Guys, I am seriously going to bathe in smoothies when we finally take our Vitamix out of storage. Why-oh-why did we back it at the bottom of the storage unit? I am experiencing serious withdrawals.
I opted out of a first-thing-in-the-morning workout in favor of spending a good two hours writing today’s Blog Talk Tuesdays post and Ryan decided to sleep in, so we went to breakfast together, clean and not sweaty. Imagine that!
Today’s morning meal was sadly not a healthy smoothie, but rather breakfast buffet staples.
Scrambled eggs with cheese, yogurt and whole wheat toast with jelly. I smooshed the eggs between the toast to make a breakfast sandwich which was quite tasty!
Workout
A 5 mile run took place late this morning.
BAM!
I haven’t been running nearly as much as usual lately. I’d like to blame the ri-donk-ulous humidity and heat in Florida, but really, I’ve just been lazy.
Running is hard for me. It’s not a natural talent I have and I have to continue running constantly to keep up my running fitness. (You may read my running story here.)
Yesterday I realized there are only 12 weeks until the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon I am registered to run.
Twelve weeks! That motivated me to get my booty on the treadmill this morning.
I committed to conquering five miles, promising myself I could run as slow as I wanted to as long as I just completed the distance.
“Run as slow as you want to, but just get out there and run” was my go-to mantra on days when I didn’t want to run during my previous half marathon training plan and it worked like a charm again this morning. (Can you tell I am not a competitive runner at all?)
I was proud of myself for plugging away on the treadmill. I took two 30-second breaks to sip on some water and stretch out my legs that felt a little tight, but I did it!
The last time I ran 5 miles was more than a month ago on July 7. Has it really been that long? One of the benefits of keeping a daily workout log on the blog is that I can look back and see gaps in my workouts or patterns. Running must become more prevalent in my workouts if I want to cross the finish line in Savannah in November with a smile on my face!
I plan to officially start training for the half marathon soon but in the meantime, I want to run more often to build up a better running base before diving right in.
Questions of the Afternoon
Let’s talk running today!
- Running: Love it, loathe it or just tolerate it?
- Do you have natural running ability?
- If you’re a runner, what race is on your horizon?
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Running deffinetly does not come easily to me, and I used to run track in high school. Its something I am constantly working towards. I do enjoy it sometimes just to clear my head, or as a stress reliever, but it is not something I love, and can do effortlessly.
I love your saying “Ive never regretted a workout” Really gets me motivated on days I don’t feel like waking up early, or especially on days I need to convince myself and go for a run. I always feel so accomplished afterwards!
I love that motto and use it as well…whenever I’m not in the mood to do any kind of workout I just tell myself “just go as slow and low intensity as you want while enjoying a magazine”, then once I finally get there and into a groove, I’m always so happy I made myself go and then in the end it wasn’t so bad!
I’m most definitely not a natural runner, that’s why I don’t run very much. But I love to spin and feel like a natural cyclist! 🙂
I used to be a track runner in high school and college. I am known for a mean sprint, or was anyways! I am running in a 5k next month and it takes a lot of hard work to run distance when you’re used to running fast in short spurts! The goal? Pacing myself, physically and mentally. Then I will complete a 10k race next!
I have walk/ran two half marathons, but my goal is to ultimately ruuuun a whole one. A whole half that is. 😉 good to see others not so pumped up by running! Lol I’m trying to like running…I know when I get to five or so I kind of enjoy it….building back up! Maybe I’ll tough it out with you! 🙂
Running and I definitely have a complicated relationship. I find that I loathe it more when I compare myself to others and try to push myself too hard in terms of distance and speed. I just get frustrated and call it quits. Right now I’m focusing on personal speed and distance records and trying to beat myself. It makes it way more enjoyable!
Oh baby. Blog Talk Tuesday AND a post all about running? Best day ever!
I love-ish running. It kind of depends on the situation. I’ve come to despise running on treadmills, and I’m giving you millions of Internet high fives for pounding out five miles on the treadmill since I am SO done after like…a mile. The hotter and more humid it is outside, the less I enjoy running generally speaking, though in training for my first 5K a couple of weeks ago I found that I enjoyed running whenever. Running has definitely grown on me.
As for natural ability: nonexistent. I had an embarrassing two-year stint on the cross country team in middle school where I basically never went to practice (I was playing basketball at the same time…I was awful at that too haha) and routinely made a fool of myself in meets. I was by far the slowest person on the team in both seventh and eighth grades. Alas.
My next race is probably in two months minus two days. I’m for sure running a race that day, but I might run another one before then…idk. My running budget is low right now, so I don’t know if I can afford two races. We’ll see!
I love running and forced myself into it about 9 years ago in an effort to lose weight. I ended up losing the weight, and blowing out my knees (and then subsequently gaining it back…oops).
A doctor told me when I was 20 that if I wanted to be able to chase my children up the stairs, running was something of my past. It was hard to accept, but after making another attempt this year to start up and suffering, I have sadly given it up for good and moved on to long walks and incline walking if on a treadmill.
Sadly, I dream about running almost every night, and it feels so good. My dream self even says things like “lengthen your stride” if it is feeling tired, just as I use to.
I love running, but got burnt out from it while training for my first full marathon I ran in May. The past few months has been nice to just “run” again! I do not have a natural running ability though! I remember in school I hates even doing one track loop! haha
I am running the Disneyland Half Marathon in a couple weeks, then at the end of September a half marathon in Banff, AB – closer to home 🙂
i love and hate running. i did get burnt out during my last marathon. i had also done 2 half marathons within about 2 months so it was a little intense. i am planning on doing some more halves and a full this fall.
my mantra is just keep going. or just keep swimming like dori from finding nemo. i think it came to my mind in the mindst of mile 20 during my marathon 🙂 lately i have been just doing just keep moving to keep myself from stopping.
good luck!
I am running the half in Savannah!! Whoo!!!
Great job! I am just not getting into running on a regular basis and I have never ran more than 3 miles. So 5 miles is great in my eyes! Practice Practice Practice!
That’s a great motto! I really need to adapt it myself. I’m not a runner either. It’s sort of my only-have-x-amount-of-time workout since I don’t run more than 3-4 miles. But it’s been quite a while since I’ve ran at all. The whole “slow as you want” thing is nice.
Oh julie, i’ve been so crazy busy w/ life, work and school that i have barely had time to read blogs, but i HAVE to comment on this and say I’ve BEEN THERE! I am not a competitve runner at all, and I am totally okay w/ running slow and listening to my body. It helps me stay injury-free and actually *enjoy* running! I wrote all about my “marathon mantra” here if you want to check it out… http://happytalesblog.com/2011/04/30/my-marathon-mantra/
(sorry for posting a link in your comments, but I really think you’d benefit from reading — You’re not alone in your thoughts at all!)
I like the way I feel after but just tolerate having to do it.
I have no natural running ability. I was a swimmer but when I went to collage I did not have the same access to a pool.
I really really want to do something but I just have not been able to this year.
I am not a natural runner on any shape or form, but I do love to do it. I love that idea of just taking it slow and getting it done. Sometimes that is what matters right; just doing it, not trying to compete with ourselves or someone else!
I have run a few races, but have not gone about a half marathon yet, but I do have running a marathon on my bucket list! I think the key for me actually doing it would be to sign up because then I would have no turning back! 🙂
I’m totally a very slow and “non-competitive” runner too! I want to be faster,but on days when it hurts I just don’t have the edge to push myself past it. I always think of joining a running group, but…well…I always make more excuses not to.
My goal is a sub 2 half. I haven’t signed up for one yet, but it’s the dream. I thought about doing Savannah, but I’m still not sure. They do cost moo-la…..
After Clare from Fitting It All In mentioned you in her post today and my friend Jen included your blog in a list of blogs I’d like, I thought I’d check out your blog real quick after lunch, just a brief look to see what it’s all about and I.could.not.stop.reading. After clicking around a bunch, I had to quickly close the window out before I got too wrapped up and spent the rest of the work day reading. So far I love your lazy day treadmill workout, your running mantra above, your blogging advice series, and date night posts. I’ve added you to my Google reader and can’t wait to read more!
Good job! That’s one thing I tell all my friends who are just starting to run. I don’t care how slow you are. Go as slow as you want but just keep running. Once you get to running at least an hour or so without stopping then workout speed.
I’m not a natural runner by any means and only JUST got into running, like a month ago lol!! All of a sudden I didn’t get that intense hatred towards it that stems from my days in elementary school when I was always the slowest and couldnt’ finish because no one bothered to teach me how to run.
But I started anyway just recently and now will be running my first ever run in Baldwin Park in November! I’m on the C25k plan, best app ever!! Going on week 3 training now and super excited, I got my hubbs doing it with me too!
I was always a runner through other sports: soccer, lacrosse. It just came natural to me to run at a pretty fast pace. I didn’t start running just to run until undergrad. One of my friends talked me into my first marathon and I’ve been in love ever since!
I’m running the Chicago Marathon is October and I CANNOT wait!
I have a half marathon coming up this Sunday! Woo hoo! 🙂 My last race I pushed my double stroller so I’m looking forward to running by myself this time! 🙂
BAH.
running.
I need the challenge, but it is SO HARD for me.
I actually just joined my first running clinic last night, and by the end of it I was waaaay behind. Usually I don’t care about time except to race against myself, but running with a group of people and being the slowest one is definitely hard to swallow. Haven’t decided yet if it’s a good thing (much needed push?) or a bad thing (make me feel terrible about myself).
Here in Canada we do the Terry Fox run annually, so I’m gearing up to do the 5k loop.
I think I’ve got natural ability as a runner, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always easy for me. Running gives me the best workout, but I haven’t been giving it the attention it deserves. Running just doesn’t call my name at 5 am.
Yay for completing the 5 miler! I tell myself that mantra, too, when I need a little motivation. It makes things seem a LOT less monumental.
HATE it! Can you believe in high school we had a 2 week jogging course? Not my best grade.
So refreshing to hear someone else is a run as slow as you want to runner! I think I was born with zero running ability and am just naturally pretty slow and it isn’t for a lack of trying…I am doing the Wine and Dine half marathon October 1st at Disney!
Definitely not a natural runner! Always ran for fitness/training for sport. But last year I ran my first half marathon for the challenge, and LOVED it! Training was hard in winter, but nothing beats the feeling of finishing a long run, and nothing clears your head quite like it.
Unfortunately since then I have suffered from shin splints, they suck! Trying to get rid of them with physio, massage and stretching, but no luck yet.
For someone who isn’t a natural runner, I miss running so bad!
I had always hated running since I was a little girl. I was always active gymnastics, volleyball, gym … but running was not in my spectrum until last year. I ran my first half marathon and then got injured. I am still not where I am supposed to be … but trying to get the motivation to get back. I love running now, especially after I am done … 🙂 … the feeling of accomplishment is unbelievable.
I have to run the Charlotte Half Nov 12 … but I don’t want to … however if I was going to run the Grand Cayman Half, I would be all there!
I hate the treadmill, I only run in the gym when I am in a city that I rather not run in …I never run with music, I love the sound of the pavement!
Good or bad runner, I do consider myself a runner….
LOVE IT!!! and love you too!! Its’ gonna be pretty cool that we are running races on the same day!! Actually, considering squeezing in the Hamptons Marathon at the end of September….shhh, dont tell anyone! miss you!! Blog is awesome as usual!
Love running and definitely not a natural! I played soccer in high school and since I played midfield I ran a lot. But there was a ball to go after! With my asthma I was always afraid to run, but it’s actually improved with my running.
I’m training for a half marathon in September and one in October.
I am signed up for my 2nd 5k on August 27th. My friend is running the Rock and Roll Savannah full marathon my boyfriend may also run it. I am planning on running the half or at least running as much of it as I can! I am very new to running but I am surrounded by runners so I am giving it a shot!
I am the same exact way with running! It is always hard for me and sometimes that makes me frustrated and wonder why I even do it! But then, I think about how I enjoy the challenge of it and it all seems worth it 🙂
Julie! So weird that you posted this, because I went for a run this morning (and it’s been the first one in a long time) and running is hard for me too. I just kept saying in my head “I can run as slow as I want to but just keep running! Just like what Julie says!” 😀
i love running!! but what i tell people is that running will SUCK the hard one at first. in fact it is scary how fast you can lose that ‘running in shape and loving it ease’ any time you take a break or have an injury. i call it the two weeks of hell that usually weeds people out. but once u cross that hump and u stay dedicated i swear it gets easier and then it’s enjoyable. the problem is when people aren’t consistent, so they never really get over that ‘hump.’
so the best thing is to do just wat u said, run at the pace that is enjoyable and makes u wanting to come back for more. don’t tell urself u can’t and keep on going…u’ll do great Julie!! 🙂
I love running, I run everyday and I especially like it in the morning. I can even get up very early in order to have time to run, but sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect hour because in winter the days are much shorter, and you can have rain pouring etc. Anyway, I run around 1h15 so I’m telling myself that I’d like to try a race once, just to see what’s my level. Reading your blog gave me this craving, maybe if I have the opportunity I’ll do it ^^
Julie I highly recommend you pick up The Complete Guide to Women’s Running from Runners World. I’m halfway through and it really is a GREAT read with some really valuable info. I have been running off and on for a few years, and have become more serious in the past 7-8 months and completed my first half-marathon in May. I’m scheduled for my second on Sept 17 so I am in training mode and this book is such a motivator!
Hope you like it!
I LOVE running! And I am also registered for the Savannah 1/2 Marathon! I am using it as a training run for the Houston Marathon in January. But the MOST exciting part is two of my good friends are running Savannah as their FIRST 1/2 marathon! I am super excited to be sharing that and a fun weekend in Savannah with them! Good luck!
i used to have the “i’m not a runner” mentality, and would only do short sprints in intervals. this all changed when i signed up for a 10k and realized that i have to actually make the effort to really run. my body seems to love running, i feel that it does things for my physique that other cardio workouts just cant do. now i try to run about 3 days a week. sure, sometimes i dont feel like doing it, but i have never regretted running after the workout is done. runner’s high is legit, and i feel more euphoric after running than any other workout.
best of luck with the race Julie!
I am so envious of runners. I’ve always wanted to be one, and for the brief time I tried, I found out that my knees can’t handle the pounding and impact (I went to physical therapy for the last 2 months to help them!). I now am a HUGE fan of the elliptical cross trainer, zumba, and spin classes. I’ve had to accept that not everyone is created to be a runner and I embrace the many other forms of fitness out there!
I just started my training for the San Antonio Rock and Roll Half as well and yesterday, this was TOTALLY my mantra the whole time. I just wanted to get through it and had to remind myself that the pace didn’t matter!
Good luck with your training – can’t wait to see the results!
I used to loathe running. But since I started training for a race back in December, I have a love/hate relationship with it. It is very hard for me to do but I LOVE the way I feel after a long run. So I tell myself how I feel afterwards to get myself motivated to go…
I have a love/hate relationship with running. I hate the running part but I love how I feel afterwards.
LOVE running. Did 3 miles this morning and will go back to the gym later to do weights.
Upcoming Races:
Triples Lakes Trail Half Oct 15
OBX Half Nov 13
Possibly another Half at the Hoover Dam in March.
The Kidless Kronicles
I’m mehh about running. I usually just play soccer for exercise 🙂
i love running most of the time! i don’t think i actually have a natural running ability, but i try hard! lol
the race that i’m focusing on is the Savannah RnR Marathon! it will be my first marathon.
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