Any Runners Out There?

I think I could have written this myself :-)

Even if I think I'm slow or don't feel like I have a "typical" runners body, at the end of the day, running makes ME happy!
Sometimes I also get frustrated when my friends won't train for a race, but they will just go out and run it and kill my time. I secretly hope that they pay for it afterwards!

I'm a chunky monkey, at 198lbs and standing 5'6", but I classify myself as a "runner." I can't run 10 minute miles, but around 12 - 12:50 on a good day because of my arthritis. It's definitely helped me a ton in my weight loss goals and also, is just great to zone out and enjoy nature.

Do you prefer road running to treadmills?

I completely identify with your body type and feelings about other runners. Remember, you are competing against yourself in achieving your own goals. No one else matters!

If people were horses, I definitely wouldn't be a race horse, more like a plow horse. But they say, slow and steady wins the race.

This is me exactly. I've just started running or more like jogging. I'm learning to really enjoy it and like pushing myself.

I'm with you, but I'm not to the distances you are. I'm 5'4" too so when I race with taller people, I always get smoked.

I ended up joining a runners group and it's really helped me (solidarity and accountability always help ). I was never one for running; the times I tried to run by myself I'd quit after 5 minutes. I go in intervals now - usually 3 minutes running and 2 minutes walking - and I'm still not the fastest runner but I don't care. I prefer road to treadmill, though it still takes some serious mental strength to run outside in crappy weather. Speaking of, just ran 25 minutes in rain/snow! Woohoo!

In the past 3 years I have run 7 full marathons. I am 5-9 and last November I ran the Manchester Marathon at 260 lbs. That was a very heavy weight for me to run a marathon but I did it in 5:36:23. My fastest was in 2008, same marathon at 4:26:24 at 218 lbs. The point is if you enjoy running dont let lack of speed deter you. You should only be running against yourself, forget the others. I just try and set a realistic goal for myself in a race and meet that goal. If my friends beat me thats fine as long as I meet my own goals. When I finished the marathon last year at 260lbs I think a lot of people were amazed that a fat guy like me could do it, plus I'm 49 years old. Today I am at exactly 260 pounds and I'm training to run an Ultra Marathon in July at Wakefield Mass. My goal is to run 50+ miles in that race. I would like to have my weight down to under 235lbs for this. Since Christmas I have lost 8 pounds so I'm on my way. Keep on running.

I run... A LOT... and I don't have the typical runner's body, either. I have completed 2 half marathons, too! You can do it... it's all about building up to it gradually. I definitely consider myself a runner as my "short runs" are now 5K and 4 miles. If I do a mile or 2 mile run I consider that a sprint. It's a mindset, and it's addictive.

Best of luck on your running adventure!

Also... the only thing you're running against is the timer!!! I NEVER worry about anyone "beating" me in a race or vice versa. My pace is my pace... and my goals are to better myself from the time before.

Amazing skills, keep it up

i consider myself a runner! i run 5-6 miles a day, 2.5-3miles in the morning and then again in the evening.

i run 10 minute miles though so im slow considering what most "runners" run..

thats hwo i lost about 50-60 lbs was from running 3 miles a day and eating less than 2000 calories a day.

I run about 35-40 miles per week at 10:00 - 10:30 miles. I usually run a few half marathons a year, with a spattering of 5s and 10s. I am currently training for my first half of 2012 on March 18.