I want to be a runner.
Have I mentioned that before? Here, let me say it again, lest there be any doubt.
I want to be a runner.
I’ve been giving a lot of thought lately to the progress I’ve made in my running and trying to formulate a plan to help me take it to the next level. I’ve all but decided that I’m going to take Erin’s lead and forego C25K for now. I think it’s a great program and I know it works for a lot of people, I just don’t think I am one of them. I hinted to this before here, but for me, it’s caused me to become very dependent on the walking portions.
It has held me back.
If I’m ever going to accomplish all of my running goals, I need to be able to just run without worrying about my watch beeping that it’s time to stop and walk. I don’t want to walk. I want to run until I can’t run anymore and just continue pushing myself like that. I hope this makes sense and that it doesn’t sound like a cop-out for quitting C25K. Geesh, I really hate the way that sounds…”quitting”. I’m sorry to all of my fellow C25K’ers, like Craig, Lynne, and Kat. I hope you don’t get upset with me. As much as I want to be able to say “I finished C25K”, I want to become a runner more, so I need to follow the plan that’s going to work best for me…I hope you all understand.
You might recall that I hit a major milestone last weekend during the Valor Race when I ran for an entire mile without stopping to walk. That experience really transformed my entire perspective on running myself. I’ve been riddled with self doubts from the beginning that my “goals” of becoming a runner someday were really just pipe dreams and who was I kidding to think that *I* could achieve them? But, I’m here to tell you that my confidence has shot to a whole new level since I ran that mile Saturday.
I’m starting to believe in myself.
This is completely new territory for me, but I could get used to it. It’s amazing what hitting a milestone like that can do for one’s self-efficacy.
So I’ve taken my newfound confidence and made the following adjustments to my running goals:
- Be able to run 2 miles without stopping to walk by May 31, 2010.
- Be able to run 3.1 miles without stopping to walk by November 25, 2010 (for the Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot).
- To win an award in my age group for a race.
- To run a half-marathon in 2011 (possibly in January? Details later)
- To run a marathon.
I’ve been wanting to be able to run a marathon for a long time. Even before I started losing weight it was one of those things I always wanted to do. Hell, it’s been on my “bucket list” for years. It’s exciting to think I could be less than a year away from it finally becoming reality. I’d like to set a time frame for running a marathon, but I don’t think I could realistically set a time frame at this point because I still have SO much training left for it.
Wow. I’m going to be a runner. Who’da thunk it?
Edited: I changed the title of this post because I realized -thanks to your comments- that I AM already a runner. Thank you all so much for helping me realize this. xoxo
141.2 miles walked/jogged/ran since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 500)
45.5 miles biked since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 300)
(5) 5Ks finished since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 12)
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
You are NOT quitting C25K! Quitting gives the impression that you are cowardly and backing down from a challenge you cannot possible achieve. Quitting is bullsh*t and you are not quitting anything!You are simply MOVING ON to bigger and better things. No more holding back, more pushing for progress. Oh, and you ARE a runner, already, because anyone who walks their first 5K (on Thanksgiving, no less) and five months later runs a mile without stopping IS A RUNNER.
You can do anything you put your mind to. Nothing can stop you now. Run on, Josie girl!
.-= Erin´s last blogblog…Fast Cars and Scale Freedom =-.
omg Erin, you have me in tears now. Thank you, I’m speechless, but just wanted to say thank you. <3
Every word is true and I mean that! Much love!!!
.-= Erin´s last blogblog…Fast Cars and Scale Freedom =-.
I agree with Erin… it’s not quitting. It’s refocusing. I don’t mind a bit. You have to do what you have to do. I like C25K and am going to continue. Who knows? Maybe I’ll come to the same conclusion. I don’t see it happening, but you never know.
I also agree with Erin… you are already a runner! You rock. I love ya! You being able to run that mile made me think and I’m pushing myself because of it.
Thanks Lynne. I’m really glad you’re going to do what works best for you, because I’m learning how important that is. I like that term “refocusing” much better than quitting!!! Love you too!
I don’t understand the title of ‘wanting’ to be a runner. You ARE a runner!!! … now get out there and run
I’m torn between the run and the run/walk. Stupid fast runners are now using the run/walk and getting PB’s. There is something in it for all runners and it shouldn’t just be seen as a cop out. If the run/walk method allows you to go further then I don’t see any problems with it.
Good luck with your goals. I look forward to following your progress
.-= mike´s last blogblog…Now It’s Real =-.
Wow, thank you. Having that come from an accomplished runner as yourself really means a lot to me. Good luck in your race next week!
I think “quitting” c25K would be stopping running altogether and just walking (if that)…if anything you’re going above and beyond C25K. I think that’s amazing (and I so wish I could do it, too!)
I want to be a runner as well. So bad…and I think I’m getting better but I’m still a ways away, hehe. I love your new goals and blogs and can’t wait to follow your progress! You are so inspiring to me!!
.-= Craig´s last blogblog…My First 5K! (Results!!) =-.
Craig, like others have told me….you ARE a runner my friend! You’re improving everyday and you inspire ME everyday.
Erm, I think you need to add TRI2011 to that list in case you forgot *nudge nudge*
And, you also need to cross out “going to be” and change it to “am a”.
I don’t do well with plans either. I didn’t train for my first 5K on C25K, I just ran. It’s what works for me. All of our journeys are different, and you need to do what helps you, what motivates you.
I’m using C25K now to train for speed but even still, I can’t stay on plan (wow, I FAIL at training regimes!) so just keep pushing yourself. It doesn’t matter that you’re not doing C25K like it says because you’re still going from couch to 5K! That’s the point
Everything is a guideline and not set in stone.
I know you can run 2 miles straight by the end of May!
YOU CAN DO IT, RUNNER!
.-= Jess´s last blogblog…Day 81: Stepping Outside the Box =-.
I didn’t forget about the Tri, just scared to actually put it into writing. haha. Thanks for the encouragement, Jess!
I agree with other commenters, Josie, you are NOT a quitter! You have to do what is right for you & what you want to do in this journey. You can do whatever you set your mind to! We are with you!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blogblog…Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil-Stuffed Chicken Rollitini =-.
Thanks Jody!!!
Yeah, what Jess said! Where’s TRI 2011?
Come to the dark side, muah hah haaaaa!!!
But regarding running, another “ditto” here. C25K is just one of many tools that can help people get into running, and it’s great, but it’s not the only way. FWIW, I didn’t follow it when I started, although I did walk/run intervals until after awhile of gradually upping the running and decreasing the walking, I felt ready to run for a whole 30 minutes. Once I could do that, I worked on speed intervals (run from this lamp post to that one a little bit faster, then slower between the next two, etc.) and my distances gradually increased. I didn’t follow a formal training plan for triathlon training, either. I read a bunch and got the gist of what to do, then I did what I could in the time I had available to me. Anyhow, since you’re not starting at “couch” like I was, I have a feeling you’ll meet your goals (and then some) in the time line you’ve established!
Go, Josie the Runner, go!
.-= Pubsgal´s last blogblog…Weekly Update, 4/21/10 =-.
OMG…”Josie the runner”?? haha, that has a great sound to it!!! Are you doing the tri next year too? I’m already on the dark side!
Thanks for the comment!
It certainly does!
Yes, I see tri’s in my 2011 future. This year, I’m aiming for one per quarter. I’ve done two sprint tri’s so far (one in fall 2009 and one in Feb 2010), and I’m doing the bike as part of a tri relay with some friends in June. Hoping I can get family to do a relay with me in August, but otherwise will be going on my own. (My last tri convinced me that it would be fun to get some friends involved. Your race experiences inspired me there, because it looks like you have a blast racing with friends.) I’d like to eventually get into longer distances, but it will likely take me awhile to work up to it. I’m enjoying the process, though.
.-= Pubsgal´s last blogblog…Dragon Training Tips =-.
You’re doing great!!! You’re doing what works for you, and that’s all that matters. I can’t run a whole mile yet, but I’m already calling myself a runner!
.-= Chad´s last blogblog…My First 5K: The Night Before =-.
I hope you had an awesome time at the race this morning, Chad! You runner you!!
You already are a runner. There is no set minimum distance that makes you a runner! Even great running coaches have you do run/walk. Take note of the Galway Method that a lot of pro runners do.
One piece of advice – don’t increase your run distance by more than 10% a week, or you will regress instead of progress.
.-= Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blogblog…Flashback Friday: The Pixie edition. =-.
See, this is what’s so great about this community because I would never have known about this 10% factor. Thank you SO much.
Josie, I’m feeling the same way. I went from c25k to podrunner’s gateway to 8k because it has walking intervals and I just don’t like it. I’m probably going to do what you’re doing here in about 3 minutes time.
I just want to run.
Why?
Because I am a runner! If I want to walk, I want it to be because I’m about ready to throw up my left lung not because a podcast told me.
Here’s to us!
And please don’t say want to be a runner…you are already. Say I want to run farther and faster! SHAZAM!
.-= Tara´s last blogblog…Wonder if what you say helps / Forging relationships / Revisiting an old enemy =-.
Ok, I want to run farther and faster! SHAZAM!!!
Thanks Tara for being such a great inspiring force in my life!
Josie, you ARE a runner! And I bet you will hit your 3 miles before you know it, too. I didn’t do a formal program; I just ran for time. The time that I was able to run got longer and longer – that’s when I bought my Nike + so I could keep track of how far I was running…and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how far I was going! Do what feels right – and also, take Lori’s advice and increase by only 10% (ish) each week to prevent injury. Congratulations on taking control of your destiny!
.-= Shelley B´s last blogblog…Friday Mish, Mash, Mush… =-.
I really, really want the Nike+! Thanks for the comment Shelley, and for reinforcing Lori’s advice. I had never heard that and am SO glad that I have friends like you all to steer me right!
Well, Erin said it all. I think you’ve made a wise and personal decision here, and yay for being a runner! I wonder what that actually MEANS. I think it’s just someone who runs….and isn’t that what you’re doing already? Hee.
Hehe, thanks Sophia. I suppose it is what I’m doing already now that I think about it.
Wow, I’m so late to the game. ALthough everyone else alreaddy said it, you are NOT a quitter. And you ARE a runner. You impress me so much. Seriously, I really do look up to you.
I totally support you, and know you’ll kick butt! You’re amazing.
.-= beej´s last blogblog…How much a year changes =-.
thanks beejster!
I can’t believe YOU look up to ME. It’s the other way around too, just so ya know.
Josie, you are making fabulous progress!
If I weren’t so tired, I’d probably be jealous, but even so I’d still want to cheer you on. You have done a lot, a whole lot, and C25K should be ashamed of itself for having failed you and not met your needs.
I look forward to watching you kick the ass out of each of the goals that you’ve posted up there!
.-= The Merry´s last blogblog…Wow! A Week’s Worth of Walking =-.
Thanks girl. I really appreciate it and I look forward to watching you meet yours as well!!
Um Josie – like everyone else who’s commented and has been following your journey I read your post title today and immediately thought “Josie you ARE a runner!”
Take your new title and run with it woman! Your goals are amazing and you’re already doing it. Keep on kickin’ ass!
.-= Meegan´s last blogblog…15 Reasons =-.
I am late to the party. I agree with everyone else. You ARE a runner NOW!
Great goals and I know you will achieve them all. You have what it takes Josie.
.-= Kimberley´s last blogblog…An Earth Day Giveaway =-.
The first time you laced up your shoes and went out for a run/walk you became a runner. You are so a runner.
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blogblog…My best long run yet =-.
Ditto!!!
I like your goals and the dates that you have set. You’re doing great.
.-= Shelli Belly´s last blogblog…Day 227 – Student Challenge =-.
Josie I would say you outgrew C25K if it’s holding you back what’s the point?? We have had enough with things holding us back that’s the whole point of these changes we are making
Break though that glass ceiling girl and SOAR!!! you are a runner and deserve it all
You sound like a runner to me. Swing by and download my 1/2 marathon training guide. It’s about 14 pages and comes with a little e-course on things I have learned over 14 years of running. Funny thing is the first few miles are the hardest. Getting over that 25-30 minute hump is really half the battle; so your much closer than you think.
Always happy to help so shoot me an email anytime w/ any questions.
I have been exactly where you are.
Joe
.-= Joe´s last blogblog…2010 America’s Run Half Marathon Review =-.
You are a runner Josie. You are doing it and it is a process. I am thrilled we are both doing it together! As for the c25k – it is only a tool. I prefer running slowly to running and walking myself too. I don’t see myself as ever being a fast runner, but I ran over 2 miles last night and was pretty thrilled…:-) You have not let me down, my friend. I adore you and am continually inspired by you! xoxo
.-= Kat´s last blogblog…Spring Challenge Update =-.
I think the C25K is a great program. That being said, I think it’s even BETTER to realize that something is going to work better for you. You’re not quitting – you’re adjusting, honing your program and your goals, and flexing as you discover more of who you are and who you want to be. Keep it up and HAVE FUN with your bad-a$$ runner self!
.-= SeattleRunnerGirl´s last blogblog…Health and Weight, Weight and Health =-.
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