4.21.2010

Runners are masochists

I have always been thin. Luckily so. So thin that today when mentioning that I haven't run in at least 8 to 10 years, someone overheard and laughed in amazement.
When I graduated from high school, I weighed a buck -o-five dripping wet. Yes, please, hate me. Looking back, I do.
In college, I wore a size 24 pant. No, not twenty four, twenty four, I mean, a 24 inch waist. Do you know how hard it is to find cute jeans size 24x33? Not that easy.
When I got married 5 years ago, I bought a size 0 dress and had to have it taken in, just a bit.
While I'm still technically 'thin,' I don't think I'm healthy, and I'm definitely not in shape. And being 'naturally thin,' just means that one day you wake up and hate the way you look because you've done nothing about it your whole life.
I've been to the doctor several times lately and every time I stepped on the scale, it was inching up. Right now, it sits at 140. Which places me just outside of the small frame for my height (5'7").
This is not a discussion on weight or health or anything like that.
This is me saying I'm not comfortable in my skin at the moment and finally feel the need to do something about it.
Enter the running.
First, I have to say I was a runner in high school. You know, 12 years ago. And I ran sprints. I have no endurance. Didn't then, don't now.
Brad, on the other hand, ran long distance.
So after weeks of me whining about my ever-creeping up weight, Brad declared we would run.
I'm not a fan of running.
Yesterday we ran.
My lungs still hurt.
Can I just say running is boring? Like really boring! And, you can't talk! Well, at least I can't talk, you know, since I'm huffing and puffing trying to catch my breath because I think I might die at any moment.
Brad on the other hand is making jokes the whole time. "What you're doing right there is called walking.'  'How can you possibly be breathing so hard?!' And, my favorite, "No wonder Sheridan sucked at track." (Our high schools were rivals.)
So, I am determined to make some changes and do some kind of working out, but for now? I'm leaving the running to all you crazies out there. You know who you are. :)

9 comments:

  1. I suck at running. I absolutely hate it! I was super thin in high school too. I have gained about 15 lbs since then and I would like to lose some of the chub.

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  2. Well, we all know how my attempt at running went. I admire runners but am resigned to the fact that I will never be one. I'll stick to the walking.

    My frame is never going to allow me to be super thin. I'm okay with that but some of this weight has got to go. More health than vanity, but either way - it sucks trying lose it!!

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  3. Come on! Keep at it! The lung burning goes away...eventually. Maybe.

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  4. I actually have to agree with you. No really, it seems ridiculous when you really think about it. I think how mundane and repetitive it is ALL THE TIME (while I am running). The talking while running thing took me about 8 months before I could manage it. And I would also mention, when I was getting back to running after a 2 year hiatus, it took me a month of running 4 times per week before I didn't hate it again.

    I do have to give running credit though, since i just weighed myself yesterday and am at my high school weight again. Which that was not my goal (goal was to feel strong and healthy again), but it is a nice benefit!

    Even though I would love to try to convince you to join the crazy club, you do have to find something you enjoy. I'm sure you'll find it!

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  5. Ugh, running. I do it but only because I would be in terrible shape for soccer if I didn't (and believe me, it's not like a regular thing for me or anything). How about an elliptical? It has some of the benefits of running (increased heart rate, etc.) but none of the pounding on the knees, etc. Plus, you can watch TV while you use it!

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  6. I sometimes get it in my head that I want to try running. That just listening to music and feeling the wind in my hair will be exhilarating. Thus far, thinking about it is as far as I've gotten.

    Have you thought about getting into yoga and/or Pilates? I think both of those are fun, and you can see and feel results, but there isn't so much of the huffing and puffing stuff.

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  7. Get an ipod with the Nike Sport device that keeps your pace, distance, calories, etc. It makes the run a little more endurable and helps you set goals. And always run outside, if possible. We all need the Vitamin D. Finally, as much as I sometimes dread running, I've never regretted going. Even the crappiest runs are better than a good episode of Maury.
    - the freelancer

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  8. Congrats on making the decision to make a change. That's the hardest part. I did the same thing about a year ago and its been a struggle but I'm glad I did it. I'm sure you'll find a workout that you don't mind so much.

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  9. I pretty much don't feel sorry for you. :) 5'5", 135 lbs, never eat what I want, (may drink too much... so what?!) run 4-5X a week, 3-5 miles a day...

    Just kidding. Running will grow on you. Seriously. I know it sounds as crazy as a sanitarium but you will get hooked. Especially, if you start entering races. :) Let me know if you want a running partner... that won't talk the whole time.

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