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2010-12-16 11:42 PM

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Subject: Did I just become a runner?
Been working on my run this month. A month ago I did my first organized "race" that was a 4 mile charity run in central park. Went out for a jog tonight after having taken yesterday off to let my shin splints ease up, and didn't have any particular run in mind. Went out and ended up settling in for an LSD. By the time I hit mile  2-3, I had completely found my stride, and just kept going, running around in random streets that I've never been down before. Check my garmin after a bit, and realize "Wow, I've been out for 90 minutes". At this point in time, I figure it'd be good to check in and run by the house. Pop in for a minute, tell wifey that I'm still alive, and grab the house key, as I'm going back out for more miles. By the time I was done, I ended up running a half marathon equivalent of 13.1 miles. Prior to today, the longest I had run was 5 miles, but today, it just felt so natural, and it clicked. NO discomfort whatsoever until about miles 12.5 when my arches started to get a little bit tired. I know it's a rambling post, but I'm just totally stoked, as lately things have been clicking (Even managed to get in 10x200y swim earlier today).


2010-12-17 12:06 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Good for you! I struggle on the run (2 knee reconstructions don't help) and haven't gotten further than a 10K yet - but I'm working at it.
2010-12-17 1:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
That's awesome. way to go. I'm hoping it'll click for me too. My furthest run is only is 13.2kms. Did you do anything differently? Change shoes? Eat food laced with something?

Ron
2010-12-17 4:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
No. According to THE handbook you don't become a `runner' until you've done 13.5 miles.
2010-12-17 5:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Way to go! I just discovered i was a runner this uyear as well, I wish someone had told me years ago could have saved a lot of dieting.
2010-12-17 8:19 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?

mr2tony - 2010-12-17 4:55 AM No. According to THE handbook you don't become a `runner' until you've done 13.5 miles.

So close!  Sorry but the book says.  I mean where would we be without rules, swimmers might try to be bikers, or bikers might try to be runners, or runners might try to swim or bike.  We must have boundaries in this world.



2010-12-17 8:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Just be careful.

And congrats.
2010-12-17 8:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Hahahah....AWESOME.....I love it! Yes, you have become a runner. It's the moment where you feel so good, where the endorphins are so high, that you just press on beyond what you probably should safely do. I do recommend that you watch if for a few days....an injury is right around the corner, unless you DELIBERATELY BACK OFF for a week. You dont want it, you dont need it. But especially early in run training, you can grow leaps and bounds in one workout....I think you just did it.

Thanks for the memories!
2010-12-17 10:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Yes- today you became a runner.  That feeling of comfortably covering the miles and enjoying every step.  Feeling like you can go forever- without discomfort.  Using your body hard and well to carry your forward.  This is what the human body was designed to do, but it takes us a long time to go from our couch/desk chair/car lifestyle to re-train the body. 

As alluded to above- this is also about the time that your next running injury is just around the corner.  Respect that long run, and that you've taken your body beyond where it has been.  Give it rest, or cross training and keep it easy for a few days, or a week.  Don't try and repeat that performance tomorrow.
2010-12-17 10:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
mr2tony - 2010-12-17 5:55 AM No. According to THE handbook you don't become a `runner' until you've done 13.5 miles.


Exactly!  It used to be 13.0 until the turn of the century.  Then the adjustments were made that change the miles required to 13.5.  Don't worry though, you are close and can run a little further.  I feel bad for Pluto though.  Those same adjustments knocked the "planet" qualification right off and it can't get any bigger.
2010-12-17 11:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Don't worry, it won't last... Smile


2010-12-17 11:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
I remember reading a book several years ago called "No Need For Speed". I don't recall the exact wording, but the author proposed that as soon as you start thinking about running, and building the knowledge base that non-runners don't have, you have become a runner. You may not have even laced up your running shoes for that first jog around the block, but once you have started on that path he felt you were no longer the same as the other non-running people around you. You had begun your life as a runner!
2010-12-17 11:36 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Scout7 - 2010-12-17 7:24 AM Just be careful. And congrats.


This. Would love to know how you feel tomorrow and the next day.  Ramping up that fast is an invitation to injury.  But getting into the groove is fantastic. 
2010-12-17 11:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
mr2tony - 2010-12-17 4:55 AM No. According to THE handbook you don't become a `runner' until you've done 13.5 miles.



Rats, just missed it. Next long run for sure.
2010-12-17 11:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Yeh just be careful not to overtrain with new found enthusiasm - nice work though! I don't care what the book says, I reckon you're definitely a runner!
2010-12-17 11:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Oh my...sounds great. I remember as an intern in NYC how much I loved running in central park.  I wasn't a runner but I could go there forever.  I would completely forget where I was.  Keep it up!


2010-12-17 1:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Don'tt have to worry about me overdoing it for the next couple days and adding injury, as my body is letting me know that I pushed it yesterday. Went to the gym for a couple hours today and just alternated between pool, hot tub, shower and steam room. I know to be careful, as too much too sun is in all likelihood how I ended up having arthroscopic surgery on my knee in June this year to repair a torn meniscus.

I'm still very excited about the run yesterday, before I had thought to myself "If i train for it, I can do a half marathon next fall." I did nothing differently yesterday, other than one thing. Recently watched "Running the Sahara" and I really liked one (loosely paraphrased) quote:
"The only limitation you have, is the goal that you set for yourself"

Yesterday when I went out for my run, I had no idea how much I was going to run. I had no route. I had no speed in mind. I simply ran, and it felt good, so I continued running. And it still felt good....so ran some more. Thanks for the words of encouragement and kudo's from all, and also thanks for the words of wisdom to make certain that I dont try to push myself too hard, and end up with an injury.
2010-12-17 1:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
Cavemann - 2010-12-17 2:54 PM

Don'tt have to worry about me overdoing it for the next couple days and adding injury, as my body is letting me know that I pushed it yesterday. Went to the gym for a couple hours today and just alternated between pool, hot tub, shower and steam room. I know to be careful, as too much too sun is in all likelihood how I ended up having arthroscopic surgery on my knee in June this year to repair a torn meniscus.

I'm still very excited about the run yesterday, before I had thought to myself "If i train for it, I can do a half marathon next fall." I did nothing differently yesterday, other than one thing. Recently watched "Running the Sahara" and I really liked one (loosely paraphrased) quote:
"The only limitation you have, is the goal that you set for yourself"

Yesterday when I went out for my run, I had no idea how much I was going to run. I had no route. I had no speed in mind. I simply ran, and it felt good, so I continued running. And it still felt good....so ran some more. Thanks for the words of encouragement and kudo's from all, and also thanks for the words of wisdom to make certain that I dont try to push myself too hard, and end up with an injury.


It's great when you first learn to get your big dumb brain out of the way and just run.
2010-12-17 1:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
just keep in mind that your tendons and joints adapt at a much slower rate than your muscles do.

Your legs may tell you that your 13 mile run was doable...but your joints may not have agreed.  And your joints usually don't give immediate feedback that you are doing too much.  You'll usually feel pain and discomfort AFTER you mess them up...at which point...it's too late to back off.

One run usually won't hurt you...so just be more cautious in the future.

Otherwise...congrats
2010-12-17 2:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
mr2tony - 2010-12-17 4:55 AM No. According to THE handbook you don't become a `runner' until you've done 13.5 miles.


What is "THE" handbook?  I've only done one run over 10 miles to date and it was a HM last year, finished top 7% out of 4,500 and I'm not a runner?  WOW

To the OP, you're definitely a runner in my book, great job and stay healthy, respect the distance etc...



Edited by reecealan 2010-12-17 2:25 PM
2010-12-17 3:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Did I just become a runner?
.....after having taken yesterday off to let my shin splints ease up, ........"Wow, I've been out for 90 minutes"........ By the time I was done, I ended up running a half marathon equivalent of 13.1 miles. Prior to today, the longest I had run was 5 miles


Good for you and definately worth the excitement you have.   I hate to tell you, but this is the EXACT type of thing that will cause SERIOUS shin splint problems and more serious injuries.  Running your body at distances it is not ready for is cause for some serious problems.  These injurioes could keep you from being able to run at all for months.  General rule of thrm is no more than a 10% increase in milare or time per week running. ....and the 1,2,3 rule.  If your short run is 1 mile, your medoum will be 2 and long will be three.......if your short runs are 3 miles, your medium will be 6 and your long should be no more that 9.

Enjoy,
Michael


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