Any Runners Out There?
rachelrae215
Posts: 16
Hi I'm 5'4 and currently 150 lbs with a goal of 125. I feel like I don't have the typical runners body but I love the sport. I regularly run in half marathons (with about a 10 minute per mile pace). It could be all mental but it feels like naturally tall and thinner people are typically in the sport. Either that or worse - friends who never train killing me in races! ugh! Anyone out there like me? Looking for motivation and encouragement!
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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!0 -
as you run more, you'll get faster and start to look more runnerish...albeit it might be a stronger version vs. just skinny.
I have been running for quite a while now and I am finally getting to the point where I am getting fast and looking more like a runner. FINALLY. It took a good 6 months of focusing on nutrition to get there though.0 -
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?0 -
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.0
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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!0
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Do you prefer road running to treadmills?
ROAD/TRAILS ALL THE WAY!!!!!0 -
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.0 -
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.0 -
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. 0
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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 am kinda of like you! I feel like I'm too much of a chunky monkey to run races, standing at 198 at 5'8. But it ALWAYS puts a smile to my face when I see/hear the comments from my skinnier friends after I log my Nike + runs on Facebook or tell people how many miles I just ran. They always look amazed... and THAT makes me feel REALLY good!0 -
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! 0
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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!
I absolutely feel the same way - TS Eliot once wrote "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" - running is completely subjective as there is nothing in the sport except you and your body, and only YOU can control and influence that - so there's no point comparing yourself to others. Challenge yourself and you'll go far, as you will always find new challenges, and you'll never get bored of pushing your own limits!
Three years ago I couldn't run for 5 minutes, and I completed 2 marathons and 4 halfs last year. Nothing's impossible if/when you set your mind to it x 0 -
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.0
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I am not a runner. However, I run about 15mi/wk or more. I don't have a runners body. I'm a big girl. But my 10:15-11:00 pace is faster than anyone sitting on their *kitten* eating bonbons.0
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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
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Just to put some perspective on the height issue, at least......
Here are the stats for the American Olympic teams....
Men's: Meb Keflezighi (1st place in Olympic marathon trials) is 5'7"....Ryan Hall (2nd place) is 5'10" (not TOO tall for a guy!)....
Women's: Shalane Flanaghan (1st place) is 5'5"; Desi Davila (2nd place) is 5'2"; Kara Goucher (3rd place) is TALL at 5'7"...
I personally am 5'9 1/2", and I would tower over these Olympic runners....Shorter runners actually tend to be the norm!0 -
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.0 -
I just started the couch to 5k program today. I'd love to be a runner. Maybe I should say I AM a runner. I AM a runner. I AM a runner. I just need to work on how far/long I run. 0
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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 18.0
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I'm more tortoise than hare, but I AM running.0
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My favorite saying I have seen recently is, "no matter how fast/slow you are, you are still lapping everyone on the couch!"0
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I'm a slow runner - more of a jogger, really. I'm trying to get faster. I've heard that more practice makes a faster runner. My 12-year-old daughter is on her school's cross-country team. My goal is to be able to keep up with her. I've been running for a little over a year, and am in no way consistent, much to my dog's displeasure.0
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I'm tall for a lady (5'9") at 160lbs with a goal of 150. I have been running 5ks for a couple of years. And I still struggle. Like maybe 10 to 12 minute miles. There's a quote floating around on Pinterest that says "no matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch". I'm just going to make that be my mantra.0
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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.
haha- that's awesome. I would say I am more like a German Stock mule (5'4- 155). My fiance and running partner is a gazelle. Pisses me off to no end that I'm the one with the running dream and he's the one who never ran and is throwing out 6:45 min one milers, while I'm barely breaking 8:45. (sigh) in my next life I want long legs...0 -
Whether it's a 14 minute mile, a 10 minute mile, or a 6 minute mile...it's still a mile.
Work on distance and the speed will come.
I ran my first half marathon in June 2011 and my full marathon in Oct 2011 (at ~195 lbs). I started running regularly in April 2011. I'm 5'9" and typically run at a 10 minute mile pace for longer distances. In April I was a 12-13 minute mile. For shorter runs (5k) I can kick it up to about a 8-9 minute mile.
In April I be running a half marathon, but now I weigh 165 lbs. I hope the weight loss as well as more conditioning/training will increase my pace.
Best of luck and keep on running!0 -
I am getting back into running after an 18 year break. I ran through high school and college, but after getting married and having three children, running is alot harder than it used to be!:grumble: I am short (5ft 1) with stumpy legs and one of my best runner friends has giraffe legs so it gets a little discouraging to even try to keep up. I am 40 and ran my first and second 5k's last year and hope to be able to run some more this year. At this point I am not running for any other reason than to say I did it, ie, not competing against anyone but myself. I did a bit too much when I started running and had an over-use injury on one of my knees and had to take a few month break but am working my way back. Nothing like that running high!:glasses:0
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10 min/mile is a great pace for a half, I think! I'm 5'3" and about 140...definitely need to lose my belly...and i LOVE to run! I haven't been able to train for any half marathons yet...I'm super busy with work and school...but I like to do 1 or 2 5ks a year and in 2010 I did a 10k that was pretty fun.
I agree...it seems like the tall, willowy people have an easier time running, and we short, stout people have it hard...but I still love it!0 -
I am a runner, although I don't usually do any races over 5K (I know -- that is a sprint for you half and full marathoners). I find that running about 4 of these a year gives me something to train for and track against. I have been running (as an adult) for a little over a year now, and average about 15-20 miles per week, and a couple of times per week I hit the weights. My starting 5K (as an adult) was 34:11 in Jan 2011, and as of October 2011 (last race) I ran a 25:12. I have another race coming up in a week and a half and I am hoping to be sub 24 minutes.
For all those that are starting to run, don't worry about how far or fast you run. Be satisfied with the fact you are getting out there and exercising. Additionally, take each walk/run one day at a time. Each time you walk or run, try to go a little further and maybe a little faster. Track your runs using an application like runkeeper (runkeeper.com). Set goals - walk/run a 5K - there are tons of them, usually one each weekend. One poster mentioned the Couch to 5K program - this is great - it is geared toward going from not running to running a 5K in 12 weeks. Crossing that finish line (regardless of placing) will give you a great boost and you will want to run more just to improve on your success.
Good luck to you and happy exercising!0 -
Just to put some perspective on the height issue, at least......
Here are the stats for the American Olympic teams....
Men's: Meb Keflezighi (1st place in Olympic marathon trials) is 5'7"....Ryan Hall (2nd place) is 5'10" (not TOO tall for a guy!)....
Women's: Shalane Flanaghan (1st place) is 5'5"; Desi Davila (2nd place) is 5'2"; Kara Goucher (3rd place) is TALL at 5'7"...
I personally am 5'9 1/2", and I would tower over these Olympic runners....Shorter runners actually tend to be the norm!
Wow...I had no idea. That's great to know! I guess I always picture runners as graceful, gazelle-types, as opposed to like a hedgehog.0 -
Just to put some perspective on the height issue, at least......
Here are the stats for the American Olympic teams....
Men's: Meb Keflezighi (1st place in Olympic marathon trials) is 5'7"....Ryan Hall (2nd place) is 5'10" (not TOO tall for a guy!)....
Women's: Shalane Flanaghan (1st place) is 5'5"; Desi Davila (2nd place) is 5'2"; Kara Goucher (3rd place) is TALL at 5'7"...
I personally am 5'9 1/2", and I would tower over these Olympic runners....Shorter runners actually tend to be the norm!
I'm with Christa. I'm 5'11" and I'm tall for a runner and not necessarily any better at it then those shorter runners. I tend not to use my full stride because it can irritate my knees after awhile.
You can be a runner at any size, shape or age. You get what you put into it. The more I work at it, the faster I get. I've come a long way in the almost two years I've been running. 0
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