Introduction - returning to running

[KristinandChris]

Hi everyone,

I've been "lurking" for a while on this board and I think it's great so I thought I'd officially introduce myself My name is Kristin and I'm a 29 year old teacher and I'm working towards the 1/2 marathon in 2010. I came up with this great idea while I was pregnant but now that my daughter is 3 months old I think I should actually start the training! My husband has been running for about 4 months now and is doing great - he also plays soccer and has always been in shape. Of course he's up to 5 or 6 miles at a time and I'm still struggling on the treadmill!

I played sports growing up through high school but I haven't worked out on a regular basis in years. I've ran a couple of 5ks but the last one was a few years ago. I'm going to start with the couch to 5k program and hopefully be on my way to training for the 1/2 marathon soon. I'd love to hear from other new moms who got back into shape! I started running/walking a couple of weeks ago and couldn't believe how different my body felt. I think my legs are still recovering from the extra baby weight

Hopefully I can balance my mommy duties, teaching, and working out! Here's to getting into shape for Mickey!

 

[jessily]

Welcome! I started running last March with the Couch to 5k program and ran the Disney Half a few weeks ago! I though the program was great for slowly adjusting you to running. Best of luck to you!

 

[momof2minnies]

Kristin,
Congratulations and good for you.

Keeping a journal over on the journal boards will help alot too.Alot of support also.

Linda

 

[bunnyfoo]

Kristin! I was in a similar place last year - I was new to running and I spent the year training so I could run the 1/2 this January. I had some aches and pains along the way but it was all worth it! Plus you'll get a lot of help and support from the WISH board.

If you're struggling on the treadmill, try running outside. They're really very different and I find outdoors running a lot more interesting. Also make sure you take a trip to your local running store to get fitted for shoes.

Best of luck to you!!

 

[JustSmile]

Kristin!
I have 4 kidlets myself and started running when my littlest was 18 months (he just turned 3 in December). I, too, started with C25K, but I had NEVER been a runner. It's a great way to ease into running and with a year to train, you'll be more than ready to run the 1/2 in 2009. I just ran the 1/2 this year--what a great feeling. Anyway, running has become an outlet for me and on a pretty day, there's nothing better that putting on your shoes, pulling out the jogging stroller, and getting out there and enjoying the day. You'll find so much support here and an answer to just about any question you can think of .

 

[KristinandChris]

Thanks everyone! I'll definitely get a journal going too - I might start up a blog as well for family and friends.

I'm doing the treadmill right now because of the weather and since my daughter is too young for her jogging stroller. As soon as she is big enough for it I'm looking forward to taking her out. I'm hoping when school gets out I'll be motivated to run with her in the mornings before it gets too hot.

Thanks for the encouragement already! I just ordered 3 running books from amazon (someone on here recommended at least one of them) so now I definitely have to get started

 

[TXAng]

I'll second (third?) the Couch to 5K. It's a great program.

Make sure to drop by the main weekly thread and say hi over there, too!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I just know that you will be finding all sorts of happiness doing this. I can't wait to hear of your progress. Since DH is also a runner I think you will have a great support system at home. We are here for you too!

 

[SAHDad]

Thanks for the encouragement already! I just ordered 3 running books from amazon (someone on here recommended at least one of them) so now I definitely have to get started

Good luck on your training, and keep us posted. Which books did you order?

 

[KristinandChris]

Good luck on your training, and keep us posted. Which books did you order?

I ordered The Complete Book of Running for Women, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, and The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training. I'm really looking forward to the last book the most

 

[SAHDad]

I ordered The Complete Book of Running for Women, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, and The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training. I'm really looking forward to the last book the most

I think I have gotten a couple of those for DW from the library before. If they are the ones I recall, they were pretty useful for the beginning/intermediate runner. Good choices.

 

[wtpclc]

Kristin - Welcome!!! Please jump into the weekly trianing threads when you get a chance. ALso, you can ask to be on a tiem to ehlp with accountability. FInally, many of us here love Marathoining for Mortals by John Bingham. I highly recommend it!

 

[suzannews]

Welcome Kristin!!

I've been at this for less than a year and its the best thing I've done for myself!! I did my first race last May, the Minnie 15K, and by the time this May rolls around, I will have done 10 races including the 1/2 marathon.

There is so much great information and support here, just know you are never alone!!

 

[Caseydilla]

Hi Kristin and welcome! Good luck reaching your running goals. I am sure you will do great with already having a running background.

I'm a mom of two - ages 6 and 1. I started running after my first child was born to lose the weight. I did mostly 5K's back then. Then when I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I was determind to continue running while pregnant to stay in shape. I ended up continuing my running up until a few days before I delivered. After that, I decided to kick things into a higher gear and train for a half marathon. I registered in Feb 2008 for the Disneyland 1/2 in August as my ultimate goal. I ended up being ready for a half by April and did my first one then(10 weeks into training). The half training is when I really lost the rest of the weight and got back down to a size I hadn't been in a very long time. I liked the half distance so much, that I ended up doing 6 of them last year. I did 14 races total in 2008.

 

[KristinandChris]

That's great! The first 5k I did was a fluke - I didn't train so I just ran really sloooow the whole time The embarrassing thing was that it was a 5k involving congressmen and senators (I worked at a magazine in DC) and I got passed by a lot of senators well into their 70's!

I'm running in a 5k in May and hopefully some other races this summer and fall. I'll be ready to get off the treadmill by then for sure! We just had our first snow here so it will be a while until I can get outside.

Are you doing the 1/2 marathon next year or trying for the full?

Welcome Kristin!!

I've been at this for less than a year and its the best thing I've done for myself!! I did my first race last May, the Minnie 15K, and by the time this May rolls around, I will have done 10 races including the 1/2 marathon.

There is so much great information and support here, just know you are never alone!!

 

[KristinandChris]

Ok you're definitely my new inspiration! That's amazing! I'd like to get back to my pre-baby weight and possibly a few lbs below. I am a little nervous because I never really liked long distance running in high school, I loved playing soccer and field hockey but never got into long distance running. But now that I have a job, family, and a busy life it's kind of nice to "check out" for a bit and just focus on the running.

I'm doing a 5k in May for sure and hopefully some other races later. I live in the DC metro area and there are lots of races when the weather is warmer. I'd love to do a 10k this summer at least.

That's great that you ran while pregnant with #2! I would like to stay in better shape with #2 as well (whenever we decide to start trying again). I did yoga with DD but towards the end she sat on my sciatic nerve and it was painful to walk so exercise went out the window. Fingers crossed her little brother or sister doesn't do that!

Hi Kristin and welcome! Good luck reaching your running goals. I am sure you will do great with already having a running background.

I'm a mom of two - ages 6 and 1. I started running after my first child was born to lose the weight. I did mostly 5K's back then. Then when I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I was determind to continue running while pregnant to stay in shape. I ended up continuing my running up until a few days before I delivered. After that, I decided to kick things into a higher gear and train for a half marathon. I registered in Feb 2008 for the Disneyland 1/2 in August as my ultimate goal. I ended up being ready for a half by April and did my first one then(10 weeks into training). The half training is when I really lost the rest of the weight and got back down to a size I hadn't been in a very long time. I liked the half distance so much, that I ended up doing 6 of them last year. I did 14 races total in 2008.

 

[suzannews]

Are you doing the 1/2 marathon next year or trying for the full?

I'll be sticking with the 1/2. After doing the 1/2 this year, I am good with the distance and honestly don't know if I could do a full. I give everyone who does the full alot of credit, even more to those who do the Goofy.

 

[gatorphipps]

WELCOME!
I understand! I started running after my 2nd DD was born. (I have a DD10 & DD8). I did this to loose weight, however, it has become a part of me. Here is a quote I just found on my BT site where I log my WOs:

"The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am." --George Sheehan, M.D.

It is a great stress buster for me...I no longer do it just for weightloss....in fact, my DH pushes me out the door and tells me not to come back until I have run at least 5 miles.