Beginning to Run Part II

So I had some interest expressed in my running post, and, well, I get pretty excited when people express interest in my blog topics, so I thought I'd write a follow-up post about getting started running.  After all, I really just barely scratched the surface in that first post, right?

Q: Is it okay to walk some when I'm supposed to be running?
YES!  Never, ever feel discouraged if you have to slow down to a walk when you're running. In fact, if you are just starting out or starting back to running, you should do walk/run intervals.  Google run/walk intervals to find a specific training plan, read Running for Mortals or just run for the length of one song on your ipod and then walk a song. It really depends on you and what your body is telling you.  There's a delicate balance between pushing yourself and pushing yourself too far.  These intervals may actually be better for your calorie burn (according to lots of research that I can't specifically site here. Just trust me.)  Bottom line: anything that gets your heart pumping is good for you.

Q: Is it okay to call myself a runner if I'm only jogging? Going for a run sounds so much cooler.
YES! Who the heck knows where the line is between jogging and running? I'd wager a bet that I'm technically just a jogger, because I'm slower than molasses.  But the term "jogging" conjures images of 80s dudes wearing a sweat band over a perm and running shorts on top of sweat pants.  And that image just doesn't jive with the image I have of myself of my running (in my head, I'm always gliding along with gentle breeze blowing through my hair.)

Q: Don't you think running is boring?
Um, a lot of times, yes.  I have yet to experience the infamous "runner's high." Running is hard work. 50% of that hard work is mental, so I try to distract myself.  That's why running buddies (shout outs to Monica, Jess and Cindy!) are AWESOME.  You can talk to someone else and the time goes by faster. (Side note: if you can't talk while you're running, you're pushing yourself too hard.)  If you don't have a running buddy and you don't live near me (BECAUSE I WOULD TOTALLY BE YOUR BUDDY), then try making mental to-do lists in your head, or jamming out to music.  Anything to distract yourself from the agony of running (just kidding, it's great, you'll love running!)

Q: Isn't it too damn hot to run? Can I run on a treadmill instead?
Yes, technically, you are allowed to run on a treadmill, but I will, personally, do anything in my power to avoid them.  Nothing sounds more horrible to me than running miles while at the same time STANDING IN ONE SPOT. Plus, I did a lot of my running on treadmills when I first started and it actually sets you back when you finally get out on the road.  See the road doesn't have a motor and a rotating band that actually gives you a little extra boost. You're expected to propel your own self forward (lame, I know). Plus, the road has things called hills. Lots of times people hop on the dreadmill and fail to hike up the incline factor, which leaves them horribly unprepared for the real world.

Q: How do you know how far you've run?
I have an awesome phone with apps that tell me how far I've run.  There's also fancy (and expensive) watches you can buy. If you have a simple Ipod you can wear the Nike+chip on your shoe (At about $25, it's a great investment. If you don't have the shoes it fits into, they sell pouches that attach to your laces for app. $10), and it will measure your steps and translate that into miles run and calories burned, etc.    Or you could just map out your route in advance (or after your run, if that's more your style) either using your car's odometer or www.mapmyrun.com or Google maps.

Q: Does running give you sexy legs?
Yes.

Q: Will you be my running buddy?
Yes. As long as you remember I am slow, and I like it that way.


PS Let me know if you want to be running buddies. For reals.