Active Community: Message List - Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

Victor Cardenas — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:07:15 GMT

Just getting out there and doing something active is an achievement in and of itself. Go tell ten people you know that you ran a mile and I guarantee you they will be in awe. Keep up the great effort and I'm sure you'll do well in your first 5k, again to the amazement of your friends and family, many of whome never considered running that distance.

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

mrsdarst — Sun, 31 May 2009 00:54:06 GMT

You're doing so well! Just run for yourself.... I'm a slow runner too, just got off the couch one year ago and am still at it! Today, I finished my 5K in 40 minutes - there were only three walkers behind me, but I just felt so happy to have gotten up early and gone out to run. Like I said to my friend at the end of the race - "I still beat all the people who are still home in bed!" Every time I run, no matter how slow, I just think - gosh, I can't believe I just did that. I've never run or been in any sport my whole life, so every run is just a wonderful miracle to me. It doesn't matter how fast, or even how far, just the feeling of running is so great......

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

daisy3dd — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:52:27 GMT

I love your attitude, Linda. I was a 46 year old empty nester when I started to run. My first 'mile' only measured out to a 1/2 mile, I could not believe that is only how far I went when it felt farther. Eventually, I built up to a mile then two. Then I started getting into 5k then 10k races. Once my family couldn't see me finishing a race from a distance because I was right in front of the firetruck which was sweeping up the end...dead last!! My size 22 neighbor saw me and also started running. We became friends and started training together. Our persistance and hard work paid off. I am proud to have finished my first marathon at the age of 52 in Detroit along side my fit neighbor. We now run about 25-30 miles a week.

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

zookeeperrunning — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:34:13 GMT

Linda,

I just want to say congratulations to you for starting a new life for yourself! Getting off that couch and outside for some fresh air and exercise is awesome! That in itself is an accomplishment! Don't worry so much about your pace, or the fact that someone walking their dog passed you! Next year at this time you will look back and find much humor in the fact that you were passed up by a dog walker, and at your pace. At least you are out there doing something...And congrats on signing up for your first 5k!! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Just remember not to worry about your pace, just focus on finishing. Even if you need to take a walking break, keep on going, and you'll do fine!! Good luck, and KEEP ON RUNNING!!

Carey

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

crl8686 — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:54:47 GMT

If the 5K had a "walking permit" but not the 10K, it could've been because there was a time limit on the 10K. Some races have (and enforce) time limits because they need to reopen the roads to traffic by a certain time. Usually if there is a time limit, the website or application form will state what it is.

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

OS2-USNR — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:22:37 GMT

I think I might have made a complaint to the race director about that particular experience...

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

LowDead — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:13:51 GMT

Linda,

It's all about the attitude... and it sounds like you've got it! Of course, everyone needs a little encouragement every once in a while. A friend of mine who, like you, started from the couch just a about a year ago, has now completed two half-marathons. She is not fast, just persistent. She recently signed up for a 10K that my wife and I were going to do with her. As the date of the race approached, she received a call from someone from the race asking if the expected finish time that she put on her registration was a "mistake". It was not a mistake. The race representative then informed her that, unfortunately, they did not have a walking permit from the local police department for the 10K and asked her to change her registration to the 5K, for which they had a walking permit. She then informed the representative that, in fact, she had not intended to do any walking! Well, she ended up in the 5K anyway and she was not super happy about it. However, she has a great attitude and decided not to let it bother her.

At the end of the race, we met her at the finish line and she had a somewhat disappointed look on her face. We knew that she had come in a little quicker than her goal time, so we were confused as to why she looked so down. We finally asked her and she responded, "I kept getting passed by a 90 year old man. I'd speed up to pass him, but then in just a little while here he'd come again!" I told her not to worry about it and said that he has probably been running for 40 years. There was no need to be ashamed. She said, "It's not that he was old. I've been passed by older people before. What's humiliating is that he was carrying a cane!" Once she started laughing, we all realized that she hadn't been disappointed at all, but was setting us up for the story, which, by the way, was true.

This event just added to her collection of running adventures that she loves to share with anyone who will listen. Incidentally, this race was also her husband's first race. Her perserverance and positive attitude inspired him to get up off the couch and get moving as well.

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

linda0706 — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:49:20 GMT

Goodness gracious, you guys are making me feel so much better. I already "know" all this in my head but it really sometimes helps to hear it from somebody who has already been there & done that. I'm going to keep plugging away. And even if I do I come in last in my 5K, that will still be 60 minutes faster than I could have run it just 2 months ago.

Oh, I got tickled last night during my run...another dog walker stepped out of her driveway a couple houses in front of me. I'm proud to say I kicked up the pace just a bit & managed to pass her up. The fact that she looked & walked like she was about 90 years old is entirely beside the point.

Linda

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

crl8686 — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:35:50 GMT

Being able to do aerobic exercise for 20 min straight, and just 5 weeks after starting out - sounds like significant progress to me! Rest assured you will get faster as you get more fit and as your training progresses.

Re: Newbie passed up by the dog-walker

AyanaCMT — Fri, 29 May 2009 03:37:59 GMT

Linda,

I too send you a Welcome and CONGRATULATIONS for getting off the couch and on to the road. I was in the same page as you last year. It use to take me 20 minutes to finish 1 mile. But, I kept reminding myself that that 20 min. mile was hella faster than just sitting on a couch. I too was worried about my first race. I did not want to be the person bringing up the rear. My first race a duathlon that was a 2 mile run / 6 mile bike / and finished with another 2 mile run. To my surprise, I was actually able to complete the 1st 2 miles in 37 mins. and the 2nd 2 miles in 36:05 mins. You will be amazed by how you will get caught up in the synergy of the other runners plus the excitement of doing a race, I believe that you will amaze yourself.

You can do. More importantly, HAVE FUN!!! Oh, and don't let the dog walker lady get to you. Use it as motivation to push yourself a little further and a little farther. I believe you won't let dog walker lady pass you up again.

Peace Out from Another New Runner,

Ayana