Have I mentioned I am a runner? I am a runner! I find this pretty hilarious, since I am about the last person you would look at and think “oh, she must be a runner”… but there you go. I’m like a runner incognito!
In my last few posts about running, I talked about creating a worldwide army of SSYWE runners. Want to join us?
Here are some things that have helped me:
1. This post. I am mostly following her advice–I run for thirty minutes, and I run as slow as an arthritic sloth. However I don’t go every other day, I go three times a week (monday, wednesday, and friday) since I like routines and those days work well with my schedule.
2. A great bra. Oh man, having the right bra changes everything. If you don’t want to go out and buy a new bra maybe wear two? But get everything strapped down! It makes for a waaay more pleasant experience.
3. New shoes. I didn’t follow the advice to go out and get fitted at a show store, where they watch you run, because…well, I can think of a lot of things I would rather be doing. But I have done that in the past, and I remembered the brand, so I just ordered a new pair of those. Are they scientifically the absolute perfect shoe for my foot? Maybe not. Are they very comfortable? Yes. It helps to know your pronation type, so you can order a shoe that’s well reviewed for that type. So I’m going to say go ahead and skip the embarrassing visit to the shoe store, if that’s preventing you from starting.
4. Map My Run! I love this app. I just set it and forget it. I can start it at the beginning of my run and end it at the end, and then I have all sorts of data to look at as I progress. No I’m not trying to improve my pace, but it is fun to see it progress as the weeks go by regardless. What do you know! Moving my body works!
5. Have a mantra or song. Mine is from kids’ play gym, and it goes “I’m alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic!” …do you now this song? It is the perfect mantra for a morning run. Z likes it and it makes me laugh. (It is nice to have the baby in the stroller as a cover for both my slow pace and my singing to myself!)
Running isn’t just for the ultra-fit, it can be for anyone. Our bodies want to move. Even if we’re not perfect, even if we have to go slow. Let’s have the Super Slow, Wildly Enthusiastic, Incognito Runners take back running!
Any other unlikely runners out there? tell me how it’s going so I can cheer you on!
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Have you read John The Penguin Bingham? He has a book .. a very funny book .. and you might like it. He runs slowly (possibly enthusiastically). Wish I could remember the name. Ha. I just realized that I own it – it’s The Courage to Start.
Oooh! Thanks Elizabeth! I will check it out
I want to be a runner too. I ran with my sis at the gym on a track, super slow and I liked it. Add me to your SSYWE group!
You’re in girl! I love it, and I love youuuu!!! Let’s do this thing.
I ran even slower today. I thought I ran as slow as could be last time, but found an even slower version was there to be had.
More of an up and down movement than any real forward motion.
A brisk walker even overtook me. I felt no shame.
But I went from 50:50 run/walk last time to 80:20 run/walk this time with the super slow.
YESSSS! Even slower is better! I call mine “practically running in place”…like a pantomime of running! So much fun