Hi,
I'm Al, and brand new to running. I was athletic in my youth, but the running was a sprint, and when I would try for any sort of distance thing, I HATED it. I just assumed that I didn't enjoy running, and that it only served to either get away from a dog/bear, or to chase after a soccer ball.

I am no longer a youth, that youth, or what I would consider living a fully athletic life. (Of course, having a job that isn't in the forest service, does limit my opportunities for a fully athletic life.)

It isn't to say I haven't been active, I hike, I walk, I stroll an average of 5miles a day, and have done for several years now. However, running.. that would be a nope.

I had a bad back injury this year, my PT (Physical Therapist) has me do a 1/1 on the treadmill. And she worked on my stride... OHHH WOW.. I didn't know that distance running was so different. (distance being anything longer than about 20seconds of full sprint). Tiny steps, lots of tiny, quick steps.

So, time passes and we continue on to about 8 months of PT; now I am stepping away from the Treadmill to the street. I even signed up for a 5k in October. (Problem there is the local rout has around +300ft in the first half. (thankfully, minus the same in the second.. *phew*)

Any way,
Still new to this, still recovering, and running averages around 14miles a week. Not a lot, I know, and I still do my walking. But..
I don't have any one to run with, and of course my friends all think I am crazy. (they may be right, but .. ehhh)

So, I am here, hoping to get some distant community, and to cheer on any one pushing past what they have known.

Hi everyone,
I’m from Out west. Living in Oakville.
Grew up running track. Hurt my back and it’s been years since I’ ve done any running.
Still working with physio she just told me I’d be three months till I can be back to running.
After all these years I would settle for jogging. But hey still aiming....
Joined the site with hopes to learn a few things along the way. But mostly support. Since it’s hard to find any one in a jogging or walking group here that is consistent to sign up with.
So, I’m hopeful a virtual site would be better help and more fun.

I've never done a running challenge online, but I have run several half-marathons and one full marathon. It's been 2 years since my last race and my husband and I are training for a half-marathon in November.

We ran just under 7 miles yesterday and did 2 (recovery run) today.

Total miles for September so far: 30
Goal for September: 85
Miles left to reach goal: 55

Seeing as we only have 14 days left in this month, the goal might not happen. We miss usually one 3-4 mile run during the work week (conflicting schedules, busy lives, you know the excuses). But we're consistently getting our long run done on Saturday morning and we just found a running group in our small town, so hopefully that will help us out. It gets SO HOT here that if we don't start early, it's really hard to get miles done.

Good day, fellow runners. My name is Kevin. I live in Chicago.

I joined this group a couple years back when I first started running. Although I wasn't too active at the time, I must say the people that I've followed on Strava over the last couple years because of this group have been a big inspiration to me as I go through my on and off again struggles with running. I've struggled with some injuries and general life setbacks that have provided me with excuses for my time away. Seeing people comment on huge personal challenges and accomplishments, post cross training activities, and stay active throughout the year, no matter what, has really inspired me to pick things up over the last few months and see if I can turn the remainder of my 40's into constant self improvement.

In jumping back into this community I'm looking to hold myself accountable for goals, as well as get advice on anything and everything that will help me stay injury free and further my running growth.

One goal I have for next year is complete at minimum a half marathon. I've never done a road race, and will likely try a shorter distance first in the lead up, but I think it's time for me to start picking out some yearly races to increase my focus and give me something to look forward to.

I look forward to chatting with you all.

Hi My name is Susan and I'm from Farmington Hills, MI. I just started running about 1 year ago and I run 4 miles about 4 times a week. Over 3 years I have lost 120 lbs. I am jumping into this challenge with a goal of 100 miles in October. Next summer 10K and hopefully followed by HMs. I am 68 years old.

Hi All. My name is Kirstin and I have been a runner since I was 12. Its always been my go to for exercise and stress and just needing to breathe. As I have aged, I have made less time for me and have stopped exercising altogether, something that isnt good for anyone. I am committed to getting back into the groove of things and here I am. I have run all distances up to and including marathons but struggle after 5 these days. I have 6 more half marathons I need to run this year so this is perfect timing.

Hi Everyone! My name is Danielle, 48 and working my way back to exercising daily. I am preparing for two 5K races - the Savannah Bridge in December and Charleston Bridge race in April 2019. I would rather run the Charleston race than walk so the work starts now!

Hi everyone! My name is Tammy, I turned the big 5 O this year (yikes) and decided that I want to get into the best physical shape that I am capable of so that I can enjoy all of my favorite physical activities into my 80s and beyond. I was a runner up until I started acquiring osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. I just sat on my ever expanding butt and felt sorry for myself. Last January I decided enough is enough and started eating right and exercising. I lost 80 pounds, started running, doing other cardo, and just started weight training. I am now able to run 10.3 minute mile and average about 5.7 miles 3-4 x a week.
It is nice to meet all of you and am looking forward to making some friends!

Need some help...
I’m interested in joining the November challenge but confused on where to join to become invited.

Hello everyone!
I’m Elizabeth from Houston TX
I’m a full time engineer student working part time. With school working and being a single mom is hard to find motivation to exercise but I want to take up running. I want to challenge my self to start racing. I’m new to running and I’m excited to join this group and look forward to have a good time in this amazing community.I have a question, since I am not a runner what would your personal recommendation be? How many miles month? Thanks! 😌.

Hey! I'm Sarah from Houston, TX. I have run very short distances off and on for several years, but over the past year began to get more regular with my runs and started adding on some miles. Mostly this happened as I started losing weight, and I am now down 37 lbs. It's amazing how much easier running is minus the weight!!
I always thought that if I could do a 5K, that was all the distance I wanted to do. But, of course now I'm training for my first 10K in February 2019 with a second goal to run my first half marathon later in the year. Now, it is becoming a meditative bit of time to myself and I always feel good after I run, even if the run itself was a slog. I may be slow but I caught the bug and I guess I can start calling myself a runner!

Hello, joining in for the accountability benefits.

My name is Gerry, I am in southeastern Virginia, Tidewater area, and looking forward to getting back in. I see the couch to 5K link above, and I'm using my Fitbit also.

Gerry

Hello, my name is Lauri. I used to run a lot -training like a monster to always go farther and faster. Now, my body has taught me the hard way too many times that I can't keep pushing it like that. But I LOVE RUNNING. I'd love the idea of a challenge that allows me to meet realistic goals. More so, I love the idea of being a part of a community, since most of my career and personal interests, and being a single mom, are all solo "sports".

Hi, my name is Lydia, I'm from Fort Worth, Texas. I used to run cross country in school and played soccer during the summers, but have been pretty sedentary since then. I picked up running again these past couple months and have nearly completed the C25K program. I'm trying to stay the course for 2019, and hopefully be able to work up to 10K runs.

I'm super excited to join this group because I really want to stay consistent and hold myself accountable throughout the year!

Good morning 😊 New to group. I consider my self a “Fit Granny”. I live in Western Oregon. I hike and do interval walk/run on trails. My goals for 2019 : Reach and maintain goal weight, increase endurance ( 60 miles / month) and most importantly stay motivated. I am looking forward to this group’s support.