Sunday, July 18, 2010

5 Things Running Has Taught Me

1. My ipod is invaluable.
I've gotten through many a run solely due the jams I was rocking. Without music, my long runs would stretch out forever and I'd probably drive myself crazy with my thoughts. Or run out of thinks to think about (it's happened!). I'm pretty sure my iPod has been my best fitness buy. Period.

2. How to pace myself.
When I first started running, I ran. Fast. But I couldn't keep that pace up for long. I didn't have any concept of pace, but I learned that going slower meant lasting longer. Remember: the tortoise won the race.

3. I'm stronger than I think.
There were many times that I was in awe by how long I ran or the hills I tackled. I used to hate my big legs, but now I adore them. They're strong and powerful and they've taken me places I've never thought I'd go.

4. Endurance/Perserverence.
When runs get tough, I've learned to push through. When runs get long, I've learned to keep going. And I've taken these attributes and applied them to other aspects of my life. And as I'm sure you can guess, it's all been for the better.

5. Mind over Matter.
Running is 90% mental and 10% physical. If you think you can do it, you can. If you don't think you can do it, you won't. Personal encouragement is what's made me get my booty from mile 3 to 8. Don't underestimate the power of self-support!


I had probably the roughest run of my life on Saturday. It was hot, my feet hurt, my throat was parched and all I wanted to do was stop. But I didn't. I pushed through and finished my entire run. And the feeling afterwards: Amazing. I just felt so accomplished. And there's nothing better than that. Not until Saturday night at least.

What is something that running (or yoga or cycling or just working out in general) has taught you?

Time for work! I think I'm trying another zucchini recipe tonight and if it goes well - you'll be the first to know. Have a great day love bugs! (:

32 comments:

  1. I agree with all you said about running! I think it has made me mentally stronger. I remember when I first started to run last July, and it was very hard. I learned to do run/walk intervals, and I just finished a 10 miler yesterday in 1:35 on a hilly course. I'm also working toward the Chicago 1/2. Patience and persistence are both required. :)

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  2. yoga has done exactly the same thing for me. especially in terms of mind over matter. when ur able to own that skill and ability, it will take u so far in life!

    awesome post! running is mentally and physically draining, but worth its weight in gold! so glad u have something that u found enriches your life! <3

    xoxo

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  3. These are great, and I agree with all of them! I'm attached to my iPod when I run too - I hate being alone with my thoughts, my panting, and the thudding of my feet on the pavement.

    Running has taught me that even when something is hard as hell to get through, the pride afterwards is invaluable! I may not always love running while I'm actually on the path, but I adore it when I get done!

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  4. I love your #5! So so true! I always try to keep that in mind when I'm running, or doing anything really.

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  5. Great post! I remember the first time I tried just slowing down instead of stopping, and then being able to actually actively recover, and then starting to run faster again, and it was such a breakthrough moment! Gotta get back into running more - if nothing else, so that I can do that fun run at the HLS!

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  6. I am working on pace right now! I had been struggling for 2 months to get past 1 mile and I could not figure out why I could not do it. Then I noticed that my runs were getting shorter bc my iPod was getting to play less songs. I realized that I was getting stronger. I was just picking up pace instead of adding distance!

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  7. Isn't that the truth about mind over matter? I know I am physically capable of running longer distances b/c I am very much in shape--but the mental part isn't quite there yet. And I actually enjoy running without an ipod sometimes. I get into a zone and sort of just meditate out. Its nice.

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  8. Running has taught me I'm not good at it. I don't know what my deal is with running, but I can't get pass that "hump." You've inspired me to try again though! I guess I need things like soccer or cardio classes, because they entertain me. But...I've been running around ugly scenery lately!

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  9. This post is histerical! Love it! I nominated you for an award here: http://www.simplymaren.com/index.php/2010/07/onos-without-the-on-in-the-os/

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  10. I am sooo bad about pacing myself. I just take off like a bullet and then peeter out. I'm doing better though - having my HR monitor has helped me. I think running has taught me or made me realize that I need to learn to get out of my head. I think too much!

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  11. Great post and I love #3! Enjoy!

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  12. These are great lessons...and they are inspiring me to get running again. I find that I have to be careful with running because I have weak knees, but I love getting out in the sun and hitting the pavement!

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  13. Gosh, I could write a book about all of the things running has taught me. I've learned to listen to my body- when to push and when to rake it easy. I've learned patience, I can't go tackle a crazy distance or try to set a pr without training.

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  14. I couldn't agree more with #1!!!!

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  15. Love this list!! My iPod is crucial for me! Gotta have it to push me sometimes! Way to go completing a tough runs...I agree, they always make you feel so great afterwards!

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  16. I agree with all of these! Running has taught me that I can do anything, despite previously telling myself I may not be good/athletic/fit enough to do so!

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  17. Way to rock through your run- fabulous. Could not agree more with #5- running is SO mental. Push through this work week :)- the weekend will be here again before we know it!

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  18. Running has taught me that feeling strong and proud of one's body is a thousand times better than "feeling thin". I LOVE running! :) :) :)

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  19. Great post! Running has taught me that it keeps me in a better mood :) I completely notice a difference on days that I don't get out there!

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  20. Running has taught me so so much, I could probably go on forever. I adore my ipod as well, but I think mind over matter is definitely one of the biggest things. When I ran my marathon last September, I'd say about 85% of it was mental. Thinking about it now, I don't know how I ran all that way. I try to think about what I thought about for those 3-and-a-bit hours and I can't really remember, so I guess I was in 'the zone' that the sport psychologists talk about. Additionally, I've learned that running is a huge help when trying to solve problems because you can just think them out until either 1) your legs can't carry you further, or 2) you've solved it! :)
    Great post!

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  21. I'm definitely in the "I can't believe my body can do this!" faze. I am so proud of pushing through hard runs because afterwards I am SO proud of myself! Great post and I agree with all those points!

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  22. This is great! Running has definitely taught me that I'm stronger than I previously realized and that if you just push a bit, you can do anything. I love finishing a run that I thought I would have to walk on, or tackling a particularly hard hill.. doing things like that make me feel like I can do anything.

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  23. I'll take your running tips to heart... especially the mind over matter. I've tried many times to become a runner... and failed. I blame it on my knees or whatever... but do you really think it could be all in my mind?

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  24. I could shed a tear in excitement over your progress. What a terrific post. You are stronger than you think rock star. Very proud of your hard work.

    Running has given me a clear mind and greater patience. I really have time to think about me during a run, nobody can bother me:)

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  25. I totally agree with running being 90% mental. If I start off thinking I don't want to run, my runs are always bad.

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  26. Running is very mental, I totally agree. Often my best runs have nothing to do with my energy level, as much as my focus and determination. And I completely agree about iPods being the greatest fitness buy--I don't know how people do it without music. I have a Polar HR monitor too and that's been really helpful!

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  27. Popped in to say hi! Running has taught me about balance. Just like I can't up my mileage or speed in extreme bursts, I can't let my life get extreme either. It's made me overhaul my diet and I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, just because I'd rather run than eat the cake.

    Ok. Maybe just one piece. Or two.

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  28. You should post your music selections! I get sick of my songs so fast... I kind of get stuck in "music ruts" for working out.

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  29. This post is so true. Especially the ipod part! I once tried to run without it, I last 2 minutes. Sad.

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  30. I love your five things that running has taught you. I feel the same way about all of them... When I started running with Team In Training, training for my first marathon, we were not allowed to use Ipods at all- that means running 23 miles without one! What?! Really, though, I learned to like the silence. Listening to yourself think and breath is strange at first but sometimes, it's nice to be able to just... listen. To nothing.
    Congrats on your longest and hardest run ever. It really is an accomplishment, whether it be 2 miles or 50. Great job!
    (by the way, I'm a new reader! Love your blog!)

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  31. I love running with music, but during my marathon (back in June) my mp3 player stopped working at mile 3!!! I wanted to cry at first, but after a while it felt so good to be so aware of myself as I ran. Felt great!

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