Good morning!
I’ve had a productive day so far! Since I wasn’t able to do last weekend’s scheduled 10 mile training run because I was in Baltimore, my training buddy Ashley and I made plans to do our 10 miler this morning instead.
(See my nice running water bottle in the photo above? Well, I was annoyed with carrying it, so around mile 3 I left it on the side of the trail with plans to get it when we looped back as a “water stop.” Well, someone totally STOLE it!!!! Who does that?? Jerk 
I am sad. I think I might try a Camel Bak now instead since I didn’t like carrying a bottle anyway… but sigh. Any water holding recommendations? I tried a water belt but couldn’t handle the bouncing, plus it was hard to get the bottles out to drink from them!)
Anyway, apparently it’s winter again. Wtf? It was 30 degrees when we met up at 7 a.m. Brrrr! Ashley hadn’t packed her running gloves and had to wear leather gloves that were in her car for the first part of our run. Lol!
Unlike my last long run, my awesome Paradise 8 Miler with my dad, this was a really hard run. My legs felt tired, heavy, and stiff, especially for the first part of the run.
But, we still managed a great time 
We finished in 1:26, a whole 4 minutes faster than our Army Ten Miler finish time of 1:30. Looks like we’re on track for a new PR at the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in two weeks… fingers crossed and knock on wood!
Our splits:
- Mile 1: 8:26
- Mile 2: 8:42
- Mile 3: 8:47
- Mile 4: 8:56
- Mile 5: 8:44
- Mile 6: 8:39
- Mile 7: 8:34
- Mile 8: 8:52
- Mile 9: 8:32
- Mile 10: 8:37
Our average overall pace was about 8:40. (Not including a quick water/stretching break at our Mile 5 turn around.) Not too shabby! This was only the third time I’ve ever run ten miles so it was very exciting I’m definitely going to be sore… knee icing and stretching immediately upon return was very necessary. Love me some frozen peas!!
Do you remember my more personal post from a couple weeks ago about how I finally came to love yoga? Running is such a different sort of satisfaction than I get from yoga. I look to yoga to relax and stretch my body, to calm my mind, to give myself a chance to feel centered. I feel so relaxed and jelly-esque after yoga.
But I love how energized and accomplished running makes me feel, especially when I reach a new goal, like a faster pace or a longer distance. I love how on a day when I’m feeling stressed or restless, I can go outside, just me and my running shoes (and my Garmin 
), and take some time to think. I love the “me” time that running provides. I love feeling the fresh air, hearing the birds chirp, and listening to the sound of my breathing. And I love catching up with a friend (or my dad!) over a good, long run. When else will you have such a long period of completely undivided time to just talk?
I have a lot of friends who say they “can’t” run or that it’s “too hard” for them and somehow easier for me or everyone else. People, running is hard work. That’s not going to change, no matter how much running you do. But that doesn’t mean it won’t get a little easier each time, or that it’s not worth doing. Just start slow and don’t give up! I wasn’t always able to run this far, after all, and it’s certainly still not easy. And while sometimes everything will click and you’ll have an awesome run… just remember that some runs are better than others. That’s just how it is.
Sometimes running will feel effortless, sometimes (like today for me) it won’t.
Sometimes you’ll be able to run fast, and sometimes you won’t.
Sometimes you’ll get a “runner’s high” that carries you through the run, and sometimes it won’t come until you’re (finally) finished.
To my runner readers — Why do you run? How did you start?
And to my non-runner readers — Have you tried running? Do you want to start?
Time to go enjoy another benefit of long runs — the extra FOOD! Enjoy your Saturday
Love this post! At the marathon last weekend – a guy was wearing a shirt that said “Running is Easy. Right Foot. Left Foot. Repeat.” For me that kind of explains why I love running so much – you can just leave your house and do it. No special equipment necessarily needed. It’s so liberating and freeing. I don’t run with music because I love being connected to the elements while out there pounding the trail or pavement.
Congrats on a great run this morning! You’re going to kill the 10 miler.
I agree running is hard work. I remember in 10th grade when we ran our “last” mile of high school p.e. I kissed the track afterward swearing I would never run again! Famous last words. There is nothing like the feeling of a great run- but a bad run is really disheartening!
I am training for my first half marathon and will be running 10 miles for the first time tomorrow morning! I started running with my Dad too when I was in middle school. He ran almost every day and I would go with him to spend time with him. Now I run because I love how it makes me feel! But I know exactly what you mean-sometimes it feels good through the whole run, and sometimes it doesn’t feel good until the second I get to walk! But, I think running is something you can do your whole life. And for those who don’t think they can run outside (I get this from a lot of friends), I think that it is best to start small. Make goals for yourself and start with running for only 15 minutes and build on what you have. Progress, to me, is the most exciting part of running!
While I’m not a runner, I’m trying to slowly start. Unfortunately my knees really don’t like it when I run (they’re not good from my dancing years) so I’m going to see how long I can do it. I walk a lot so the mileage is there, but the impact might just be too much for my body. Slow and steady, right?
I run because I love it. It’s like my natural xanax… it calms me down. I can pound out the stress in my life out on the pavement and enjoy not having to think about anything except for putting one foot in front of the other. I can’t imagine not having it in my life.
Amen, sista! I so agree! People start running assuming that it will become extremely easy after a few weeks. That just isn’t running. I got an email the other day talking about how they wished that they had my long legs to run. I appreciated the compliment, but it takes very hard work to run as fast and as long as I do. I’m not “fast” by any means, but all I am saying is that it will come ONLY with hardwork. You can’t “cheat” with running. If you haven’t done your hw, it shows. And trust me, I could barely run a mile 8 years ago, and now I’m running a marathon in 2 weeks.
I started running in September with a last-minute 5K. I was addicted that day. Training for my first 1/2 has been the greatest! I love long runs by myself or with friends. They give me a sense of accomplishment that hasn’t been matched by any other workout. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a life without running. It’s the best stress-reliever and mood-booster out there.
Awesome run! I love how encouraging you are.
I used to be a runner. Now, 2 kids later… not so much. I know a lot of women use that as an excuse but when you’re nursing every hour and a half it really is hard to find the time. I’m hoping to purchase a double jogging stroller soon though!
I’m back to square one again after getting an injury, I was running up to 6 miles last Sept when I got sidelined with a knee injury. I started again last week. One thing I love about running is that no equipment is required literally anyone can do it. Like the comment above said about the t-shirt right foot, left foot, repeat.
After my first run this week I am still a little sore but feels good!
Alright. First of all, those leather gloves are amazing.
But on to the topic at hand…I totally agree with you about how great running makes you feel! And it will NEVER get easy. I started last autumn, without being able to run more than 3 miles (at a very slow pace) and am doing the Charlottesville 10-Miler next weekend! I thought by now I’d be like “Pshhh 10 miles? Piece of cake.” but it can always be challenging. Even those 3 mile runs are hard to take some days; it’s totally off and on!
Awesome run! Now rest and recoup
I started running because of Michael Phelps and the Olympics. Unfortunately, it became a bit of an unhealthy addiction, but now I’ve reached a healthy balance between enjoying my time running and refueling properly.
I’m not much of a runner. I’m trying to be. I’d like to be a runner. One day I’ll be one . . . I hope.
I would not call myself a runner (Anne you are well aware of my running abilities, or lack thereof). I’m really slow, and I have never run more than ~5 miles in my life. I used to hate it, but once I realized I belonged outside (not on a treadmill) things started to click. I’m really happy running is part of my exercise repertoire (the same way I am happy to have yoga, or spinning) because some days, you just feel like going for a run!! I think it is key (for me, at least) to have as many options as possible, so boredom won’t stop you from getting your exercise! Today I really felt like running, so instead of going to a spinning class at the gym, I went for a 4 mile run by the river
Variety is key, and running can be great for that, even if you’re not a “runner.” Congrats on your good run, Anne. Can’t wait to hear about how the race goes! 
Awesome post, Anne. And congrats on a great training run. If you can do that in training, imagine what you can do on race day!
And, why do we run? So we can eat, of course!
Well done, and thanks for your thoughts on running. They were inspirational!
I first began to ran because I was looking to lose weight. However, the weight-loss part of my plan has slipped my mind, because I’ve realized how great I feel when I run. My whole body and mind feels refreshed, and like you said, it gives me some “me” time. I really enjoy the time to myself! Running is also a great stress-buster. I started slowly, and although I’m not running 5 miles at a record breaking time, I listen to my body and push myself when I need a challenge.
Thank you for your inspiring words! Congratulations on your hard work!
I still don’t consider myself a “runner”, even though I ran a half marathon last weekend. My second, actually. I was never, ever athletic in school and although I always liked walking and hiking, the thought of running was really unappealing to me. In my early twenties, though, it seemed like a good challenge, so I started slow. I remember the first time I ran about 2 miles straight I was so psyched! When I ran my first half it was over three years ago, and I did it just because I wanted to set a goal and achieve it. After that event, I rarely ran, although I did other things like kick boxing, walking, hiking, hitting the gym, doing squats with my cats, you know. I turned 30 in November and decided I wanted to run another half marathon, so I trained and BAM! Knocked 10 minutes off my time. From very slow time to sort of slow time. I don’t know if I’ll keep running…sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s terrible. Like any other fitness thing, I have to keep changing it up to keep it interesting. Setting and achieving a goal is very, very satisfying though!
I LOVE running..you know this, duh but I love it because it’s something(the goals Iset) that’s possible for me to achieve. I was never really athletic growing up and tried so hard to get involved in sports and the one thing that ran me down when trying out was RUNNING! I was ALWAYS the last one running! Now, I LOVE it! I feel SO accomplished and refreshed after each run and no matter how much it sucked or felt effortless, finishing always feels so sweet. Oh and the ability to eat as much as you want after, that’s a plus too.
While I am not fast, I can run far and that’s huge for me! I think this summer I am going to focus on smaller distances and speed so that when race season comes back I will have increased my speed.
I really do just love running.
I started running a little after I stopped playing team sports (so after H.S.). I remember how excited I was the first time I ran 1/2 mile! I’m still not a great runner, but I’m training for a 10K and I love that I can feel myself getting stronger and faster. Consecutive sub-9:00 min miles still aren’t gonna happen for me, but I’m working on it!
But the fact that running isn’t always easy is one of the reasons I love it! I feel so strong and accomplished after finishing. Pushing through the first few miles is always the worst. I definitely hate those days when the whole run hurts…I just keep reminding myself it will be better next time!
I love to run when I can run outside!! I ran outside on Thursday through DC all the way to Dupont Circle and it was gorgeous
Though I’m sure all the people walking through Georgetown got annoyed with me.
But I only like to really run when I can run outside. The treadmill is insanely boring…
Though I can’t handle the cold weather like you did this morning, I’m a baby!
i used to run only to burn calories, so i would go as fast as possible for the longest amount of time = NOT SMART. my knees are JACKED now, so i’ve been walking for the better part of a year. i do miss the feeling of running for fun though, so i’m working on building up strength to be able to do that again! i never want to run in races or anything, but i would just love to be able to go out and do it for the health benefits and the amazing runner’s high afterwards
camelbacks are GREAT, i highly recommend them!
Well done on a wonderful run! You rock GIRL!!!!!
I started running because I wanted some way to keep my weight under control and I had just started reading healthy living blogs, which were a major source of inspiration! I started about this time last year and this month I’ve run two half marathons in a two week time period! Running is such a fickle friend though, so many days I struggle, and hate, and its beats me down, and then I’ll have 2-3 absolutely amazing runs where I completely blow away my last in speed and it feels completely effortless. I love it exactly for the challenge that it gives me. It tries to hold you down and you have to dig deep within to fight it!
You inspire me. I have the good eating down. Now the workouts. I’m not a runner….foot problem. High impact doesn’t work for me. Yoga and walking.
Thanks for your blog!
Awesome run! I’ve been running for 5 years, and it’s still not easy! Injuries haven’t helped. But I don’t really want it to ever be easy!!! I love the challenge!
I started running in elementary school! My teacher loved running and noticed that I played soccer so she wanted me to try out for the track team! I ended up getting first place at the city track meet! I like long distance running! I sometimes feel like I can go forever especially when I have the right music playing!!
Wow, what fast splits! That’s incredible for only your 3rd. 10-miler.
I run because it makes me feel good about myself — accomplished, strong, productive, healthy. I use it for self-therapy, for chatting with friends, for seeing the world.
I am a walker, a really fast walker that just hasn’t made it from walk to run yet. I’ve tried running and as you said, it’s hard!
But deep down, I truly feel like there is a runner in me waiting to hit the road, so I will be inspired by your words … “just start slow and don’t give up”. Simple and true.
I run because it keeps me calm and focused. It allows me time to think and time to chat with my girlfriends while getting a workout. The reason I started running was to get in shape back in middle school. From there, I never looked back.
Um…You are FAST lady!!! 8:40 min/mile average!!! Great Job! I hated running when I first started, not going to lie. But, the more I did it the easier it got and now I love it! It is such a stress release for me for sure. PS. I love the sweet peas on your knees- and it rhymes!
WOOOO!! You must feel so accomplished. I seriously admire runners…especially when you acknowledge that running *is* difficult, but you push through it nonetheless.
Me? I’d fall in the “non-runner” category. I’ve tried running many times in the past, with the most recent time being a personal challenge to reach 3 miles. I completed that challenge, and although I felt a sense of accomplishment, I more so felt a sense of *relief.* I never assumed that running would come easy, and I was willing (and did) push through the difficulty to reach my goal. When it was all said in done, I did a lot of reflecting. I realized I had two choices. 1) I could continue with running, continue pushing through the mental and physical difficulty, and over time it would get easier and my running would improve. However, I’d be doing something I simply *didn’t enjoy doing* – before, during, or even after a run. 2) I could recognize that running just isn’t a form of exercise that I enjoy, and move on to other things. <— and that's what I decided to do!
In the past, I refused to accept the fact that I didn't enjoy running. So I kept trying and trying and trying, only to give up and feel like a failure. But this most recent challenge proved to me that I CAN run and I CAN push myself to the limit (even though 3 miles is pretty lame to most "real" runners
). And as corny as this sounds, I'm finally at peace with the fact that I simply don't enjoy running! Funny thing is, once I arrived at the point, I find myself running/jogging sporadically, and not really minding it. Sure, I might only jog a mile or so, but that's much better than completely swearing off running (like I did in the past).
I guess that just goes to show that my personality type (I tend to be easily stressed/anxious, "all or nothing" thinking) works better with exercise forms that push me to the limit while still providing a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. And in my case, running just doesn't do it!
Running is HARD! Well said! When I first started running 3 months ago, I could not go for any longer than 30 secs. I ran my first 5k at fitbloggin and now I am HOOKED!
It’s hard every single time I run, but I check-in with my thoughts and I let my legs do their thing! I am so impressed with my progress. I won’t lie I give myself a fist pump after a good run!
I guess I’d kind of disagree – running *does* get easier. If you ran 3 miles in 30 minutes twice a week, then after 2 months it would feel much easier. Its just that as runners, we’re constantly looking to push ourselves, so we want to run 3 miles in 28 minutes, then 25, and then we want to be able to run 6/10/13.1/26.2 miles, and then do that distance quicker, so we have to push ourselves to meet our new time or distance targets, which is what makes it feel harder.
But that’s what I love about running – its as competitive as you want it to be, but you’re only ever competing with yourself. Even after running for a year, I’m not super fast and am often in the last 25% at races, but I’m always beating my own times and getting PBs, so I don’t care where I finish!
I am somewhat diligently trying to learn to like running. I’ve slacked off a lot this winter, but once the sun decides to shine again, I am determined to get my run on & start to enjoy it!
WOW – 10 miles?!
Congrats, girl!
Have a terrific week!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
i used to run very often. However from running i developed lateral compartment syndrome. There is not cure for it- excpet a surgery that would leave me huge scars on my legs- so tht isnt really worth it to me. It compresses a nerve in my leg when i run and causes my feet to go numb after about 10 minutes. I still try to run sparingly but dont really enjoy this cause i never build up any momentum which is what i loved about running. If anyone know any suggestions for this I would love to get back into it, but for now I cant.
I was always a swimmer. Started at 6, also did syncro and water polo, played water polo in college. Never bothered with running. HOWEVER, swimming is not as much an “any time, any place” activity. Had ran a couple of 5k’s, but never trained because swimming had kept me fit enough. Now, I’m staring at 30, and 10 extra pounds. Decided to run a 10 mile race a couple weeks before my wedding. And…started drinking the kool-aid WAY too fast. Just hadn’t believed the gradual increase requirement. So, now I sit. Two majorly aching knees, 5 weeks til the race, and not looking good. Doesn’t mean I haven’t gotten hooked! Just means that I haven’t even walked very well for about 3 weeks. Next time? Taking it slower!
I have that same shirt as your friend Ashley! Is she from Salt Lake City or did she just race there?
Hey Anne! Thanks so much for doing this post! I just signed up for my firs 5K (it’s not until September) so this post really is an inspiration. I am in good shape and run/walk and weight train 4-5 times a week, but my endurance definitely needs some work. “Start slow” is the best advice because it is so easy to get discouraged if one day you just decide you’re going out to run 10 miles and are done after 1.
One of my main obstacles at this time is when to eat. I know I need energy to run, but I have been getting cramps from eating too close to start time. I try to have something like a larabar or some crackers with hummus, but inevitably get major cramp-age. How much time do you normally give yourself to digest?
What a great run! Congrats! I agree with everything you said about running… sometimes my long runs are a breeze… other times just doing 3 miles is a struggle. I think so many different factors go into making a good run, like what I ate, how much I slept, the weather, what I’m wearing, and especially, my frame of mind. On pretty Sunday afternoons my runs are usually pretty good… but after a long day at the office, not so much!
I just found your site today and let me tell you, this post was exactly what i needed to hear. I just started “running” about a month and a half ago using the Couch to 5k program. Some days it just feels like I’ll never finish and to know that even experienced runners have bad days makes me feel a little better about pushing through it. Thank you!
I heart my Camelbak!!!!
I started running in 2008 because I was in a workout rut. I finally told myself to do something that scared me = running, and try to finish one mile. One mile became two, and the next thing I knew, I was running 3-6 miles like it was nobody’s business. I ran my first 5k in October of 2009 and now thinking about taking it to the next step and run a 10k.
Running in the morning is the best! I’m training for my first ultra (Summer Beast Of Burden 100) and I love our early Sunday morning runs along the Erie Canal. The crushed stone is great for long runs!
I started running on accident. I really just wanted to see if, at age 44, weighing in at an unhealthy 240 pounds, it was possible. That was August 2010.
Turns out, it was, indeed, possible. I am now 205 pounds on my way to 160, have four 5Ks under my belt, and many more scheduled this year. I have lost two toenails and injured my Achilles. All of this because I can say, “I Am A Runner.” I may be the slowest runner in any field, but I run. I finish verticle. And occasionally, I beat one pregnant woman across the finish line.
Thank you for your advice and insights! I thoroughly enjoy your blog.
That is so awesome, Maggie. Good for you and keep it up!