The Running Thread - 2016

[roxymama]

Former front-end banker checking in! I used to also think if I can get my body going at a pace faster than what I trained for, then maybe I could convince my body to keep running at that pace for the whole race. Want to guess how many times that worked out?

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

QOTD: Tell us about your first race and how did it go? How much have you improved since then?

My first race was a 5K that I trained for after having my second baby in 2008. I gain about 50-60 lbs. each time I'm pregnant, so losing the baby weight was a big motivation of getting into running. The problem was I thought I hated running! Hated it! I soon discovered that there were so many benefits to running it was well worth it though! Increased endorphins, more energy, some sanity saving alone time to name a few. For the actual 5K, I had a great time! I even won first in my age group (this had more to do with the fact that most of the runners were running the 10K, 1/2, or marathon that was attached to this race and less to do with my time!).

I would say my improvements have been mental more than anything. Running is all about putting one foot in front of the other and that carries over to so many other things in my life. Just keeping at something and trying to enjoy the journey. Other than the time I took off to have my third baby, I have been a consistent runner since then. Knowing that I have plugged away it for so long, gives me a feeling of accomplishment even if I have never become super fast or won any more 1st place medals!

 

[baxter24]

ATTQOTD: My first ever race was a local 5k back in 2010. I ran it with my best friend. I had trained decently (or back then what I thought was decently) for it. It was a really hilly course and we ended up finishing with a little over an 11:00 minute/mile pace. The course went right by the finish line for an out and back. Just as we were passing the finish line, a kid who appeared to be no older than 10 was finishing. I learned very quickly to try and not compare yourself to every other runner in the race. There is always going to be a dad pushing his kids in a double stroller smoking you as you run uphill and that is okay....unless you are that dad, then go you! I have improved my times for races a lot since then, still feel like I struggle sometimes, but have really grown to love running ever since.

 

[DopeyBadger]

That post should of started off with "What not to do before your first marathon". Its almost text book stuff you read in RW's not to do. I'm sure you learned a lot from it, and the good news is you are still at it! The banking time on the front end is my favorite part.

LOL! It's so true. Didn't even know RW existed pre that race. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into nor what I was doing during the run.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: My first race ever was the first cross country race of the season when I was a sophomore in high school (fall 1991). I was a star basketball player and softball player, but over the years leading up to high school had never developed a fall sport. My freshman year, the AD decided that just wouldn't do, and kind of made me join the volleyball team midway through the year. I didn't really like volleyball that much. So my sophomore year, despite never running before other than during basketball practice, I told my parents I wasn't going to play volleyball again, and the AD couldn't make me, I was going to join the cross country team. Boy was the AD mad about that! My parents were kind of baffled, too, it was a pretty random thing for me to do. I am a 6'0" lady and towered over all the other runners on the team who were little tiny things. I was pretty bad. I don't remember my exact time to the second but I know it was 30:xx. Twenty five years later and like 70 lbs heavier, I'm still trying to get back down to that time, never mind my HS PR of 24:03. But back then I could not run much more than the 3.1 miles, we didn't train super long distances. And now I have run 5M, 10K, half marathons.

 

[Chasing Dopey]

The banking time on the front end is my favorite part.

I KNOW! That is a riot! That whole story sounds like my brother-in-law. His first marathon was last February, he finished just under the 6-hour time limit, and needed help getting home. Of course, the dude is a freak and BQ'd 8 months later. Don't ask how. He does everything wrong.

ATTQOTD: Star Wars 10K in Anaheim! (January) Great fun! I may be most proud that I'm pretty sure I was the only guy running dressed as Finn. I was looking for more, but couldn't find any. I was taking it easy and enjoying the parks as I had the other half of the challenge the next day. I learned a lot about crowds.

Since I've only ever run both Star Wars challenges from the back (or stayed back with DW for her alumni run), I have yet to run my first race. That will be a half marathon in late September or early October. I'm looking forward to finding out what I'm really capable of.

 

[huggybuff]

ATTQOTD: So this isn't technically the first race, but it's the one I remember the most as it was the goal race for the Train to End Stroke fundraising group that I was a part of back in the early 2000's. I was super sick at the time, suffering from major depression and anxiety, but I had it in my head that I was going to do a marathon in Jamaica - walking the whole thing. I followed my usual pattern of not completing the training but I still made the trip and was determined to finish. I was on the course for approximately 8 hours and got one of the worst sunburns I have ever had in my life - I was getting stares in the airport the next day! I also drank way too much water along the course and am sure I was in danger of water intoxication. It took almost 15 years to start running again after that experience I was so ashamed of myself.

To end on an up note, I had a solid run this morning.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Former front-end banker checking in! I used to also think if I can get my body going at a pace faster than what I trained for, then maybe I could convince my body to keep running at that pace for the whole race. Want to guess how many times that worked out?

I did this for my first few marathons, but was only trying to bank about 5 minutes. Even that cost me, but I didn't learn why until about 5 years ago. I ran all wrong for most of my life, but my mileage and youth allowed me to overcome my mistakes. I nodded politely and ignored my coaches when they said things that I didn't want to hear.

 

[opusone]

QOTD: Tell us about your first race and how did it go? How much have you improved since then?

1st Running Race: I think I was about 10 or 11 years old (so about 1980), and during one of my semi-annual visits to my dad's in Chicago (I lived in Texas at the time), my dad, step mom, brother and I did a 5 mile race in Lincoln Park. Prior to arriving, I had no idea that we were running a race, so obviously, I never trained, but I was a very active kid playing all sorts of sports (and even ran with my brother every once in a while). In any case, I think I was the youngest runner in the race, and I remember finishing at almost exactly 40 minutes (8:00/mi average). Given that I was the youngest person there, what I remember most is the huge applause I received at the finish line.

1st Triathlon: in 1993, I decided to try my first triathlon when I saw a flyer in a local running store. Given that my only exposure to triathlons was when I read about the Hawaii Ironman, my thinking was that this triathlon would be a perfect introduction, because after all, this was only a half Ironman, so in my mind, it was only half of a triathlon. I had no idea there were all these sprint and olympic distance triathlons. It really is funny looking back on it. Anyway, I finished and very soon after found my way to shorter distance triathlons.

 

[Mickey's sweetheart]

AQOTD: These first race stories have been fun!
My first race was a 4K. Yep, a 4K. It was a fund raiser for the phys ed department at my kids' elementary school. The odd distance was so the younger kids could participate and there was a loop beginning and ending at the school that was 4K.
I had been running about 4 months and decided to enter. I was so nervous. I practiced running the race route and studied race strategies. It's kind of funny looking back. I ended up coming in 3rd in my age group! I was so surprised! I almost didn't stay for the awards and didn't know to check the results to see if I should hang around.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Well, exciting news, I'm about to become a father. Though not by the most pleasant means. My wife's blood pressure has been high throughout the pregnancy, but it wouldn't come down during her office visit today, so they have induced labor. She's incredibly uncomfortable right now, but it's exciting that he'll be here soon.

Is this your first? Good luck no matter what. May everyone come of the delivery room happy and healthy!!!

No offense taken @Waiting2goback . I appreciate your feedback. I still have to stick with my initial thoughts on the matter though. Here's a quick piece on Fear of Success . Without going into too much detail it has to do with feeling unworthy of success and self-sabotaging to perpetuate a familiar poor outcome. The physiological stresses the article talks about is true for me also. Basically it's the flipside of the fear of failure. Both keep you frozen in a 'safe' space, while life passes you by. I hope we can both move past our obstacles. Go after the position you want!

Early congrats, @surfde22 !!!

Holy crap, this may be me too. Here's a quote from the article. "And many of us-especially if we've been subject to verbal abuse-have been told we were losers our whole lives, in one way or another. We have internalized that feedback and feel that we don't deserve success". The stories I could tell you about growing up and things my parents told me, and then obviously my wife wasn't the nicest person either.

So, is this a picture of what a guy wants, or a girl?

Well, the quote is great but I knew some of the guys would like the picture. Oh well, it got people's attention at least.

I'm actually the opposite on the treadmill...I can never run as fast on the treadmill as I can outside. I think it might have to do with my short stride, but I'll be busting it on the treadmill and it feels super hard, yet the screen says I'm running nearly a minute per mile slower than what feels "easy" outdoors.

And YES! Any miles are better than no miles!

The treadmill is inaccurate no matter how you look at it. For some people it makes them slower and for others it makes them faster. For me, I run the same pace as you do on the street Mike. All I need to do is get the treadmill to a qualifying marathon and I will be able to BQ finally.

I would say my first race is a Susan G Komen race for the cure 5K in Madison, WI. However we didn't run as I was like 9 years old we just walked. My first real race that I ran would be the Walt Disney World 10K in 2015.

I would say I have improved as I am more into running now. I moved up to my first half marathon this year and now next year I'm doing Dopey. Many think I'm crazy but I love crazy

We are all crazy. Some people can't get off the couch and we run anything from 5K-Ultra's for FUN and we pay money to do it. We run in heat and humidity, freezing temps and snow. It's just crazy.

QOTD: I have shared my story on other threads so I will keep it brief here. My wife told me she wanted the divorce. I decided to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone and change myself. I hated running, HATED it. What's more out of my comfort zone than something I hate? I had heard Disney did races so I looked into it. I knew I would do it for Disney. I decided on the 2014 ToT. Why, because it was the shortest of the major races and I didn't think I could even do that, never mind a 1/2 marathon. A full was laughable at that point. I decided in February 2014 I would sign up when it opened. I began running, if you can call it that (I was 250 lbs) in March. Not wanting to be in the last corral (which I only knew because I found the thread on this forum) I signed up for a 10K about an hour from my house. I was scared out of my mind. It was a small race. I was sick for the race with a head cold but I went anyway. I don't remember my exact time (I have it written down on the bib somewhere) but my pace was good enough to get me in corral D for ToT. During that 10K I came up with the brilliant idea to sign up for my first marathon. I had been running a whole 3 months, of course I was ready, right?

My improvements have come in my self-esteem, confidence, and my belief in myself. I lost weight, but still have more to go. I am faster now, but still have room for improvement. But I know I can do it if I decide to. Most importantly though, I ENJOY it. I have always had trouble finding enjoyment in life. I truly enjoy this. The training runs, the races, talking to you guys, accomplishing things most people could never dream of, running through the world Walt created. For once in my life I am experiencing life rather than just surviving each day.

I'm sorry that I tend to get philosophical about this stuff. I never mean to bore anybody.

 

[Waiting2goback]

This one is especially for you @huggybuff. It's time for us to stop being afraid to succeed. Do yourself a favor and give it your best effort this time.

 

[huggybuff]

This one is especially for you @huggybuff. It's time for us to stop being afraid to succeed. Do yourself a favor and give it your best effort this time.

The quote and sentiment behind may have made me tear up a bit. Thank you.

 

[Miranda]

This is the forecast for my half on Sunday.

Time / Temp / Feels Like / Dewpoint / Humidity / Conditions / Precip. / Liquid Precip. / Wind / Cloud Cover / Pressure

 

[surfde22]

Is this your first? Good luck no matter what. May everyone come of the delivery room happy and healthy!!!

It is our first. He arrived at 1:02pm central today, and is currently sleeping soundly. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom had a rough go of it, but is slowly getting better. Before long it will be time to start his training for the diaper dash in January. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

 

[Waiting2goback]

It is our first. He arrived at 1:02pm central today, and is currently sleeping soundly. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom had a rough go of it, but is slowly getting better. Before long it will be time to start his training for the diaper dash in January. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

Congratulations. One of the best feelings in the world is holding that little baby. Suck it all in, the new car smell hasn't got anything on the smell of a baby's head!!! And he made it just in time for Father's Day!!!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Good luck to everyone with a race this weekend. May you all PR!

 

[Slogger]

It is our first. He arrived at 1:02pm central today, and is currently sleeping soundly. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom had a rough go of it, but is slowly getting better. Before long it will be time to start his training for the diaper dash in January. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

Congrats on the new addition.
When does he get a pair of running shoes?

 

[Keels]

Just like beers!

Not all beer is created equal... But all miles are.

But, but, but ... all beers DRINK the same!

QOTD: Tell us about your first race and how did it go? How much have you improved since then?

I'd done a handful of untimed charity-type 5Ks (like, walking Komen "Race" for a Cure and the like), or kids 5ks with my friends and their littles. Nothing really serious or where I actually trained and ran.

My first timed race was RnR NOLA 10K in late January of last year. I'd been running for almost two months at that point, and that was going to be my first 10K as a PoT effort for the Disneyland Half (MAN. Just thinking back, how my goals were so different back then).

My husband was set to run it as well, and my parents had come out to New Orleans to support us. And to also have a weekend in New Orleans, because who wouldn't want to spend a weekend in New Orleans?!

The Expo experience was COMPLETELY overwhelming to me - like, you had to put this chip thing around your sneaker laces, and then there was a gear bag to put things in. Plus, we went straight to the Expo from the airport, so we didn't go through together - I went through while my husband sat at a table in the convention center lobby with our suitcases and worked a story he had to post online. Then, he went through and I sat with our luggage.

Going in to that weekend, the most I'd run was a hair over five miles. The Thursday before we left for New Orleans, I ran 4.5 miles and felt ready. Then, the morning of the race, I woke up over an hour early and had a COMPLETE meltdown. I'm talking nerves, crying, maybe feeling like I was going to throw up. I couldn't even stuff the Reese's Peanut Butter cup I'd brought with me for pre-race in my mouth (Yeah, go ahead and add THAT to the list of things I learned), so I carried it with me in my hand ... and then ultimately put it in the little pocket inside the BACK of the waistband of my running leggings in case I wanted it later.

Speaking of leggings - it was like 55 or so at the start of the race, and because I'm a dummy that HATES the cold, I was outfitted in leggings, a long-sleeved shirt AND a hoodie. I carried my cell phone in my hand - which also became SUCH a PITA when, at mile .50, I was burning up hot and had to take my hoodie off.

My goal was to finish under 1:30 ... and I did! I finished with SUCH a high, I really think that's what propelled me to scale my training up and ultimately do my first half marathon in March of that year. We both had such great races, and my husband liked that he could check a cooler backpack of craft beer and drink what he wanted to in the park at the finisher party. We sat on the grass, in the sun, on a 75-degree day in January and enjoyed an AMAZING show by Trombone Shorty ... doesn't get much better then that! Until I went to go use the Porta-Potty and remembered that I had left that Peanut Butter Cup in my back pocket. What a mess.

We went to brunch and everyone in the French Quarter was wearing their race swag (shirts, jackets, medals) - but we didn't, and I felt a little disappointed that I didn't think to wear it. So, I wore it to the Mavericks-Pelicans that night and they ended up interviewing me for TV!

As for things I've learned ... well, A LOT. About fueling. About attire. About preparation. About myself! I learn more and more each race.

 

[Dis5150]

It is our first. He arrived at 1:02pm central today, and is currently sleeping soundly. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mom had a rough go of it, but is slowly getting better. Before long it will be time to start his training for the diaper dash in January. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

Congratulations again! New babies are precious!