What made you start running?
MoreBean13
Posts: 8,701 Member
I started running twice in my life- first, when I was going in to high school and the first cut for making the soccer team was that you had to do 4 miles in 40 mins- if you couldn't do that you couldn't try out any further. Then, I realized that I could get a more advantageous position if I could play midfield in addition to offense, which meant a LOT of running- so I amped up my running so that I could make varsity in 10th grade.
I didn't run as a sport of it's own until I was in college, and my school work dictated that I couldn't play competitive soccer anymore. I wasn't great at that level anyway, so it wasn't a huge loss, but I felt abandoned without a team sport, having been on teams literally my whole life. I eventually realized running was something I could do by myself on my own time! For my 22nd birthday I bought myself entry in to the VA beach Rock & Roll Half Marathon, due to take place on my 23rd birthday- it was expensive (really expensive for a college student!) but I had a year to prepare. When I undertook this mission, I could not run at all, I had let my fitness completely go and couldn't run a mile straight. On my 23rd b-day I finished my first half, on the beach, in 2:15:44.
That's my story- what's yours?
I didn't run as a sport of it's own until I was in college, and my school work dictated that I couldn't play competitive soccer anymore. I wasn't great at that level anyway, so it wasn't a huge loss, but I felt abandoned without a team sport, having been on teams literally my whole life. I eventually realized running was something I could do by myself on my own time! For my 22nd birthday I bought myself entry in to the VA beach Rock & Roll Half Marathon, due to take place on my 23rd birthday- it was expensive (really expensive for a college student!) but I had a year to prepare. When I undertook this mission, I could not run at all, I had let my fitness completely go and couldn't run a mile straight. On my 23rd b-day I finished my first half, on the beach, in 2:15:44.
That's my story- what's yours?
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Replies
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Cops.0
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I ran so I could eat more. Walking was becoming too time consuming LOL.0
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I ran so I could eat more. Walking was becoming too time consuming LOL.
I hear that!0 -
To be fitter.0
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I used to run because I had to do so when I was enlisted.
Years later, I started running because I had a pretty girl, with the right set of blue eyes ask, "Are you running the 10K with us next month?" ...Why yes, yes I am
Then for years I continued to run just to prove to myself that I could finish the races I joined (I never win - with the exception of one age group event - I just finish).
Now? Now I actually run because I enjoy it. I've knocked out four marathons in two months (May, June) and I've got twelve more on the calendar between August and the middle of January.
The unfortunate side effect is that I never seem to have anything else to talk about :ohwell:0 -
I used to run because I had to do so when I was enlisted.
Years later, I started running because I had a pretty girl, with the right set of blue eyes ask, "Are you running the 10K with us next month?" ...Why yes, yes I am
Then for years I continued to run just to prove to myself that I could finish the races I joined (I never win - with the exception of one age group event - I just finish).
Now? Now I actually run because I enjoy it. I've knocked out four marathons in two months (May, June) and I've got twelve more on the calendar between August and the middle of January.
The unfortunate side effect is that I never seem to have anything else to talk about :ohwell:
Wow- that is a LOT of marathons! I know what you mean about not having anything to talk about too- people who don't run- specifically all of my friends and family- don't want to hear about running EVER either, they act like you just cornered them with a scrapbook about your 17 cats when you bring it up!0 -
I wanted to get into shape. I started off by walking and then running just came natural after walking was just not enough. Now I love running, and I am addicted to getting out there and hitting the pavement.0
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When I realised that If you cannot run then you are not as fit as you should be. I hope this does not offend non runners.0
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Running is for criminals. ;-)0
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Running is for criminals. ;-)
And the criminally insane! Which I sometimes feel like when I go run for 2 hours in the summer heat...0 -
I started running when I realized that any time I walked ANYWHERE, there was an urge inside of me to actually run instead. One day I said F it and started jogging (which killed me after about 20 seconds).
I slowly kept at it and to this day I am still a slow poke runner BUT I've finished seven 5Ks and one 10K. I am registered for my first half marathon (The Tinkerbell one at Disneyland next January) and I'll be doing my first Spartan Sprint in December. I am addicted and I love it! :drinker:0 -
I started running to be able to do one of the Run Disney Events... I was a slower walker so I knew if I wanted to finish in the time allotted, I would have to move a bit faster than walk. So at age 39, after never running in my life, I started training for a 5K.
Next thing I knew I was signed up for a half marathon.
Sunday I will run my 7th Half Marathon in 3 1/2 years.
Now... I run so I can eat more! :laugh:0 -
It was the only thing preventing me from doing Triathlons, which I always wanted to do!0
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Because a new wife and Corvette for my mid life crisis is too expensive!
Seriously- because I needed to get fit and give my body a break from the junk!0 -
I started running when I realized that any time I walked ANYWHERE, there was an urge inside of me to actually run instead. One day I said F it and started jogging (which killed me after about 20 seconds).
I slowly kept at it and to this day I am still a slow poke runner BUT I've finished seven 5Ks and one 10K. I am registered for my first half marathon (The Tinkerbell one at Disneyland next January) and I'll be doing my first Spartan Sprint in December. I am addicted and I love it! :drinker:
I have the sudden urge to scream out "RUN FORREST RUN"0 -
1) It's something I've NEVER been able to do.
2) Jillian Michaels said that she hates running...but she does it because it makes her skinny. I guess I just always figured skinny people were born loving running.0 -
I am registered for my first half marathon (The Tinkerbell one at Disneyland next January) and I'll be doing my first Spartan Sprint in December. I am addicted and I love it! :drinker:
I'm doing the Tinkerbell in January, too! Hubby and I ran it last year (he was one of the 900 guys out of 11,000 women!) and decided to do it again this year. :happy:0 -
I had asthma as a child so I grew up thinking I couldn't run. In 2002, I was diagnosed with a form of arthritis so I thought I'd never be able to run because of the damage to my knees. Then, in January 2012, I found out I had been misdiagnosed and there's really nothing wrong with me. So, I started Couch to 5K. And it sucked. I hated running. And then, 6 weeks into it, I literally hit my stride. I run three times a week now and I can't imagine NOT doing it. It keeps me sane. Except for Yoga, it improves my outlook more than any other activity. Right now, I'm working on increasing my speed before the Warrior Dash in September!0
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I just always thought it looked fun and walking is booooooooring!! The first 2 times I started, I got shin splints and had to quit, but then I got some good shoes and inserts and just started. The first time I went I just started making mini goals.....ex: ok, make it to that tree, then walk to that tree, then run to that.... and before I knew it, I ran a mile, then 2, then 3 and 4. And I'm at 4 for now. I eventually want to be able to go 6 miles without stopping. I don't care so much about time, however, I'm pretty proud my fastest mile is 9 min 16 sec. Never beat it though. Never. I'm a 10 min mile person. Not so hot, but I run laps around the peeps on the couch!!:laugh:0
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i started running this year because its free and good for me. oh and i get to eat more hehe0
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I never thought I could be a runner. EVER. I have bad knees and a bad back and I didn't realize it then but I roll my ankle when I move and it causes me a lot of pain.
Then I heard about this nifty little C25K program that my husband was using to get in shape for the military. But I was scared...SO after he left for basic (like 2 days after he left) I said "Eff it" and started the program. I finished Week 5 Day 1 today and I am IN LOVE with how I feel and I love challenging myself and finding that I can do these things that I never thought possible. Like last week, I could barely run 5 minutes straight but this week, I took my last 5 minute run and just kept running for a full 14 minutes! I was so proud of myself and I felt very accomplished!
I haven't done any 5ks YET but I will! I'm trying to talk my friend in Ohio into doing one with me in September so I have an excuse to fly down and visit him. Otherwise, once my husband and I end up at our permanent base station, I'll start looking!
Oh, and there is this added benefit that I am wearing a smaller size jean right now than what I could fit into a year ago when I was 10 lbs lighter. Back then I was 173 lbs and barely squeezing into a size 10. I was 179.9 as of today, but two weeks ago at 184, I tried on and bought two pairs of size 10 shorts (all if it is American Eagle so similar sizing). The same pants are still a little snug, BUT I have less muffin top hanging over so that is definitely a GREAT reason to keep running!0 -
I started running again about a year ago bc I had a stroke a couple yrs ago and just taking a shower was exhausting. It's not gonna be that way for me!! Stroke can bite my *kitten*. I worked up to a 10K and working on a 1/2.0
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To raise money for charity.
I have a 10k in September and hope to raise £200 for the SSPCA (an Animal charity in Scotland).
The pain I suffer in training is for them0 -
I ran so I could eat more. Walking was becoming too time consuming LOL.
^^This! Walking wasn't doing it for me anymore, so I had to pick up the pace...0 -
1) It's something I've NEVER been able to do.
2) Jillian Michaels said that she hates running...but she does it because it makes her skinny. I guess I just always figured skinny people were born loving running.
Interesting...it's the opposite I think- everybody hates running until you've gotten past a certain conditioning hurdle- that conditioning hurdle might be a little easier to achieve if you're not overweight, though.0 -
I had alot of stress in my life so I started excercising to relieve the stress and so I started Running primarly as a stress reliever never had really any intention of loosing weight or getting fit.0
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When I started my life change journey I was able to walk a few blocks then huffing and puffing and pain as I progressed I would walk more then faster I walk a course at Jones beach on Long Island NY at it is measured 2 miles out then 2 back and I kept dropping the time I wanted to finish One day I was walking as fast as I could and just started to jog and jog and jog and now I love it I am older and still have 50 pounds to go but this is part of my life now
People ask if I am a runner I smile and ask you ever see me jog young girls walking pass me but I will be a runner some day0 -
When I started my life change journey I was able to walk a few blocks then huffing and puffing and pain as I progressed I would walk more then faster I walk a course at Jones beach on Long Island NY at it is measured 2 miles out then 2 back and I kept dropping the time I wanted to finish One day I was walking as fast as I could and just started to jog and jog and jog and now I love it I am older and still have 50 pounds to go but this is part of my life now
People ask if I am a runner I smile and ask you ever see me jog young girls walking pass me but I will be a runner some day
The only qualification for being a runner is that you run! You're it!0 -
When I started my life change journey I was able to walk a few blocks then huffing and puffing and pain as I progressed I would walk more then faster I walk a course at Jones beach on Long Island NY at it is measured 2 miles out then 2 back and I kept dropping the time I wanted to finish One day I was walking as fast as I could and just started to jog and jog and jog and now I love it I am older and still have 50 pounds to go but this is part of my life now
People ask if I am a runner I smile and ask you ever see me jog young girls walking pass me but I will be a runner some day
The only qualification for being a runner is that you run! You're it!
THIS! ^^^^^ Read my tracker, if you can....doesn't matter how fast you go or how long you run. If you've been running for a day or 20 years, you are a RUNNER! I tell myself this every time I run if I find I'm having a little trouble.0 -
When I started my life change journey I was able to walk a few blocks then huffing and puffing and pain as I progressed I would walk more then faster I walk a course at Jones beach on Long Island NY at it is measured 2 miles out then 2 back and I kept dropping the time I wanted to finish One day I was walking as fast as I could and just started to jog and jog and jog and now I love it I am older and still have 50 pounds to go but this is part of my life now
People ask if I am a runner I smile and ask you ever see me jog young girls walking pass me but I will be a runner some day
The only qualification for being a runner is that you run! You're it!
Agreed! "Jog" is a totally made up word describing the gait of running.0
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