Running....TRULY an addiction!

I started running about 8 weeks ago - well, at the beginning it was more like walking fast (and even that lasted for only about 1 minute at a time).

Now, I can run at an 11 min/mile pace for 4 miles at a time without walking at all and I LOVE IT. I am currently training for a 10k race, and trying to get my pace under a 10 min/mile. Considering I began at a 20 min/mile pace, I think I will get there soon.

Now, I run 3-4 times a week and cannot stand to miss it. I don't quite get it either since I used to be heard saying I would never run unless someone was trying to kill me (and I really meant it). I figure there is some truth to the runner's high, even though I don't really feel high after I run...

You are not alone at all.

I started C25K on 1/28/2012. I was NEVER a runner before that day.

My first 5K race was St. Paddy's date (3/17).

Since then I've run 2 more 5Ks, a 10K, a 7 mile race, a 10 Mile race and a Half Marathon.

I have two more Half Marathon's scheduled between now and January and will pick up another 5K and 10K or two along the way.

I'm already looking into at least two three more Half Marathons for 2013 and my first full marathon in November 2013.

I've run nearly 600 miles this year... and expect to run over 1000 next year.

I'm totally addicted to running... I have had a bit of tendonitis since my first half marathon nearly 3 weeks ago, so it has been a few light weeks... what does that mean nowadays? "Only" 9 days of running in the last 18 days for a total of "just" 37 miles.

I used to think runners were all crazy... now I KNOW they are... and I'm so happy to be another lunatic out there running with them.

Ted

I used to say, "I don't run." Period. And if someone was chasing me -- hit the breaks, they'll fly right by. I've been doing a lot of swimming and biking and did a sprint triathlon a week ago; but I mostly walked the 5K. I decided I wanted to be able to run it next time; so I started C25K. This was my first week , and I feel great. Yesterday I was particularly frustrated about some issues, and thought, "I need another workout today -- a run or something." Run? An antidote to frustration? Run? And that's just the first week! I think a re-wiring has begun. Sure hope so.

Or is it more the races that are addicting? I started the c25K program on May 29th of this year. To date, I've run 2 5K races and have now signed up for 2 more...within 7 days of each other! What has happened to me? I've NEVER been a runner in my LIFE and now I can't go more than 2 days without getting the itch!

Don't get me wrong, I love it, but at the same time...what is it? I've never done any other kind of workout that has done this to me before!

I just had to put this out there in the hopes that I'm not the only one! :flowerforyou:

You are not alone! I too started running early June, My husband who is a seasoned runner never warned me how addictive running is, Oh what a good addiction it is!!!

I'd vote for it being the races. I hate running, I really do. But I love the races.

But as a way to finally relieve the constant annoyance of running and race training I decided that my last half marathon was truly my last. And the end of any distance running for me. I'll probably still pick up a few fun runs here and there, but nothing that requires actual training for anymore.

Really enjoying this post. I can barely run a full mile right now but looking forward to getting better. It's very inspiring to see posts such as "I could barely walk fast and now I'm logging double(or triple)-digit miles a week".

Crazy cool. You guys rock. :flowerforyou:

I started c25k this week as well. Just did run number two. It feels great! best wishes and good luck with training

I hate running. But I LOVE all the smiles I get when I cross the finish line. And I REALLY LOVE the medals. I race for the smiles and the medals.

OMG @35andRunning, I swear I was just thinking the same exact thing and I saw this topic pop up in my side bar. I have never been addicted to any physical activity and have never been a runner. I have finished one 5k, signed up for another and am training for a half marathon in March. I ran the last two days in a row and am irritated that I can't go today. Unbelievable.
I think I am addicted to the adrenaline and challenge personally. Those are things that have always driven me in other areas of my life. It is just a relief that it is finally in a healthy way.

I need to get back to running at least on a part time basis. Recent knee surgery and the beginnings of arthritis had my doctor told me to avoid impact stuff if possible, but the feeling you get from a good run is something I miss.

Years ago I ran the Boston Marathon (2000) and had never run before I began training for it. I remember a friend telling me how much he loved the meditative aspects of running when you sync up your pace to your breathing and just start chewing up miles. I thought he was nuts until it happened to me and I "lost" about five miles of a ten mile run.

I'm gonna need to start C25K again.

CHEAPER THAN THERAPY BABE! I HAVE BEEN A RUNNER FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND WAS A SWIMMER! ITS A RUNNERS HIGH AND ITS AMAZING TO GET LOST IN THOUGHTS AND JUST GO! I AM TRAINING RIGHT FOR MY 2ND 1/2 AND DO 5KS AND 10KS TO KEEP ME MOTIVATED AND GOING! LOVE IT! KEEP IT UP GIRLY!

Yep I'm an addict too!
I used to refuse to run for ANYTHING now I've joined a running club and am building my times and distances gradually. I love to run, its the one exercise that truly gives me the "exercise high" I always refused to believe existed. I'm hoping to run my first 5k or even a 10k by christmas which I would never have dreamed of a year ago :bigsmile:

I've just starting running...with lots of walking in between! One day, I will run a race along with my oldest son (15) and my younger brother (42).