How long does it take before you really feel like a runner?!

[jmasgat]

So I've only been training for 2-1/2 weeks to try and run the Minnie 15k. It's going okay, but some times when I start running I think to myself "This is not fun!"

For all the runners out there: how long was it before you felt like running was fun--something you just had to do---not a chore?

Maura
(Impatiently working to become a runner)

 

[wtpclc]

Depends on the day.... I rarely feel like it's fun but I like tehend result. I do have those great days when everything feels good, but it varies.

Sadly, no matter how long you've been doing it, you will still have bad runs that come. I think that makes you appreciate the good ones. If yo really are not haing fun, slow down or try a run/walk to change things up.

 

[tigger2esq]

it depends. I have been running since 2000 and there are days when I am just slogging through a training workout and others I just cant wait to lace up my sneaks and get out the door. This is a funny question only becuase I just finished a scrapbook of all of my race numbers over the past 7 years and its titled "Becoming a Runner". And in my journaling I asked the question of when does someone "become a runner" rather than just being someone who runs occassionally for exercise. for me I dont think it happened over night. it was definitely a progression and one day I looked up and I was pretty sure I had achieved true "runner status" LOL.

 

[corinnak]

FACT: Those first months of building a running base from nothing are a chore.

There's the inertia to overcome, the affronted feet and legs, the struggle to get to the place where the cardio isn't the limitation anymore. If you can, find things to enjoy in your incremental achievements, sometimes that helps with the mental aspect of it - be impressed with yourself! Running is at least as much a mental endeavor as a physical one. Physically, the feeling of well being might come a little later, but I think most runners would agree that there comes a point where it does improve.

After your body has adjusted to the fact that it is running, things do start to feel better, I think. I have been running less than a year, and yeah, there are still days and times when the runs aren't enjoyable, but when I'm running consistently, there are more times when it feels good to be out there, feels good to be moving, feels good to be challenging myself. You will get there, don't worry!

Are you following a particular training plan?

 

[hoosmi]

It's an on-going thing for me. I just finished the Goofy, but there are days when running feels totally foreign and new to me. I don't know that I "feel" like a runner yet.

You didn't say how far you are going, but when I started base-building, the first two miles drove me crazy! If I could get past the first 2, I'd suddenly feel like I could keep going, but it was a pain getting there.

Try changing your routine- new music, new route, promise of new running shirt/shorts/whatever after certain amount of time, etc.

Keeping a calendar for training is really helpful. When I would get the whole "who am I kidding? I'm not a runner!" thing going on, I'd flip through my calendar and just admire all the workouts I'd finished (even if I missed a few).

By the way, I started training for the Minnie 15k about this time last year- I started from scratch and was fine for the race (and I was not nearly as consistent in my training as for the marathon). You'll get there!

Jen in GA

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I never did --- I discovered that I am actually a walker! I go faster (I run incredibly slow), I enjoy myself, and I now do look forward to my walks.

Like you, I started out last January determined to be a runner. After some time on the Boards and the TM, plus a pulled muscle or two, it was evident running wasn't for me, but walking could be my niche.

That may not be the right answer for you -- and I'd give it more than a few weeks to decide -- but if you think you might be a walker, try a few miles and see how it feels.

Maria

 

[SamSam]

I never did --- I discovered that I am actually a walker! I go faster (I run incredibly slow), I enjoy myself, and I now do look forward to my walks.

Like you, I started out last January determined to be a runner. After some time on the Boards and the TM, plus a pulled muscle or two, it was evident running wasn't for me, but walking could be my niche.

That may not be the right answer for you -- and I'd give it more than a few weeks to decide -- but if you think you might be a walker, try a few miles and see how it feels.

Maria

I think I may be like you. I have walked for years and decided that I needed to kick it up and become a jogger. I'll give it more time doing a walking/jogging combo, but so far I don't get the enjoyment out of it that I always got from walking. I really enjoy walking, so I will fall back on that if becoming a wogger doesn't work out. I'm also doing the Minnie.....I should know by then if I'm walker or a runner, or maybe a wogger.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I think I may be like you. I have walked for years and decided that I needed to kick it up and become a jogger. I'll give it more time doing a walking/jogging combo, but so far I don't get the enjoyment out of it that I always got from walking. I really enjoy walking, so I will fall back on that if becoming a wogger doesn't work out. I'm also doing the Minnie.....I should know by then if I'm walker or a runner, or maybe a wogger.

I totally wog the last mile to the finish line , and I have been known to practice a wog for awhile -- I just have learned my limitations and I know I'll never be a runner . Wogging for a few miles and walking the rest, I classify myself as a walker. But you should do whatever combination works for you. Everyone is different. And it's great whatever you do, as long as you are having fun!

Maria

 

[jmasgat]

Appreciate all the comments. It's still early days for me on training, so I'm not discouraged, and I actually have been Wogging (part of the training plan) and not getting ahead of where I should be. Still, my DH would tell you that I have never been the patient type! And my DH,DD and DS all make running look natural (Of course, they are all tall and skinny and I am short and slightly less skinny!

Oh well, onward and upward!

 

[princessrunner]

When do you feel like a real runner...hmmm...I think that is all relevant. I think you achieve that true "runner" status when you are unbearable to live with because you missed your run. That's me. Some days running is a chore and some days it is pure bliss but every day that I don't do it, I miss it. Even though some days when I am out I hate it. So I guess I have the proverbial love/hate relationship with running!!!

As for feeling like a true runner, I usually do until I am in a race and someone blows by me like I am standing still.

 

[wtpclc]

Just noticed you are from MI. Does that mean your wogging on teh treadmill? that coudl amke all teh difference. TMs stink. Just my personal opinion, mind you.

 

[scoolover]

That is a tough one. I know that tonight when I wear my Goofy Tech shirt to, The Spirit of the Marathon, I will feel like a runner. When I show up to a race and everyone is under 160lbs and finishes a 5K under 20 minutes --not so much.