I am going to run.
Why am I telling you?
Well, if I don't tell anyone, I won't do it. I'll just quietly let myself fail and never speak of this again. You guys can keep my motivation up, right? Right.
I don't have any particular goals, other than to get in shape and improve my cardiovascular health. I don't see any marathons (or even half marathons) in my future at the moment. And I'm not overweight... I just want to get healthy.
People always talk about the "high" they get while running. It's definitely true. I've been out a couple times already and felt great. I used to Rollerblade a lot (before Celiac hit me) and always pushed myself to go further than I thought I could.
I still have to go out and buy real running shoes so I'm hoping that will encourage me even more. The above picture is from Hello Bloomers page about running shoes.
My friend Laurie Ann March who wrote the book Another Fork in the Trail: Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for the Backcountry
has been a great inspiration for me. You can check out her blog.
has been a great inspiration for me. You can check out her blog.
Anyway, you might get random updates on my progress. Hope that's okay ;)
Any runners out there?
Got any words of wisdom or motivation for a beginner, like me?
Got any words of wisdom or motivation for a beginner, like me?
Awesome! Two things - 1) there is a Running Room outlet in Toronto WAAAAAY out on Queen (past Islington towards Etobicoke). Fantastic deals on running shoes. Got my last pair for $45 rather than $125. If you google the outlet you should get an address.
ReplyDelete2) I just downloaded an app called Zombies, Run! that's kind of fun (if you have a smart phone and want to make a game of it). It's $8, which sucks, but it works your music in to a story line about being a zombie apocalypse survivor, so it's entertaining and they tell you when to run to avoid getting eaten :) Plus, it's in increments, so if you're not a runner, it won't kill you on your first try.
Number 2 may be irrelevant because not everyone is in to zombies or spending $8 on apps, but definitely check out number 1 and good luck!
I ended up going to Running Room in Bloor West and got last year's Mizuno shoes... 70 bucks! So I was happy with that :)
DeleteI'm just testing out some of the apps that measure distance and speed, etc. I run in fairly busy areas so I like being able to hear what's going on around me.
I am so happy for you. Before my accident, I was in training for a year for the Around the Bay race in Hamilton. Work hard, and get good shoes. Do not cheap out on the shoes. And a good belt to carry water. Lots of water. My Dr.'s assure me that in another couple of years I may be able to run again, so watch out, I might be right behind you. Go Go Go Go Go Go JAX.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your accident :( I firmly believe running is addictive... I'm craving a run right now but have soooo many emails to respond to right now not sure if it's happening today.
DeleteYour going to love it and will see improvements fast..
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing to remember is take it slow as in speed and slowly increase the distance. And yes good shoes.
I have been running for 5 years now and have been Gluten free since last Oct. so going into this race season I'm looking to see if I can beat all my old times on some of the local races.
Oh on that note, signing up for a race or event keeps you motivated. Good luck and have fun!
Scott Burden
Thank you for the tips!
DeleteI work weird hours and not sure that I can commit to an event. I've been pretty motivated lately so I'll see how far that takes me... I might sign up for an event once I get my endurance up a little bit.
Fantastic! I just took up running again last year after 27 years of inertia (I was a long-distance runner in high school and some online friends encouraged me to take it up again). I love it, but have been plagued by injuries. So, some words of advice:
ReplyDelete1. Make sure you know how strong your bones are - get a bone scan if you haven't had one in awhile. I've had two stress fractures, one in each ankle. Could be that the Celiac caused weakening of the bones due to malabsorption.
2. Warm up thoroughly before running. I can't stress this enough. Again, you will avoid injury. By the time you feel that twinge in your shin/calf/ankle, it's too late, the damage is done. Make sure to do dynamic stretching, not static. Talk to the people at The Running Room - they will help you to know what's appropriate.
3. Take it slow - don't push too hard, too fast to gain distance. It's very, very enticing once you start, because you feel so great, but hold back. I recommend John Stanton's book, Running, very highly - he has programs in there for every level of runner. Follow them, including the walk/run/walk method. It works.
4. Dress appropriately. You will get hot. Trust me. In fall/winter/spring you should be a little chilly when you start, otherwise by the time you get going you'll be overheating, and you can't peel off layers unless you've got someone following you in a car!
5. Carry water with you, and drink, drink, drink beforehand too. If you aren't properly hydrated you'll pay for it later. After your run, drink 1 cup of chocolate milk - best recovery drink there is.
6. Enjoy! Best of luck to you!
Liz
I had a bone scan done about 5 years ago, after my Celiac diagnosis. Everything came back fine then... do you think I'd need another one?
DeleteThank you for the encouragement!
So proud of you and thanks for saying that I have been a "great inspiration". That means a lot to me. So, maybe one day we'll run a charity race together. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYou sure I won't be left in the dust? ;)
Delete