Happy National Running Day!
A little background on my running story:
Back in 2007, the year I graduated from college, I felt like I needed a new goal in my life. My full-time job wasn’t very fulfilling and I was used to having a lot on my plate in college thanks to internships (remember when I drove the Shamumobile!?), classes, meetings and events related to the clubs I was involved in on campus.
I felt like I needed a new challenge in my life, so I registered for a 5K, wondering whether or not I’d be able to run the whole thing. When I crossed the finish line that day, I couldn’t get over how much I loved the experience. Running 3.1 miles surrounded by people who shared a similar goal was a lot of fun.
After searching for more races when I arrived home, I stumbled upon a half marathon at the end of December and knew that was the goal I had been looking for ever since I graduated. I immediately registered, thoroughly intimidated at the thought of running 13.1 miles, but determined to train properly and run the whole thing. I followed Hal Higdon’s novice training plan and earned my medal. It was the best feeling!
I think it’s so easy to see someone running outside or on a treadmill at the gym and think they’ve been doing it their whole life. That they were born a runner. Running may come naturally to some, but it has always been hard for me. If you have the desire to run a race but you’ve never run before, know that you can do it (assuming you have no serious injuries). Find a quality training plan (I love Hal Higdon’s novice plans for all distances), set a realistic goal and do it! There’s no better feeling than crossing the finish line at a race you never thought you would have the ability to run. Believe me, I’ve been there! If you’re just starting out, definitely check out the Couch to 5K program. And if you have no desire to run, have fun with the kind of exercise you do enjoy and disregard this little running pep talk! I got carried away in the National Running Day magic!
Some past running-related blog posts:
- How To Find Races
- So You Want to Run a Half Marathon
- Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill
- Running With Your Dog
- My Half Marathon Reflections
- Race Recaps
And running playlists to keep you going:
Workout
I worked a short shift from 5 – 9 a.m. today and trained one client before it was time for me to tackle my own workout for the day.
My workout began with a 20-minute run. How appropriate! I followed Monday’s 20-minute treadmill interval workout and once I completed just over 2 miles, I hopped off and walked into the gym for a boot camp class.
Since I enjoyed the class so much last Wednesday, I was really looking forward to it again today. It was challenging and fast-paced. Loved it!
Lunch
Once I was done at the gym, I came home and immediately made myself a protein smoothie.
Looks gross, tastes great!
Into the blender went:
- Frozen strawberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp. dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp. peanut butter
- Fresh spinach
It’s officially smoothie season in Florida!
Question of the Afternoon
- If you’re a runner, when did you first get into running? What is your all-time favorite race?
- If you’re not a runner, is there a race you’d like to run in the future?
Running a marathon is on my fitness bucket list. I’d love to do one at some point. Some point waaay in the future.
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Happy National Running Day! Thanks for sharing your back story to running. It’s kind of similar to mine, except a half marathon was my first race! Crazy, but I don’t regret it at all as running is pretty much my favorite thing ever now.
Annnnd, I’m making that smoothie tomorrow 😉
Happy Running Day!
I started running in college, just to lose the freshman 30 (yup). I did a few 5ks but then gave it up for a few years. I reconnected last year in April when I did the Cooper River Bridge Run, it wasn’t the first time I did the race but the first time I ran it and felt an overwhelming desire to run more. So I did a 1/2 marathon and then another and several other races since. Now I average 1-3 each month and love it!
I started running a few years ago when my schedule got too busy for long workouts – I needed something short and intense that I could do anywhere. Started with 2 miles and built up to 6. I’ve run one 10k, but didn’t enjoy it – felt too much pressure to compete instead of enjoying the run.
I became a runner in college. I would mostly do short distances like 5ks. This past February I completed my first half marathon in New Orleans at the Rock N Roll!
congrats!!!
I started running a year ago March. I’d lost some weight and just wanted to be more active. One day I challenged myself to run to the end of the block….took it a little further each time I ran, and soon started the Couch 2 5K program. I ran my first 5K in August, then 10K in December, and will do my first 1/2 Marathon in September. I would NEVER have imagined saying that I love to run…Who Knew!?
That’s so great! Good luck on your half!
Happy running day!
I got back into running to help my sister train for a 5km race and am pretty hooked now.
I love doing obstacle races, have got a 10km water wipeout at the end of this month which I can’t wait for. My favourite ever was a night obstacle race around Battersea park in London- was freezing but the best fun ever.
Have a great day
I first got into running when I joined a high school that did the Terry Fox run every September. All students had to participate and either walk/jog/run the 6km route. I’ve since come to love running, although it is always such hard work! I’m thinking of doing a half marathon in the next year or so which could be a fun challenge 🙂
I fell in love with running really young when I started going running with my dad. I ran cross country in high school and loved it but running and I broke up when I went to college. We had an on and off relationship for about five years. Now we’re trying to work things out again.
I started running 5 years ago and now I am 46!! I ran the Marine Corp Marathon last October, so that is my favorite race for sure!
I heard that race is great! It’s on my bucket list of races!
I started running in college to get over the stress from a recent break up. I began on the treadmill and used our campus gym. During a day when I needed to run off some significate frutrations, this guy – my now husband 🙂 – started talking to me. I ran 3 miles that day, simply to look awesome. Something must have worked, and we began dating. He was/is a big runner, so needless to say, I continued running and ran my first half-marathon 8 months after. The things BOYS will motivate us to do!
I started running when I first started college about 8 years ago. I grew up competitively swimming but I was burnt out by it and wanted to try something new. The student rec center at my university had a track and I just made a goal to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping. I fell in love with running and I have often wondered how I never started running earlier in life, it feels so natural. I’ve had some of my greatest memories while running.
Every year I run the Midnight Sun Run and it is my favorite. It’s a 10K race done on the summer solstice. In Alaska we have almost 24 hrs sunlight in the summer so during our longest day of the year we have many celebrations and the Midnight Sun Run is one of them
Happy Running Day!! 🙂
I began running consistently a few years ago. I figured out that long distance running was my thing. My favorite run so far has been Seahawks 12k! I’ve done it twice and everytime it gets better. The players come out to cheer all the runners on! I am doing a color run in July which I am stoked for. I’ve never done one before.
I began running last summer and ran my first 5K, Warrior Dash, in September 2012, another 5K, Monster Dash, in October, a 10K, Polar Dash, in January 2013, and a 7K, Get Lucky, in March of 2013. My favorite race was the Polar Dash 10K! I live in Minnesota and it was absolutely freezing, -9 degrees, and I couldn’t feel anything, but it was so rewarding to cross that finish line!
Anyway you can share the bootcamp class today? I loved last week and would really love that.
I started running towards the end of college- it was a couple of years before I felt comfortable running a race, but I worked my way up and ran the Marine Corps Marathon last year! Definitely not my favorite distance! My favorite race was the Charleston Half Marathon- nice weather, flat course and pretty views!
I started running when I was just 13 years old…so I’ve been running for almost 15 years now (woah!). I fell in love with it when I earned my varsity letter as a freshman in high school and I never looked back. I’ve run several races over the years and I’m training for my first marathon in September! Thanks for the great running post!
I first got into running my senior year of high school. I remember when I first ran three miles straight, I was SO excited! I went and watched my friends dad run in the Chicago marathon and decided that day I was going to sign up for the next years Chicago marathon. Yes, I was crazy. No, I didn’t run in a single race until that Marathon. Not even a 5k. BUT I ended up loving it and have been hooked to running marathons every since. They are by far my favorite race!
What a great post! I love how open and honest you are about running not coming easy to you; it dispels the common notion that you’re either a “born runner” or not. Like you, running was never easy for me, but with years of practice I came to love it, even though I still have ups and downs (and lots of them lately as I’m slogging along at 39 weeks pregnant!). New or would-be runners, give it a shot, stick with it & you’ll be looking like one of those “born runners” in no time!
I got into running because the elliptical were always full but now I really love it and I love setting challenges for myself!
I played volleyball, basketball, and ran track all through junior high and high school. When I got to college three years ago I realized “Uh oh now I have to work out on my on. No more after school practices every day to keep me in shape.” My freshman year I joined a sorority and we participated in a Susan G. Komen 5k race. Training for that race is what got me into running and I’ve loved it ever since. Now I’m looking for a half-marathon to train for. I’m a little scared!
I started running in 2007 and ran my first half-marathon in Nashville. I enjoyed it so much that I ran the same half again the next year. I also fell in love with the city and ended up moving there. Running does not come easy to me and i seem to have more bad days than good but those good days definitely trump the bad ones and that is what keeps me going!! Its a love hate thing =)
I started running four summers ago in order to start getting in shape for the fitness tests I would need to take in order to become a police officer. So far the longest race I’ve done is a 10k two years ago. I’m going to be running that same race in a little over a month, and this time my dad will be running it too!
I’ve also started taking a boot camp class at my gym Tuesdays at noon. It is definitely a punishment, but the good kind. I’m always a tired and sweaty mess at the end, but I know that I’ve done a great job and pushed myself.
I first got into running doing the couch to 5k run about 12 years ago. I only became a more serious runner and ran my first race about 3 years ago.
I started running last year in college. Current goal: half-marathon on September 15!
I started running back in college off and on, as an easy way to stay in shape and clear my head. I did my first 5k four years ago and loved the feeling of accomplishmen…so began my love of running/racing. I just did my first half marathon, the Nike Women’s Half in Washington, D.C. and it was amazing. Work overload and illnesss interfered with my training so I was really nervous, but felt mentally strong going in and did well. Looking forward to next year’s race! (Also, side note – I grew up in Palatine, love reading about all your references to IL!)
I got into running about 3 years ago as a way to keep myself occupied when trying for our second little one. Quickly fell in love with running after running my first 5k but also quickly got pregnant and have semi complicated pregnancies so I didn’t run again until after little one was born. Ran about once a month until he was 8 months old and then I signed up for a 10k, then a half and then finished my first marathon as my little one turned two. I’ve run several other races over the past year and a half also but I’m a half marathon lover!!!!!!
I did a little over 3 miles on the treadmill and didn’t even realize it was National Running Day!
I was never a runner until last year. I did a couple of 5k’s and that was it. This past April my fiance and I completed out first half marathon! Something I never thought I’d be able to do or even want to do! Now we’re registered for another one this year in St. Augustine and we’re also doing a 10k (me) and a 15k (fiance) in October…can’t wait!!
I started running in college. I hated even the 2 lap warm up during track, and did that for the social aspect during high school. During college I really wanted to support my aunt who overcame Breast Cancer by running the 5k for her for the Race for the Cure. My mom and I started training, and I haven’t looked back once!
Hey julie. I started running about a year and a half ago. Two years ago I joined weight watchers and slowly started to exercise. I did the couch to 5k and so far I have run some 5ks. I am running my next one in 2 weeks for pancreatic cancer since my mom is a survivor. I plan to do a 10k and eventually a half. I love your blog and u keep me motivated to live a healthier lifestyle. While I prefer circuit training, I know running is a huge part of my weightless success. Thanks for helping me stay on track with your blog!
A started doing 5ks in college for fun. Started training for my first marathon in grad school as a way to relieve stress! I’ve done 4, but will stick with the half marathon. Much easier to train for with a kid. I’ve sidelined my running for now, too hard to run with my big preggo belly, but will sign up for a half marathon next year!
I’ve taken a break from running, since getting pregnant last July. But before that, I had done a few races. My favorite was a half-marathon that I ran in Louisville, Kentucky. The race itself wasn’t that special … but it was my first half-marathon, I ran it with my husband, and I felt great the whole time. 🙂
This post was so inspiring! I’ve had such a hard time with running. The thing is–I want to run SO badly!! But, my body just doesn’t cooperate. I thought I had asthma, but inhalers never work. Now the doctors think it might be a heart thing. My heart rate shoots up to 189-193 after only 60 seconds of running at 6.0 Not. good. It’s not just the high heart rate, it’s also coupled with a sharp pain in my ribs that works its way up to my neck if I keep pushing. So, all that to say, I wish I could run! I’ll live vicariously through you 🙂
Brittany
Happy running day!
I started running in high school for our cross country team. Initially, I wanted a way to stay fit for tennis in the off season but soon chose running as my preferred sport 🙂 I also was blessed with very bad asthma as a kid and found that endurance running helped to strengthen my lungs and now I rarely have to use medication.
I got into running in graduate school – I needed a way to release the stress of classes and to lose those Freshman 15 that I maintained throughout undergrad! I just registered for my first marathon yesterday and am super excited (yet really nervous!) to begin training 🙂
My story is similar to yours in that I made running a half marathon one of my out-of-college goals. The Disney Princess Half is still one of my favorite running memories!
I just found your blog and I love it!! I had no idea that National Running Day was even a thing- better get a quick jog in to celebrate!
I started running during my recovery for anorexia. My doctor told me I wasn’t allowed to use cardio equipment anymore, so I was stuck doing cardio outside or in a group exercise class. I started running and ran my first 5k soon after! Great experience 🙂
I first got into running after I became extremely unmotivated in terms of fitness because I didn’t feel like I had any definable goals. I set a goal to run a half-marathon, and I almost didn’t do it because I slacked off in training in the last 2.5 weeks. But, I did, and crossing the finish line was the most amazing feeling. I’m excited to run my next half. 🙂
I got into running about 2.5 years ago, but I don’t think I really got serious until the last year, year and a half. I ran my first race this year and it was the Princess Half! I loved it and I’m running it again this year 😀
Happy National Running Day indeed! I was going to run tomorrow and spin today, but you are going to force me to run irregardless! I loved reading everyone’s comments, definitely inspiring.
I was not a runner in high school, I preferred soccer and even quit cross country because I hated it so much. After high school I knew I needed to lose some weight so I began training for a 5 mile Turkey Trot. I recall walking a minute/jogging a minute like it was yesterday, until I finally worked up to running a full mile, nonstop! Then came the 5 mile race and then half marathons and now marathons! I’m even considering a 50k and then 50 miles in the future… Time wise I’m also aiming to qualify for Boston in a fall marathon this year… Who knew right!?
My favorite event was Quad Cities Marathon, you end up running a portion on an army base located on Rock Island where there are no civilians allowed, so peaceful and beautiful, even if it was downpouring 🙂
Keep running everyone or start running everyone!
It is officially smoothie season up here too, it’s hot in the house at night! The thought of turning the stove or oven on is daunting. A dinner that’s cool and refreshing is all I can muster!
Wait, that’s actually the cutest picture I’ve ever seen!!! And that smoothie sounds amazing! Have you tried cookie dough butter?? Basically “cookie dough flavored” peanut butter. I bet that with vanilla protein powder in a smoothie would be delicious!
I started running 20 years ago to lose weight and get in shape. I was an overweight teenager and looking for a way to drop the pounds and build up my endurance. I remember running those first two miles — and I’ve been hooked ever since. Running has really grounded me and has been the one constant thing in my life. I have run through pregnancy-loss (I lost my first two pregnancies) and pregnancy itself (I ran 5 miles a day, 4 days a week until I was 35 weeks pregnant with my second daughter). Less than seven months after my c-section in 2012, I ran a 15k and was so proud to see how strong my mind and body was due to all of my training. It has gotten me through cancer (I was diagnosed with melanoma almost 10 years ago) and seen me through the best and worst days of my life. I’ve burned through two treadmills already and have run several 5ks, a 10k, a 15k.
It was when I was looking for a half-marathon training program that I stumbled upon your wonderful blog. Thanks to your motivation and sound advice, I completed my first half-marathon on Mother’s Day with a personal best pace of 7:39 and finished the race in 1:40:41. I loved my first half-marathon experience so much that I signed up for two more this year.
I’m so glad that you, too, have discovered the joys that running can bring. Now that I have two young children (ages 3 and 1), running keeps me grounded and allows me at least one hour to myself everyday. I truly believe running makes me a better mother to my girls. Although I absolutely dread getting up early, I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning and head out for my daily 7-mile run. Running = bliss. Happy National Running Day!
Running my first half this fall, pretty nervous about it haha
I started running a little over a year ago after baby #2 made her appearance. I did the C25K and then (after reading ALL your half-marathon posts) trained and ran a half this past march. Lucky me, Hal Higdon was the guest of honor at my race!! After stalking his website for 4 or 5 months it was so cool to see him! Thanks for being an inspiration that helped me know I could finish, even if it wasn’t easy.
I started running about a year and half ago. I wanted to run an obstacle race with some friends and loved the idea of a challenge. I got hooked and can’t even remember what I did before I ran!
Okay, so this comment is not about running. But it does have to do with smoothies, which are always good (and you posted about one, so it’s totally relevant). I saw that you passed on the “Green Lemonade Smoothie” recipe and it sounded awesome! But I had all the ingredients except for the cucumber, which I figured you couldn’t omit. So I turned to google, and googled kale and pear smoothie. I found one and it was SO good! I used a cup of water + half cup of milk for the liquid and added a little bit of ice to make it extra cold, but other than that I made no changes. I hope you enjoy it!!
http://joythebaker.com/2011/01/kale-spinach-and-pear-smoothie/
Oops, I lied. I used a whole pear and half a frozen banana too.
i got into running my sophomore year of college. i was really homesick so my friend and i decided to train for a local half marathon in our hometown. we went to different schools so we would check in with each other during our training throughout the week. after i ran the first half, i was hooked – i’ve run ten since!
I have always relied on running as my cardio. Earlier this year several family members and I decided to run the Bolder Boulder 10K. Taking your advice, I trained using the novice 10K plan from Hal Higdon’s website. I ran my first 10K this past Memorial Day and had such a great time that I signed up for the Denver Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in October!