i've been running since november and i prefer to call myself an ultra jogger at just shy of a 15mm.  i used to read the penguin when i was younger and in better shape.  now i just think about him and the tortoise (of the tortoise and the hare) when i'm running, "slow and steady wins the race".  i run for the health and fun of it.  proof is that i hung out at the water stations at my last race (5m) because it was hot and the volunteers were friendly, lol!  now i'm training for a 1/2 marathon.  i'm the slowest in the group.  at first it was disheartening now i find it to be exactly what i need.  plus i'm built for distance so we'll see how all the speeders compare when we hit the double digit mileage

Wow, this is a great thread with some great experiences shared!  I have enjoyed reading John Bingham "the Penguin's" articles in Runners World magazine over the past few years while I have tried to get into running as a 40-something mom of two daughters whose participation in cross country and track looked so fun that I had to start trying to go beyond walking.  After a few years of easing from walking into jogging, I was finally able to mostly jog, and in June of 2009, I completed a 5K in a time of 31:22--my best so far.  I would love to do a 5K in under 30 minutes, but as that means averaging around a 9:30 minute mile, I don't know if it will ever be possible as time (aging) is against me!  I sometimes get envious of people who can easily run sub 10 minute miles, while that kind of pace is a hard workout for me.  I took a couple of group running classes and still occasionally hook up with the coach and others from the class, and sometimes find someone about my pace, and other times, everyone is leaving me in the dust! (puff, puff, puff!) When I was in fourth grade, Physical Education ("P. E.") started for the first time, and I found that I was one of the slowest runners of the girls in my grade...except for one girl who was really, really, really, really slow!  One time (somewhere between grades 6 and 8), the P. E. teacher timed us racing a short distance in pairs, and he put me with this super slow girl.  I had gotten in trouble back in 4th grade by complaining she was too slow when she somehow was leading all the girls in a line through the field and everyone was held up.  So when we started this little race, I decided to run just fast enough to stay slightly ahead of her.  When we finished, the teacher stopped the stopwatch with a funny look on his face!  Also in 4th grade, I would run with two girl friends at recess, and they always beat me!  And in the higher grades, we were timed to see how fast we could run 50 yards (the "50-yard dash").  A lot of the girls could get times of 7 seconds or less.  My time was always about 8 seconds, until one day I was determined to decrease my time.  Trouble was, I tried so hard that I tripped and fell!  The teacher let me start over, however, and this time I managed to run without falling, and I did it--got my time under 8 seconds!

Now as I approach middle age, I am again trying to set new PRs!  Just have to be careful, though.  Sometimes my back hurts (and other things, like my adductors) if I run too long or too hard.  Also, I could get too caught up in trying to be a better runner that I forget to have fun!  I wish I could start a "penguin club" around here, so we slow pokes could get together and just enjoy being able to move--our own kind of "runner's high!"

Just wanted everyone to know that when you are running distances be sure to carry your cell phone with you.  I went for a long run today alone, and fell.  I got hurt pretty bad, all banged up, but thankfully nothing brokine.  I was 5 miles away from home, and on a road with traffic.  It took me quite awhile to pick myself up, and not one car stopped to see if I was ok.  Next time, I will carry my cell phone for sure.

Linda - Sounds like you've found a great running (and walking) club!  There are some options in my area, including a running club, people I've met in the community running classes, etc....it's a matter of finding those with a similar pace and coordinating schedules that kind of complicates things a little.  What is a convenient day and time for some people, isn't for others.  One thing I haven't tried is 9 a.m. Saturday training (or just-for-fun) runs with the aforementioned running club that puts on three to four 5k/10k races per year as fundraisers.  I've participated in their races, but haven't made it to the Saturday morning runs, I guess, because it's farther from my home than my usual running spot.  Just will have to mark the calendar and try to make it sometime in hopes of meeting some new, possibly slower-paced runners!

Hi Everyone,   Just discovered this blog.  I, too, am a slow running Penguin, but I have found that, as a group, we rock!   I started running 10 years ago at the age of 55.  Now I'm 64, still slow and still going.  While it does take me a while, I have done quite a few half-marathons and still hope to do my first marathon.  Maybe next year.  I discovered John Bingham at the beginning and had the pleasure to meet him at a Sports Expo a few years ago. He is inspirational and I recommend any of his books for a beginner. 'No Need for Speed' should be required reading for any new and uncertain runner. My secret has always been the inspirational group I run with.  Many of us started together in a Beginner running class for women only. I still run with several of these women. I am the oldest, but they encourage me, they wait for me when I need a walk,  and  they keep me going through the bad weather and the aches and pains. I've been inspired by all of them.  I know all of you feel much the same and I wish you all the success in the world.

Hey Penguins!

Was reading the bit about carrying ID and as a newbie runner, I was not aware of this until I read it on a blog somewhere.  If you haven't heard of the Road ID, you should check it out!  I don't run outside without mine now as it holds all your important information.  Someone said on the site "It is your voice when you cannot speak" or something like that.

http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

Love the name!  I am currently running a 14:00 mile for about 6 miles.  I had a moment of insanity and agreed to do a 1/2 marathon in November in Philly.  I will be really happy to keep a 14:00 mile for 13+ miles, but it's going to be hard.  I know they have the "Couch to 5K" program, do they have anything to help you train for a half marathon????

Good for you, Kristykritter! Check out http://www.johnbingham.com/training.html. There are several different marathon training plans under that heading. Good luck on your training and wtg on taking the leap!