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The Running Debate (And and a giveaway!)

Filed Under: About, Giveaway, Product Review

By 55 Comments Jump to Recipe

I need your help.

I am really confused.

I am so confused, I just don’t know what to believe anymore.

(*Drama queen alert*)

I want to be healthy. I thought I am healthy. What am I doing that’s not healthy?

I told you how I could feel my body breaking down, which is a very scary feeling. It hasn’t improved much.

I’m sorry I haven’t made a big announcement about this, or actually mentioned it at all, but I’m a runner. I run 4-5 days week, 1.5-2 miles, and I suck at it. Really, me calling myself a runner is an offense to runners everywhere.

I can’t even call myself a jogger. I’m one of those pathetic walk-jog-shuffle people you see at the park and can’t help laughing at or feeling sorry for. Or both.

I never liked running as a young kid, but my dad is a great runner and has done a bunch of races and marathons. I have a runner’s build, and I figured it was just in my genetics.

So I got out and just tried it.

It was hard at first, but I liked it, knew it was good for me, and I also knew I would improve. It wouldn’t be so hard later.

I always make an effort to be active, so this could be my sport! I could love this! Life is complete!

My plans went something like that. (Lame and corny, I know)

But I hit a major speed bump.

Improvement.

My improvement.

It wasn’t happening. It doesn’t exist. I’m not improving at all.

If anything, after three months of running, I’ve gotten worse at it.

WHAT?!?!?!?

That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. Am I really that out of shape?

I’m not! I have done cardio every day for 3 months.  That got easier and easier every day. I am fit.

So why is running getting harder?

That’s where you come in.

You are a very fit and knowledgable bunch. Do you have any ideas for me?

I have a feeling I should just stop running. Walk for a while, and then run.

What do you think?

Because I so highly value your opinion, I’m going to give you a present for helping me out.

I have some big news I’ve been sitting on, and I’m going to hold out for a little bit longer. In the mean time, I asked my friends over at Arctic Zero if they would host a giveaway for me, and they said yes! Arctic Zero is a fabulous product (Low calorie ice cream? Genius!!!!!) and I will talk about it more in a later post.

You wanna win some?

Of course you do.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me what you think of my running situation. I want to know what you think!

For an additional entry each, leave a comment for each thing you do:

1. Follow me on Twitter

2. Add me to your blogroll (Again, I feel super conceited and self-entitled asking for this, but if you would, I’d be so honored and would be happy to add you to mine!)

3. Pin or repin one of my pictures

4. Subscribe to my blog. (I have one follower. ONE. Please don’t make me suffer through that anymore.)

Thanks and good luck!

Enjoy!

-Kelly M.

 

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Comments

  1. Hiii Kelly! Hmmm I can't say I know your "symptoms" for no improvement in running, but I do have a question and perhaps some theories. Are you eating enough calories and nutrients in a day? Do you fuel at least an hour before running? Do you drink enough water, etc. etc? haha, the reason I ask is that when my working out or running really bites, it's usually because I'm already super sleepy/tired, and most importantly, because I'm hungry! Sometimes I just don't want to deal with cramps and indigestion so I'll wait and eat after running, but that doesn't necessarily help me either. I suggest that you try and experiment with all those factors. Hope this helps! :) Oh and also, experiment with super short bursts of fast running (like 30 sec) and walk for 30 sec, or try running moderately for 2 minutes and walk for 1 minute, and so on. I feel like my running improves as I keep building it up slowly. Before I know it, I've become faster and stronger than before.
    Reply

    • Your advice means so much to me, Ellie. You obviously know what you're doing! ;) I have a feeling I'm not eating enough, so that could certainly be part of it. Thanks for the tips!
      Reply

  2. Hmmm, I don't know. I think with running, like many things, it's probably normal to plateau, or even slide back before advancing. This happens with me and dance sometimes. So maybe stop worrying about the competitive nature of it and just enjoy the process?:) And have some Arctic Zero with your buddy ol' pal Ellen, hehe. I love that stuff and I'm on an actor budget so I'd love to win.
    Reply

    • That totally makes sense! You plateau with weight loss, so why not running? I didn't really think of it that way. I try not to be too competitive, but it's easy to try and outdo yourself. ;) I love Arctic Zero, but that stuff sure is pricey!
      Reply

    • Thank you for following me! I have a feeling I'm looking at the wrong number when it comes to subscribers. Maybe I don't have only one! Oh, uh, haha... Low cal ice cream is a great concept, but I sure wish it was cheaper. ;)
      Reply

  4. I think you need to give yourself a pat on the back for running and trying to improve! That is a great goal. I think working up to running is something you should do. You have to TRAIN to run. You can't just do it right out of the gate so I would look into the oh-so-popular couch to 5k plans and give it a try!
    Reply

  6. For one thing, don't worry about your speed. Early on, you should focus more on endurance. If you were just going out and doing something, that's a great way to start, but maybe you should use a training plan? Running isn't easy. It never came naturally to me. I just worked hard and it hurt at first. Don't give up, you will definitely improve!! I love arctic zero too!!
    Reply

  11. Two pieces of advice on the running front. One, you said you have been doing cardio every day. Have you been taking rest days? Your body needs time to heal, and training when you need rest may be counterproductive. Two, I'd recommend doing some strength training. Strong legs and, less intuitively, a strong core may make you faster (and, as an added bonus, less susceptible to injury). Good luck!
    Reply

    • You are so right! When I first started doing the cardio, I had no idea what I was doing and, no, I didn't take rest days. I hadn't even heard of them! So I think I really hurt myself doing that, so lying low for now is probably smart. Thank you so much for the advcie!
      Reply

  12. First of all, you can DEFINITELY call yourself a runner. I believe that if you have the dedication and love for the exercise, then that's all that matters! You go girl :D I think you may be burned out a bit. Try running every other day and cross train in between. I usually run tues, thurs, sat and do weights mon, wed, fri. That way I never get bored or burned out. Try it! :)
    Reply

    • You are so sweet. ;) Thank you! I have a feeling I am a little burned out. Too much too soon! Oh well, I'll take it slower next time, and now I have the support of amazing people like you! Thank you so much.
      Reply

  13. Add some strength training...switch things up. You are probably doing too much of the same thing over and over. There's a program called Couch to 5k that teaches people how to run. Basically, you do run/walk intervals increasing the amount of time you are running each time. This program recommends you don't run more than every other day. They also have a 5k to 10k bridge program which would probably be more beneficial to you since you are already running. Or you might consider using the Couch to 5k program to run for time rather than distance so that you improve your speed. There are apps you can download that ding when it's time to run and ding again when it's time to walk. Good luck!
    Reply

    • Thank you so much for the advice! I have decided to do that couch to 5K plan, and it looks great! Do you know what the names of the apps are that ding when it's time to walk or run are? Thanks!
      Reply

      • http://www.active.com/mobile has the info on the iphone app. There is also a free app in Android market called C25K Couch to 5K by RunDouble. Also check out the FB page if you need some more inspiration to get going: http://www.facebook.com/#!/C25Kplan Hope that helps!
        Reply

  17. I feel you on disliking running... I tried it for a while, and I'm not sure if I improved or not, but I hated it. I do wish I had kept with it though, because now if I ever want to do it again I have to start all over. As far as you getting worse, I have no idea. But hopefully you'll get some good advice from the other commenters!
    Reply

    • Thank you foe the story! Sometimes I think I'm doing something wrong, but maybe it's just the way I am. I'm going to do that couch to 5K thing, and if I can actually do it, great! Maybe we can do it together! ;)
      Reply

  18. Well, you need to take breaks. Every 8-12 weeks you should take a total week-long break. Stick to walking, stretching, and normal activity. Otherwise your body isn't recovering very well. Second, a caloric deficit will impede your physical capabilities. If you've metabolically adapted some to lower calories, a break is REALLY necessary. Don't be afraid to eat at a maintenance level and just relax. You might gain a couple pounds but it's just water. You might gain a little more if your electrolytes are really out of whack. Hmm...here are a few things you may want to test: - Is your blood pressure on the low side? - Is your pulse slightly elevated when you wake up? - Is your appetite strange? Like, off and on and not really consistent? The first two especially are good indicators you need to let your body rest. Anyhoodle, just my thoughts!
    Reply

  22. Start by running a mile, walking half a mile and then running another mile. Don't worry about being slow (I'm training for my first half-marathon now and am not a fast runner!). The important thing is to run regularly like you are doing and cross-train with weight lifting. Make sure you eat at least an hour before running and are well hydrated.
    Reply

  23. I think running may not be the right exercise for you right now. I would get your cardio from an exercise bike or tredmill for awhile, then try running again and see what happens katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com
    Reply

  26. 1) Fuel yourself properly. 2) Try some treadmill workout. I found that when I have a specific time and speed to do, I am much likely to stick to it. I can send you some if you want. 3) You can try something else! Kickboxing is great. If you're not into running, don't push it.
    Reply

  31. for me it took a while to get into running. i started out probably only doing it 2 or 3 times a week with different cardio mixed in. i'm not sure what to suggest for you....do you know of any personal trainers or running enthusiasts in your area that could comment on your form, fueling etc?
    Reply

  32. When i first started running I wasnt very good but very slowly my endurance increased. It took a long time maybe around the 7 month mark I started to push myself more and more. Just listen to your body and be okay with walking if you have to. But try and challenge yourself too...maybe run 1/4 of a mile non-stop and walk for 1 min then run another fourth of a mile and walk for a minute until you can run an entire mile without stopping. Good Luck lovely!
    Reply

  35. Sorry to hear about how you're feeling... Do you fuel properly before your run? Sometimes eating a light meal for some helps with feeling lighter during running (your stomach wont feel like a big rock with food). Eating a banana before a run with some protein like peanut butter. Also, making sure you hydrate properly before and after.
    Reply

  36. Have you tried weight training? I've noticed that since I increased my level of weight training my running also improved. I'm more fit overall and toned which helps during running. Good luck!
    Reply

  37. it takes time to become a better runner...for a while dont focus on timing just focus on enjoying what running is. Listen to music the birds chirping (if you run outside) and slowly make small goals for yourself and you will see that slowly you are becoming better!
    Reply

  38. I highly recommend more strength training! I feel the same way about running...It's not something I'm naturally good at. I hear other people talking about their 10 mile run and I'm like whaaaaaa??? How could you even stand that!? I started off running horrible, I didn't like running straight for even a mile. After several months of frequent/occasional running PLUS strength training at the gym (or even at home) I can run without stopping for more than 4 miles on a very motivated day. I hardly ever go that far because running is not my passion and I get bored with it, but it's a huge accomplishment and I know I can do it. I really think that it's about your mental state/energy levels/strength. I found that after going to the gym and doing strength on my legs, I could actually feel that my leg muscles were more powerful and didn't tire as easily when I ran later on that day or the next day. I use the machines and try to do several exercises so it targets different muscles. Don't feel discouraged. I get blah about running all the time and then I'll have spurts where I really feel like running my heart out. Good luck on everything and be proud of yourself for any amount of running you do. :)
    Reply

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  1. [...] first off, I want to thank you for the incredible and beyond responses you left on my giveaway. You have touched my heart in one of the best way possible. Thank you. You are such kind and [...]
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