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63 Replies Last post: Apr 10, 2008 7:59 AM by BlondieDM6 1 2 3 ... 5 Previous Next

juststarted

738 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Apr 3, 2008 5:41 PM

Who are you and why did you start running?

I would love to know more about the folks on this board. I'll start.

My name is Valerie and I live in Richmond, Virgina. I started running last summer in July. W1D1 was also the last day of smoking for me. I haven't looked back. I started running to challenge myself and take control of my body. I chose running because it's convenient (I have three children) and I continue to run because I love how strong it makes me feel. I really love lurking in the groups that start every week. One of my favorite things is watching everyone report on how they were able to complete the 20 minute run. I am also a Mom, a Scuba instructor, an avid reader, a boring project manager and a Long Hauler!!!

Pippa8668

21 posts since
Mar 10, 2008

1. Apr 3, 2008 6:28 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Oo, I like this thread, I lurk a ton and would love to "get to know" people on this board better.

I live in CT, although I am in school in MA until June. I started running a month ago to lose weight and get more fit (I've gained almost 30 lbs during this school year and I need to get rid of it!). I chose running because it was easy and convenient and I have roommates who run. I ran cross country for awhile in high school because sports were required, but I was horrible and I hated it. Now, I am becoming addicted. The more I run the more I love it and I am actually sad that I am not running on my off days or cross-training days. It puts me in a sort of zen state, even when I am huffing and puffing, so when I get back from a run I am always relaxed and in a good mood. Seeing how everyone on the forum is progressing really motivates me. I am doing my 20 minute run tomorrow morning, so wish me luck! I would say my biggest challenge is not getting motivated to run, but food. I want to eat often and I always crave the wrong kinds of foods. So hopefully I can start to improve in that area and I will see the pounds come off. My boyfriend is starting the program on Sunday, so hopefully we can run together in the future. I am also a college student and aspiring teacher, a big sister, a huge fan of bad mystery novels, and a lover of designer handbags I will never be able to afford.

I am also running my first 5K on May 4!!!

juststarted

738 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Apr 3, 2008 6:34 PM

in response to: Pippa8668

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hey Pippa! Good Luck on your 20 minute minute run. You won't even believe how good finishing it will feel. I will tell you I never have lost weight from running. I have lost inches though. Go ahead and measure and you'll be surprised.

Make sure to post a report on your 20 minute run tomorrow!

ltr

56 posts since
Jul 23, 2007

3. Apr 3, 2008 6:37 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

My name is Steve, I live in Los Angeles. I started running because, well I had been semi-active for the last 10 years or so, but had not done any major exercise in the last 2 years or so. My exercise was always very sporadic. For a while I was mountain biking 2-4 hours, 3 days a week, but most of the time I would do an hour or two ride every coule of weeks. But my bike got stolen about 3 years ago and I did'nt have the $1500-2000 for a bike that would be suitable. During that time I also snowboarded and went hiking in the high sierras several times a year. However, all three of these activites take preperation and time to travel to a destination to start. With running, I can do it anywhere with minimal preperation and equipment. When I travel, it's as simple as throwing my running shoes, shorts and soccer jersey in my bag and I'm set. Can't really say the same thing about a mountain bike.

Anyways, back to running, I started the c25k last summer but had to drop out during week 3 because of an injury to my metatarsal. Since then I restarted in October but dropped out because life was way too busy. That is the excuse I used, but there really is no excuse since I could have found the 30 minutes 3 times a week to do it. This time around, I just got tired of the excuses why I could not start so I've kept up through rain, allergies and in 2 weeks I'll be on vacation but will do my best to run while away.

Besides running, I just finished my Master's degree in December. I'm just working doing clerical **** right now for work, but I am in the process of applying for teaching positions at community colleges in the fall. Other than that, I spend way too much playing on the internet when I could be doing more constructive stuff.

juststarted

738 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Apr 3, 2008 6:42 PM

in response to: ltr

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hi ltr - What do you want to teach? Congratulations on your Masters. I go on vaca in 2 weeks as well and will also have to run. I don't think it is safe to just go out and run so I'll be on the dreadmill at the hotel gym. I hope there's a nice view out of the window since you have pay $20 to use the facility!

Anyone been to Cancun?

Reeni

49 posts since
Jan 24, 2008

5. Apr 3, 2008 7:30 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hi everyone! I live in Hampton Va. I don't really know why I started running. Just to get out and do something I guess. Walking would get boring so I started jogging. I've run 2 8Ks this month, and a few friends and I are considering the Rock and Roll Half in Va Beach. I "lurck" around here also. I get timidated to join in on some of the boards because they are a little more "hardcore" than I am. But it's still helpful to read what people are doing.

CecilliaB

2 posts since
Apr 3, 2008

6. Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hi, I am brand new!

I am a SAHM and freelance photographer in the San Diego, CA area. I am married to a Marine and we have two young children a 3 yr old boy and 1 yr old girl. I have always been active but I am determined to get back into good shape! So, with my husband deployed I needed an activity that would help me get in shape, shed a few pounds and not keep me from my children for to long. I never thought I would like running, I remember hating running when I did cross country in high school but I am really growing to love it. I started running in early march and have worked up to 4 miles every other day. I am excited to learn from this new resource and work on my training schedule!

ltr

56 posts since
Jul 23, 2007

7. Apr 3, 2008 10:49 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

I recieved my Masters in Geography, so that is what I'll be teaching.

I think I would rather be in Cancun and deal with paying to use the gym than being in Boston (where I am traveling to) and having no gym access and running in what will probably be mid to high 40s.

Bodacious

299 posts since
Nov 9, 2007

8. Apr 4, 2008 12:15 AM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hi I am Tracy and I am in Eagle River Alaska but will be relocating to Panama City FL in a couple of months, that will be a huge lifestyle change

I was never an active person and spent much of my life obese, for some reason tho I always wished I could run, I would watch the people run the marathon up here while I drove by and wish I could do that.

Two years ago I was walking my dogs, they are English Bulldogs so it was hardly power walking and I had to stop to catch my breath, it was a lightbulb moment, I realised that at 5'2 and 228lbs I was killing myself, that night I signed up with weight watchers online. I lost 40lbs and started to go to the gym, one day I got on a treadmill and thought, lets try to run today. I think I lasted about 30 seconds at 3.8 miles an hour before I came to a quick halt!

Anyhow that was 18 months ago, I have run many 5k's and some 10K's. My longest run so far has been 81/2 miles and I will start training for the Virginia Beach R&R 1/2 soon. I have lost a total of 90lbs and I have to say I feel awesome. Running does so much for me but mostly it empowers me and I love to do it,

I know because I love running I will never let myself become overweight again

Lane Meyers

76 posts since
Jan 8, 2008

9. Apr 4, 2008 6:10 AM

in response to: Bodacious

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hey all. I'm 34, married and living in beautiful New Jersey. I love reading all of these threads! Helps keep me motivated. I finished the 52K program at the end of February with the Finishers group. They were a great bunch! I recently started training with the OHR program. I started running because my sister-in-law told me about the 52K program. The theory that it could turn a couch potato into a runner was very appealing. I don't love exercise but I love challenges so this was a really good way for me to sneak in exercise.

I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes and yes, I put on a lot of weight. My job involves lots of sitting at a computer so I was not getting any cardio in at all during the week. On weekends we'd go hiking or walking for hours but it wasn't what I'd call challenging. I figured this would be my last chance to get a little healthier before trying to add some wee little ones to the family. I have lost lots of inches although only a lilttle bit of weight (7 lbs?) and increased my energy and self confidence a lot. I still don't love running, but at least I accept the fact that it's good for me and my family and it has to be done. I REALLY am looking forward to loving to run. I am willing to put in the time and effort so at the very least it will be a habit.

Thanks for starting this thread.

Irish Patty

291 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

10. Apr 4, 2008 7:05 AM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hey Just Started, great thread!!

Well I'm Patty and I live just outside of Philadelphia, PA. I've always loved to run as far back as I can remember. I was on the track team in grade school and high school. Unfortunately I married and had children at a young age. I still tried to run but it was hard finding the time. So I would go through stages where I ran and where I didn't. About 5 years ago at a time I was running, but not a lot of mileage, I had a fairly bad asthma attack. I knew I had asthma, but it hadn't been bad so I didn't worry about it. I decided to not run as I started to worry. After awhile I realized running would probably help so I started back up and decided I would aim for a marathon in a year and a half from that time. I had quite a few set backs including a pulled calf muscle about 2 or 3 months before the marathon. I ended up doing a run/walk and unsure if I would ever do another. I was, however, hooked on running. I still have injury issues. Last summer I had plantar fasciitis and had to cut back on my running to such a degree I decided to start over. I'm now back to 4 days of running a week and hoping to add another. I may do a 1/2 marathon in the fall.

My dh and kids don't run and think I'm crazy. My dd at least joined a gym and now works out freguently and ds has a mini gym in our basement. He walks often, but I still can't get him to run with me. I keep trying from time to time. My dh is a lost cause, but I won't give up.

Patty

brittaH2O

33 posts since
Jul 13, 2003

11. Apr 4, 2008 7:30 AM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

My name's Rochelle. I'm currently 29 years old and a nursing student at ISU, with only one more year left. I took up running at 23 years old. I was bored one summer evening and felt like I needed some exercise, so I headed out my back door and ran until I couldn't breath anymore, which I recall was less than 1 mile. But the feeling I got was amazing. I was hooked! I've called myself a runner ever since.

Yes, life has gotten in the way a few times, but when I start running again I feel healthy and strong, both physically and mentally. I know I'll be a runner for life.

Thanks for the post. It's fun to hear everyone's story.

Michael.

676 posts since
Nov 9, 2007

12. Apr 4, 2008 8:22 AM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Hi ltr - Nice to see a fellow Los Angeles person here on the forum. So far there are three of us here that I know of.

Anyways, my name is Mike and I am a runner. At least I have been one since October 07 when I started the C25K program. I live in Glendale CA which is one of the many burrbs in Los Angeles. At 46yrs old I started running as a part of a way to lose weight so at first I ran for myself only. Since this time running has become a lot more. I run for my wife, to be a better husband for her and my children, as an example that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and that fitness should be part of their life. Running also to me is a time between me and my God, it is a time to be alone with my creator.

I work in information technology. If I went into details about everything I do I would end up boring 99% of the people here so I will just say I support a large group of computer programmers keeping their development systems up and operational.

As I mentioned I am married and have two children. My son is 16 and I have a daughter who is 14. My son recently came to live with me and so far it has been a wonderful experience for all of us. I think it is a good thing when you can say that having a teenager in your home is working out.

As most of you have noticed next to my avatar image there is a little green man. This means I am a moderator on this forum (so is juststarted). I was asked by Active to be one after the transition that happened in January. I like being a moderator because it is my way of giving back to the community that got me started. The running community is very supportive and motivational. Many people are here to help a beginner at any part of running. The running community is not free though and once we develop into regular runners it is our turn to give back to the community that gave us our start.

Mike

Tabasco7

10 posts since
Apr 4, 2008

13. Apr 4, 2008 10:29 AM

in response to: juststarted

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

I'm very brand new here - actually I just popped on looking for an answer to a question, but perhaps I'll stay.

I'm Amy, from Ohio. I'll be 33 in June, and am married with 3 children. My youngest is 5.5 months old. I've never been much of a runner - I think the most I'd ever done was about 3 miles, and that was very sporadic. For the past 3 years or so I've been staying fit by doing exercise videos at home. Anyway, 11 weeks ago, when my baby was 3 months old, I decided it was time to get back in shape and lose the extra . I ran 3 miles on the treadmill and excitedly called my sister-in-law to tell her. She just took up running last May and ran the Columbus Marathon in October. All 26.2 miles. She challenged me and said that surely if I could run 3 miles after not exercising for over a year, that I could run the half marathon with her in April. So here I am, 8 days away from the race. At first I hated running, but it kept me motivated because I had a goal, and a challenge to meet. Now I love it. I'm a little scared that my first race is 13.1 miles, but I think I'll be able to complete it. We'll see soon enough!

Michael.

676 posts since
Nov 9, 2007

14. Apr 4, 2008 10:49 AM

in response to: Tabasco7

Re: Who are you and why did you start running?

Welcome Tabasco7 - Take it slowly on your 1/2 and be careful. The goal here is to keep you in running shoes and not sidelined with an injury. Have fun and enjoy your run. Give us all a race report when you are done.

Mike

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Apr 3, 2008 5:41 PM

Who are you and why did you start running?

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