in.
Questions of the Afternoon
Let’s talk running today!
- Running: Love it, loathe it or just tolerate it?
- Do you have natural running ability?
- If you’re a runner, what race is on your horizon?
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I saw a quote somewhere yesterday and it said something like “it doesn’t matter how fast you run because no matter what you are beating those who are sitting on the couch”!
I am not a fast runner either, but I do it and I’m better off than if I wasn’t running at all!
HA! i love that!
I hate running. 🙁 I’m trying to get more into it, but it is just not my forte. I have been a dancer all of my life, so fitness classes are more my thing. I am a Certified Jazzercise Instructor, and while I love Jazzercise, I have really been trying to get more into running. I recently ran a whole mile and a half without stopping and THAT was an accomplishment for me. It wasn’t even fast at all. But I guess I should just be proud of each small accomplishment, right?
LOVE running.
I am not a natural runner, I used to hate it actually but i’ve taken a complete 360 since then. I always thought it was hard but now its much easier!
I want to run a half marathon but i’ve never run a race at all! I’m thinking i should keep running then sign up for once in the future, maybe in cooler weather. I live in Florida too, it’s brutal!
I’m like you. I don’t mind running, but it’s not something I have natural ability for and it takes a lot out of me. I haven’t run at all for quite some time now because I have really bad knee problems whenever I run.
I used to hate running (running was punishment for screwing up at soccer practice, LOL), but now I run all the time and I LOVE it. My boyfriend says he can tell when I haven’t run because I get so grumpy..
Training for a Half Marathon on 27 August (hoping to break 2 hours) and then debating training for a full on 11 December. Well, I say “debating” but I’ve pretty much convinced myself to do it, just need to cross my fingers that my work schedule this fall doesn’t totally screw up my ability to adequately train for it. I know work is going to be busy, so I’m not going to sign up for the full til like November (after my first scheduled 20 mile run.)
There’s a lot to be said for just slowing down. I think one of the reasons I used to hate running so much was that I was always trying to beat my time from the previous run. Once I slowed down and started running a lot of easier paced miles, I got addicted to it and now I run like 30+ miles a week. 🙂
Great going with the run! I love to run but would not say im a natural runner by any means. I user to be the fat kid in gym class who would look for any excuse under the sun to avoid the monthly ‘mile run’. Fortunately that has all changed and I love running now. I rarely run more than 10 km (normally around 5-7km). Physically I know I can do more but right now I am not interested in long distances for the time being. Short and sweet runs are what keep me coming back for more.
Love running (most of the time!), but am definitely not a natural runner. My body just isn’t built for it (my legs are tiny, and they get tired quite easily!) I like the push of training for a race, but really I just do it to keep myself motivated!
On a random smoothie note: have you thought of just buying a Magic Bullet blender in the meantime until you get your Vitamix back? The non-brand name ones are usually on sale for arond $20 at Target, and you can make a one serving smoothie in no time! Just a thought!
you’re awesome for getting your booty up and running when you didn’t feel like it. what a great mantra, run slow, just run.
i looooove running. i just did a 1/2 marathon sunday and my next one is in october…i hear it’s pretty hilly so I need to up my hill training…
I really enjoy running but my ankles don’t allow me to go very far. On days when I do run the workouts seem to go by so much faster. Love that!
I am hoping to run/walk and 5k in October. I think I will borrow your go-to mantra for that one 🙂
Thanks for the post, Julie. I’m training for my first half and can’t seem to get past the 5 mile mark! You are right about the slow and easy, though. I try not to accelerate but keep telling myself to take it slow! 😉
I absolutely have fallen in love with running. In high school I couldn’t even do a mile without stopping, but a few years later I wanted to step up my fitness & now I’m doing races all the time 🙂 Just completed the Chicago Rock & Roll
I hate running, but I do it anyway. I’m slow, miserably slow, but faster than anyone on the couch!
Also, I think you should try this and let me know what you think: http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/08/16/peanut-butter-and-vidalia-onions-and-other-strange-sandwich-delights/?hpt=hp_bn8
“I’m slow, miserably slow, but faster than anyone on the couch!” – love that!!! Whenever I look around at all those super fast runners I have to remind myself, that at least I’m in the gym running, which is already more than some people do! It helps!
I’m running Savannah, too! I haven’t started officially training yet, so it makes me feel better that you haven’t either. 😉
i used to run track in high school before i realized that i really didn’t like running all that much; i just felt like i should be involved in some extracurricular activity. not very good reasoning!
when i was struggling to find a cardio exercise that i liked, i hesitated to take up running because i remembered *hating* it in high school. but i decided i’d try it out on the treadmill for a while and see how i liked it now that i was an adult. surprisingly, i realized that i kind of liked jogging (not RUNNING per se) at an easy 5.2 mph pace! go figure!
that was last summer. now i jog very frequently, whatever speed i’m feeling at the time (it ranges from 5 to 7 mph). it is definitely a challenge for me as i suffer from shin splints and often find it difficult to motivate myself to get out there and do it. BUT i’ve run three 5K races in the past year and have another in september. right now i don’t have any plans to run a distance further than 5 miles, but i don’t count it out!
Perfect timing with this post! I recently came back from my honeymoon and have been super slowly easing back into running. The first days back in the gym felt awesome, all my strength training fell right back in the groove, and my jogs felt great, but my interval work was TOUGH. I’ve been putting off my “long run” (which is only about 5 miles, but takes me about an hour- I’m still working on it!) since last week. And even put it off from this morning until this evening- but now when the work day’s over, Ima hit that treadmill! Thanks for the kick in the butt!
I have NO natural running ability and rarely get that urge to just get out and run. That said, when I push myself I an get into a good jog and can enjoy it!
I love running, and have for years. I used to loathe it and did it more for weight and health then for enjoyment. I can’t imagine life without running these days. I was recently out of commission for 5 weeks due to a foot injury and I was in withdrawal! I do not have natural running ability AT ALL. It took me several years to get to where I am now.
No races scheduled yet to do foot injury, but just received an email today about a Hot Chocolate 15K, so I may be doing that towards the end of the year.
I have a major love/hate relationship with running. I pretty much hate the act of running but I love that it’s a constant challenge for me. Running a distance I haven’t, beating a personal best with time, tackling hills that seem impossible- that are the things that keep running in my pocketbook of workouts. Whenever I see a runner, I think “I should log some miles” which lets me know my feelings towards running might someday change to all love and no hate. Oh and I’m definetly not a natural, I probably look like a poser when I run but I don’t care. At least I’m running, right?
My next race is the Akron Relay in September with some of my college alums, it’s going to be a fun race!
I have never been a runner…until the past few years. Still doesn’t come natural but I’m trying my best! I wasn’t even able to run a mile a few years back, and two weeks ago I ran 8 miles for the first time. Talk about motivation!! 🙂 I’m proof that anyone can do it – my family and friends are baffled!
I’m running the Savannah half marathon as well. I’ve been running regularly to try and work up to 13 miles. I’m a pretty slow runner (around 11:30-12:00 miles for long distances) but you know what?! Who cares. I’m still a runner. And I will kick personal butt at the race.
I enjoy running because it’s a stress-reliever for me. I never ran much until a year ago when I signed myself up for a 10K last fall. However, I injured my IT band from over-exercising and have been out for about 4 months! I got to start running again two weeks ago and I’ve signed up for the same 10K but my ultimate goal is a half marathon!
I’m definitely not a natural runner though, I have a curve in my spine which makes my legs go at odd angles when I run and puts stress on my knees. I’ve been working hard on my running technique but we’ll see! Also, I’ve found my biggest problem with long distances is not physically completing it, but mentally completing it! I get sooooo bored after about 3 miles! I’m going to have to find better ways of distracting myself!
I share your feelings. I definitely do not have a natural endurance running ability. But I just make myself go out there and do it. I find that once I make it a habit I actually look forward to my runs. I’m training for the Octoberfest Half Marathon locally. It will be my fourth race (I call it a race like I am actually racing someone. In truth, I just pray I can cross the finish line). I usually give myself plenty of time to train because running distance does not come easy!
i love to run!! i had a knee injury that kept me from it for a while, but now i am back at it and so grateful. i just love being able to bound out my front door and get a great workout in in less than an hour. i am not a super fast runner though, and i wouldn’t say it comes easy to me. right now i am focusing on a triathlon that is coming up in less than two weeks!
I have a love hate relationship with running. I love it mostly but its HARD. I wouldn’t say that I have a natural talent haha but I’m trying!
I didn’t know that you were running that race as well! RNR Savannah will be my FIRST marathon! ah!
Eggs? With Jelly? Together? Must try.
I feel your pain on the running thing. I see other bloggers are like “Was pretty slow today, I only ran 10 miles” and I’m like “!!!”. I can run a 2 1/2 miles. On a good day. In close to a 1/2 hour. Eeek.
I envy your running skills! Even though you say it doesnt come natural to you, anyone who can run 5 miles rocks! Are you pretty tall? I am barely 5 ft and my legs are so short that 5.5 mph is a full run for me and my hips and knees start to hurt! I love doing walks on the treadmill!
Savannah Rock and Roll will be my first Half! SO excited. I started training two weeks ago and I’ll be up to five miles this weekend.
I love that mantra though, I spent way to much time putting emphasis on speed rather than distance so its good to keep in mind!
Loathe running but do it anyway…I’m the exact same way, it just does NOT come naturally to me. But that’s why it always feels like a huge accomplishment when I can get it done! 🙂
I absolutely hate running and have zero natural running ability. I never played sports that required long-distance running, rather every sport I played was all about the short distance sprinting. I’ve been trying to work on it, but I still haven’t been able to run more than 4.5 miles at one time! 🙁 Hopefully soon!
Aw, I’m so glad that you did this post because I love running!!! I definitely don’t have a natural talent for it though and have had to build up my endurance for long distances….but I love how stress-relieving it is and how accomplished I feel after a big race! I’m currently training for the San Antonio Half Marathon in November!
I have a mixed relationship with running. I enjoy doing it but ut hurts my knees and ankles 🙁 I am in no way a “born runner” but I totally wish I was!
I LOVE running! But that hasn’t always been the case. I swam in high school and college, but running was always there as a cross trainer. I always felt like a fish out of water when I ran. Oh wait, I still do sometimes.
Running has now become my way to escape, not think about anything, de-stress, and stay healthy. I feel my best after a long, sweaty run! I’ve done a couple half-marathons and am currently training for my first full-marathon, the Twin Cities Marathon in St. Paul, Minnesota on Oct. 2!
I’ve found that even when I’m hurting during my runs or races, that putting smile on my face really helps to make it feel better. Good luck with your training and race!
I 100% agree with you that running is a natural ability. I can zumba, spin, do yoga ALL DAY but I just cannot get into running. I’ll run for a few min and feel completely winded- I hate it. Twice in the past year I tried to train for a 5K and got about halfway through the training. But both times I’ll realize running is just not for me- and I’m finally OK with that!
You are a huge inspiration to me! 🙂 I am not a natural-born runner in the least. But I just recently began the C25K program and I’ve actually been enjoying it a lot! The slow pace of the program gives you a huge sense of accomplishment after each training session, and it motivates me to keep going. Plus hearing how an amazing athlete like yourself has to work at it is also really inspiring!
As always, loving PBF. 😀
I like running but mine is more like a jog…worrying about how fast I am makes it stressful, unless I am training for something. I think just turning on music, taking in the scenes, watching the news on the treadmill is a great way to start a day but unless I need to get faster I’d rather just go at my own pace.
I’m an on the same boat as you when it comes to running. I basically just tolerate it and it definitely does not come natural. For instance, I ran 7 miles the past two Tuesdays, but today I just COULD NOT do it. I will usually try intervals like the famous 5-4-3-2-1 to help get me motivated to run. Sometimes I think interval running and even the music on my iPod, helps get me going. Otherwise, it’s all a mind game!!!
I pretty much loathe the actual act of running, though i do love the way I feel after completing a long run. I am most definitely not a natural born runner; i carry my extra lbs in the wrong area, have terrible knees, and asthma…but all these hardships do make it much more exciting when i cross the finish line of a race. I have a half marathon (my 2nd) coming up in October (yikes that sounds soon all of a sudden)
Oh my gahhhh I love running as though it were my child! I never considered myself a natural runner but I have run so consistently over the past 5 years that it comes naturally now. I remember huffing and puffing while doing “the mile” for volleyball in high school, when now that pace is my marathon pace. It is amazing how your body adapts! Next planned race is a marathon in October, but I will probably run a couple TBD halves between then and now. Did one last weekend, and even in super brutal heat and humidity, that racing bug bit me hard! Haha
I struggle with the idea if I’m a runner or not. I’m not a naturally good runner, and I really have to work hard at improving my time and all that stuff. But I really love it! It’s definitely my favorite form of exercise. However, I sometimes have a major love-hate relationship with it. There are times I find myself talking to an empty apartment trying to motivate myself to get out there and run. I’m never mad when I come back from a run I originally didn’t want to do!
My next race is the Rock N Roll Philly Half Marathon in Sept (5 days after I get back from my honeymoon!). But the big race on the horizon is my first marathon! I’m running the Philly Marathon on the end of November!
I married into a family of runners. No joke, bro-in-law finished the Boston in 3 hours, 2 minutes. My husband is hoping to finish his upcoming 10k in 42 minutes. Insane runners and they are all fast! So I hated it at first, I just didn’t match their skill but I started to lose weight and enjoyed running for myself, for my own health benefit.
I’ve been sidelined due to a heart injury (inflamed pericardium, 🙁 ) so I have to take a 4-6 week break from all strenuous activities which has made me realize more than ever just how much I really do enjoy running. Nothing can clear your mind as effectively and nothing can make you more proud and accomplished than a super long or super successful run that just dominated your expectations.
Way to go on just finishing 5. After being off for a while, it’s so hard to get back on the train. I will have to borrow some of your workout mantras once I get the green light to hit the trails again! 🙂
AH, I’m also signed up for the Savannah Half, aka my first half ever! Yay! I’m a bit nervous, though, bc I’ve been dealing with a bum knee (somehow tweaked it during a run last month and still hasn’t healed completely), so I have not started training one bit either. Actually, I haven’t been running, period. So, I understand the 12-month stress. 😉
My mantra is always to just keep going, unless i feel like i’m going to die or puke.. usually pretty effective haha.
I have NEVER been a runner. I was “that girl” in high school that would come up with every excuse in the book to miss gym on the days our teacher had running on the agenda. Last December, I joined a gym a decided that I wanted to learn to love it. When I started I couldn’t run more than 8 minutes straight at a pace faster than 3.5 (seriously, that’s not even fast-paced walking!) Now, I can run a 5 K (3.1 miles) without stopping!! Yes, my face is bright red and I’m a sweaty beast but I am so proud of myself! I’d love to tackle the Rock N Roll Marathon in Vegas this December so I really need to get crackin’ on training! 5 K is the longest I’ve ever ran, so it’s time to train for 21 K!
I HATE distance running! Hate it so much! I force myself to do a run or two a week because it is a great work out and a terrific way to build lean muscle but I do not find anything about it enjoyable.
I ran cross country in high school and came in dead last every time. I blame my fat butt for being to heavy and weighing my legs down. Ha ha.
I run because I have to, but I have yet to ever enjoy a run.
I’m not a natural runner but I do love running 🙂 I completed 5 miles as well myself today but of speedwork! I have a 10k coming up in two weeks that I’m training for! I’m super super excited. You’re going to do great I bet at your half marathon! I have yet to run past 7 miles. The double digits idea scaaares me lolz.
I enjoy running…most days. I’ve been told that I am a natural runner but it sure doesnt feel like it! haha.
I am currently on a training plan for a half marathon in october…and did i mention i have never run more than 5 miles straight?! yea, this is going to be fun 😉
I love running. I don’t think I have any natural ability though. I used to despise running during 8th and 9th grade when I played volleyball because it was used as a method of torture for doing something wrong (missed serves, balls hitting the floor). Anyways, I fell in love with running once I went to college. Right now I am currently gearing up for a 10k in Boulder on Labor Day! Can’t wait! 🙂
I love running and I definitely never thought I would ever even like it. When I met my husband (then boyfriend) 6 years ago he encouraged me to run. I worked out before I met him, but stuck to the elliptical and weights. I think running kind of comes naturally to me, more then team sports anyway, which I was always terrible at and had no interest in. Running honestly changed my life in so many ways, as cheesy as that sounds. Right now I am training for the Chicago marathon and I also have the Madison half this Saturday.
Good luck with your half training!
Love your blog!
I have a love hate relatioship with running. I hate to run and I love when it’s over! LOL What keeps me motivated is my running club. It’s a group of six girls that (try to) run together weekly. We usually run a couple of races together too. I have no natural athletic ability whatsoever! Running has helped me lose weight and help me to keep most of it off for a good three years. My next big race is the Disneyland Half in September. My biggest race ever will be on October 30 – The Marine Corps Marathon. Yikes!
Race on the horizon: Rock ‘n’ Roll Vegas Marathon in December.
And no, I am not a naturally gifted. I am really biomechanically unsound and deal with nagging injuries. Yet I keep training for and running marathons like it’s my job. Guess that runner’s high is pretty powerful 😉
I can’t run if my life depended on it. I have zero natural ability and it just makes me miserable. I have accepted I will never be a runner after many failed jogging attempts, and a few horrific gym class flashbacks (anyone else ever been the slowest kid in the class to finish a mile?) But I’m amazed at people that compete and do marathons. I’ll stick to walking and get my cardio in other forms!
Woo hoo! Good job on the 5 miles! I don’t think I could do that after not running for more than a month. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I wish I was a runner and sometimes I really do like it. But, my joints and my stomach don’t always like running. Thus, I always run slow. It makes me feel kind of like I’m not that great at it, but if I’m gonna run I’d rather do it slow than feel like ass.