How long have you been running? - Triathlon Week

stoney · 01-06-2003, 10:31 PM

I was just wondering how long everyone here has been running. I just started and it is hard to get motivated.

dwest · 01-07-2003, 10:10 AM

I had been running for 4 years, but the last year have just kind of goofed around. I am trying to start back up with a serious workout program, but having trouble staying motivated.

ARZEE · 01-09-2003, 11:57 AM

I've been running for 5 years. Biggest motivation is to have a goal to work towards. In the off season I also lose focus but still maintain 35- 40 miles/ week. Once the new season begins (shortly) it gets easier. Pick a goal. It could be a race or it could be to just run 5 miles non- stop. Whatever it is, work towards it and it will help.:)

enahs · 04-17-2003, 08:01 PM

I have been running for about two years now. I still have days where i dont want to get out and run. But my motivation might have been different from yours. I used to weigh 225 pounds, and i now weigh 180 pounds. Getting rid of the fat was what MADE me get out there and run like an animal. I just got tired of being "fat". Imo you just have to really want to do it. Now i love to run, some days more than others.
just keep going, you will learn to love it! Well, at least the way you will feel about yourself when your done!!!!

juliaberry · 04-23-2003, 08:19 PM

I've been running off and on for 10 years. I was recruited out of freshman PE in high school to run cross country and have semi-stuck with it sense. My motivation has changed over the years from weight loss to sanity to something to do. Right now my biggest motivation to go out and run is knowing that I can. My father is a paraplegic (as of fairly recently) and was always very active. I run because I know how much it bothers him to not be able to do those things anymore. Having a reason to tie on the shoes every day is very helpful and really it doesn't have to be a big reason. It's an accomplishment every day, even if you never get to the rest of that to do list!

jmcnally · 05-12-2003, 09:50 AM

I've always been interested in running, but since high school haven't done it much. A few years ago, I took it up again but with no guidance, I lasted only a couple of weeks. Recently, my wife and I signed up for a Learn To Run clinic at The Running Room ([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]), a chain of running stores here in Canada, and we've both caught the bug big-time. We currently run three times a week and we'll be entering a few 5k events over the summer. I've always liked sports but not "exercise" and have found the idea of joing a gym very boring. Running is something I can do anywhere, and I'm mostly competing against myself. I hope I've begun a lifetime of running.

witsend · 05-26-2003, 06:03 AM

Hello
I have just started running also. I set myself small goals. Such as how far I get within a set time.
Hope that helps
Witsend

ddd23au · 10-07-2003, 01:36 AM

its all about being personally motivated and working to achieve your goals!
last year i set out to run 1000kms in 120 days over summer! i knew how much i had to do each day to stay on track and had short term goals along the way. eg. 80kms in a week.
the feeling at the end is pure self-satisfaction, and makes you a better person!!
after you reach each goal, make new ones and keep the self-beleif that YOU can achieve, what you set out to achieve!

cbigky · 10-11-2003, 08:22 PM

I've been running for around 5 years. I find that I have to push myself to go run. However, when I get past the first mile, it feels as if I can run forever.

sebcoe59 · 10-17-2003, 12:58 PM

I'm 43 yrs old and have been running since I was 8 years old. I started running competitively my Soph. year of high school, then 4 years of college, then 2 years sponsored by a shoe company. I've continued to run and coach and currently am training about 60 mpw. I'm going to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon in Dec. and then trail ultras, with a goal to defend my title at a race I won last March.
One key thing to remember about distance running is that "it is a trial of miles, coupled with the miles of trial". There is no substitute for running, and running, and running, etc..., if you want to get better.
Finally, the hardest step in running is that first one out the door.

Sebcoe

jtwhitmor · 01-15-2004, 07:37 AM

I've been running off and on since high school (10 years). I find that it takes me of 3 to 4 weeks of pushing myself to get out there before I feel the need to run. Even then it's not always easy. Motivation is difficult sometimes. ;)

abbie237 · 08-31-2004, 03:58 PM

I have been running since for about 14 yrs. I started runnning X country in middle school and just kept doing it through college. I agree that motivation can be tougher with running than swimming or cycling, but I think a couple of big factors are time of day and if you can run with a friend. I prefer to run after I get home from work, that way all my daily stress is pretty much alleviated by a good run. After a lond day, I actually look forward to my afternoon runs!
I also have a friend who's training for a marathon with me who runs with me 3x a week. Those runs seem to just fly by b/c all we do is talk the whole time, and next thing you know, we're done. If you can't get a buddy to join you though, take your dog. There's two birds with one stone, you both get exercise and and you have to take them out for evening walks anyway.
Also, if you have access to any trail runs, those are awesome!