Running FAQ

I got a lot of questions about my running, so like with the weight lifting post, here are my all my secrets 😀

How did you start running/How long have you been running? I started the Couch to 5K program in April of 2008.  Here is the post where I talked about my running evolution last year.  This is still one of my favorite posts. 🙂  So that makes almost 2 years of running now.  Where does the time go, anyway?

When did running become an enjoying experience DURING the run, and not only afterwards? Hmmmm…. this is hard because I don’t always enjoy the running.   When I first started out, I was actually nervous for the jogging sessions of training, literally palm sweating nervous. How bizarre is that?
There are days where it feels really good and I feel fit and the running is easy.  Those days I love.  Then there those days where my legs feel leaden and I think, “What the hell am I doing? This isn’t fun.”  Then I just get over it and keep going, unless I feel something funny that would lead me to believe I might get injured if I continue.  Most times that feeling of yuck dissipates after a while, but sometimes it stays the whole run.  That is usually when I refer to it as ‘slogging it out.’   I do have to say that I love, love the feeling when I am done running.  Knowing that great feeling is coming always outweighs the wanting to stop.  I don’t know if it is the endorphins or the feeling of accomplishment (or a little from both columns), but that is part of what keeps me running.  Ermmm….. is that called addiction? 😯

Did you run as a heavy person?  Sort of.  I tried running when I weighed over 200, and I made the mistake of going too hard, too fast, so I stopped (I still had that all-or-nothing mentality then).  I weighed in the 160s in 2008 when I started again.  It is easier when you are lighter, but there certainly are people much heavier than I am that do 1/2 marathons!  It’s all in how you train.  I do still need to wear compression on the bottom, because I don’t like the feel of loose skin when I run.  It just makes it more comfortable.  My trisuit was the best purchase ever!!

Why do you say you don’t consider yourself a runner, as it seems like you run a lot? I consider myself a biker and a lifter first, because those 2 things I love, and I would bike all the time if I could (and did last summer).  Running is just kind of something I do, but not necessarily what I am.

What shoes do you wear? I have become a convert to Saucony shoes.  I have wide feet and they fit me really well.

What do you eat before you run? Depends on the length of the run and the time.  Usually a protein bar or some type of bread with nut butter on it.  Sometimes dates with nut butter.  Nothing really heavy.

Do you have any running goals this year? I had a mileage goal in mind of 750 miles for the year.  A minimum of 500 (I am sitting at 166 the day of this post).  I had thoughts of doing a 1/2 marathon, but I realized that I don’t love running so much that I want to do it for 2.5 hours.  I think I might get bored, not to mention that it would be really hard.  It’s funny, we are going to do a 100-mile bike ride this summer and that I look forward to that.  I was not looking forward to a 1/2 marathon, so I think that is reason enough to not do one.  And that is okay.  Sometimes I feel like I *should* because there is no reason that I can’t, and it seems like so many others are having fun doing them.  It certainly would be a challenge. I can always change my mind on that one, though.  I am doing the duathlon again, though. Yay!

So, those are just some musings on running.

My first 5K ever in July of 2008 (with my sister)

24 thoughts on “Running FAQ”

    1. Lori Post author

      I run on opposite days I lift most times. It’s hard to run on days I lift, although I can do a mile or 2 if I feel I need to.

  4. Dawn

    What a great post Lori!!! I loved learning about how you started running and how you stay running. I wish I could get the swing of it but my knees limit me. Maybe some day I’ll be able to. I love how passionate you are about everything you do.
    .-= Dawn´s last blog ..Moody blues =-.

  6. Pubsgal

    I loved reading this, too! Thanks for sharing the info. I know what you mean about running, but not considering yourself “a runner.” I like bike riding better, too, but outdoor rides are harder to work into my schedule during the school year. (I think I like it better because the scenery changes more quickly…maybe if I ran faster I’d like running better. 😉 )

    When’s your duathlon? Definitely would like to hear more about it. Do you think you’ll do another triathlon?
    .-= Pubsgal´s last blog ..I’m Back (With Photos and a Race Report!) =-.

    1. Lori Post author

      The duathlon is not until october – a long way away!

      I am not sure about another tri. I don’t have access to a pool now, so that puts a crimp in swim training 😀

  7. Nicole

    I love reading all your questions and answers. I am still on the fence about doing a half marathon. I want to, but it just seems like so long to run. Some days I also get bored running, especially on the treadmill, but I try to put on some good music or tv and push through!
    .-= Nicole´s last blog ..Whole Wheat Pita Bread! =-.

  8. Jane

    It’s nice to read a bit more about your running. I’m going to check out Saucony shoes because my feet are wide and my current walking shoes pinch a bit and are really awful when I try to add short running segments to my walk.
    .-= Jane´s last blog ..The Good And The Bad =-.

  9. Aimee

    You’ve come so far with your running, it’s amazing! I have always hated to run but I kind of wonder what it would be like to run a mile. Maybe I’ll change my ways. lol

  13. Shelley B

    Thanks for this! I am still struggling with what to eat before a run – I did my Dash 5K on a banana – had a protein bar with me, but could not force myself to eat that much so early in the morning. Maybe I should try a little peanut butter with the nanner?

    Oh, here’s another question – I’ve read that after about 45 minutes you should re-fuel…do you use GU or anything like that?
    .-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Armadillo Dash 5K Recap! =-.

    1. Lori Post author

      You might just try eating 1/2 the protein bar, but honestly, if you are okay not eating it and running, then you don’t need it.

      I never take those GU things or stuff like that. I don’t fuel during runs, except when I ran 8 miles, I had some dates with nut butter and then another time I had coconut water. That is what I prefer rather then gels or gatorade.

      6 miles or less and it is a snack before and breakfast after, but not during.

  14. Susan

    Funny, this post just made me realize I AM a runner! 2.5 hours seems like nothing on my feet, but it can be pretty brutal on the bike :\ Hm, maybe we need to do a relay race!

    I’m a Sauconys convert too, although I’m a strong believer in that shoe brand is based on the individual foot.
    .-= Susan´s last blog ..Three Generations =-.

  15. Katie

    Thanks for this post! I read the one you linked to about your running progression, which was terrific as well. I am just starting week 7 of the C25K, and it sounds like I am at about the same pace as you were when you did it!

    A few questions – How did you get up to 5k? I’m sure after week 9 I’ll be able to run for 30 minutes… but that will probably only get me 2 miles! How do I get up to 5k?

    Also, what kind of training did you do to get your 5k time down?? I am running a 5k in May, so I will have some time to work on speed between finishing C25K and my race. Any pointers would be great!
    .-= Katie´s last blog ..A Sunday kind of love… =-.

  16. Leah

    I LOVED this post as I am a new runner. I have just completed the C25K program and found out yesterday that I can indeed run 5K, but (like you) it took me over 30 minutes. I am going to sign up for my first race soon, but just to finish it..not to win time wise.

    This is a post I will come back to for hints and helps. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

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