I Never Thought I’d Be a Runner Until… #CabotFit
As I write this, I’m looking just a short day or so ahead to achieving a goal I’ve had for a long time – participating and completing my first race, in this case the Beach 2 Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I’ll be among 6000 people, from former Olympians and elite athletes to those recovering from injuries and being greeted at the finish line by their grandchildren, plus everyone in between, united in a common goal of crossing the finish line. I’m likely to be slow, but I’m going to do it even though for many years before I started this journey, I Never Thought I’d Be a Runner Until…
Plus read on to enter a Giveaway to win a FitKit to help kickstart or support your fitness goals.
I Never Thought I’d Be a Runner Until…
Disclosure: Cabot Creamery Cooperative selected me to be on the Cabot Fit Team and has paid for all travel and accommodations to participate in the TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K race, and provided race gear, including the FitKit and Cabot cheese coupons for this giveaway.
For a long time I have wanted to call myself a runner. I’ve tried. I’ve hurt. I’ve gotten bored. I’ve gotten busy. Somehow with every attempt, I’ve always found a good reason to stop. In every other area of my life, that’s not me. So when the opportunity came up to be part of the Cabot Fit Team and run the Beach to Beacon 10K, I knew it was the kick in the pants I needed to do things the right way. I just had to figure out what the “right way” was.
I’m not an expert or someone with a degree or special training in this area. This is just what your average former non-runner found out about running.
“Start with the end in mind”
In my previous attempts at running, I just ran. I’d hop on the treadmill and get in my thirty minutes of cardio because that’s all it was to me – one of my three or four thirty minute cardio workouts of the week. But without a goal to work towards, I didn’t feel like I had any reason to run longer or faster or harder. I just slogged away for thirty minutes and was done. So if you want to run, sign up for a race. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 5K, 10K, or if you are going to go all out and run a marathon. And if you aren’t ready to commit to a race, make sure you have goals – one mile without stopping, two miles in less than twenty minutes. It doesn’t matter what your goal is, just having something to work towards will keep you getting out of bed and lacing up those sneakers.
“If the shoe fits.”
Speaking of sneakers, make sure you get the right gear. Seriously. I used to try to run in whatever gym shoes I was currently using, in whatever state they were in. I’d pull on whatever pair of shorts I had in my drawer, an old stretched out tank top, held my iPhone in my hand, and set off. This didn’t make me very comfortable. And if you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t going to want to keep running. So first, go to a good running store and have them check your size and your stride. I found out that I should be buying a full size larger in a running shoe than I expected, and I needed inserts for overpronation. Ah, so that’s why I often dealt with shin splints and other foot and leg pain. Then I got the right shorts and running tank tops, I got a FItBand to hold my iPhone, a Garmin Forerunner watch to help track my runs. A lot of people say that running is a great workout because you don’t have to spend any money, and while you don’t have to spend a fortune, investing in the right gear to be safe and comfortable will make a world of difference.
“You are what you eat.”
What else makes a world of different is paying attention not only to what you put on your body, but also what you put in your body. I’m not saying you need to become vegan or paleo or whatever if that’s not your thing (if it is, that’s cool too). I’m not going to tell you to never have another glass of wine or stop eating sugar. But just know that whatever you put in your body is going to affect how you perform. I can’t have a big steak dinner and two glasses of red wine and then get up and run five miles at five in the morning. Same goes for a giant hot fudge sundae. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have those things, I just try to keep it in moderation, or know that the next day might be a rest day, or that I would sleep in and get in some light cross training or strength work later in the day. I also know that with running that early, I run better on an empty stomach, or, if I am really starving, I’ll just grab a half a banana. But then after I run, I need my oatmeal and smoothie. And for the next day and half to two days after a long run, I am starrrrrrrrving. So I eat. I eat more than I usually do. I eat more than I am used to eating, But my body needs it. I can feel it. So listen to your body.
“Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.”
Besides food, you also need to listen to your body when it comes to how you feel. If you were planning on running but are just exhausted or don’t get a good night’s sleep, don’t run. If you are sick, don’t run. You’ll probably end up feeling worse and your overall training will suffer. It’s okay to take a rest when your body needs a rest. Just give it the break it needs, then get back into it.
“Slow and steady wins the race”
But don’t get back into it too fast. And don’t start too fast. Those were two of my biggest mistakes. My last attempt at running, I tried to go out and run three and a half miles twice a week (in the aforementioned crappy shoes). Well my achilles flared up and that was the end of it. Build your distance slowly. Build your speed slowly. Even with the right shoes, I still has some shin pain, but by building my distance gradually and making sure I stretched and built my strength, I worked past it and now no longer have those problems. And if you get sick or hurt and have to take a break, don’t try to make your first run afterwards as long as your last longest run. A few weeks prior to my race, I got a stomach virus. Part of me wanted to just get right out there and run six or seven miles, but I reached out to my Cabot Fit Teammates and they encouraged me to take a leisurely run and just enjoy it until lI felt like I got my legs back under me again.
“It takes a village.”
And yes, sometimes you will need to reach out to others for advice or support, so make sure you find your village. Somedays you may need information, others you may simply need cheerleaders, but you need people. Besides the Cabot Fit Team, one of the best communities I found was on Instagram where I’d post my sweaty selfies and quick snaps of my Garmin watch with a little update, for better or for worse, of the day’s run. Seeing the same people “like” my posts, getting words of encouragement and commiseration and support and understanding kept me going even when I didn’t want to anymore. Some of the people don’t even know what it meant to me, but it helped me each and every day.
“Put one foot in front of the other.”
You know how you know that you are a runner? You run. Whether it’s a mile or a marathon, just running makes you a runner. I never believed this before, but now I recognize the truth in this statement because it takes work and commitment to run, and every step you run is one step towards a healthier you. The days I slogged through two miles, I was a runner. The days I had an amazing seven miles, I was a runner. If you go for a walk around the block and decide to sprint the last ten feet home, and then next time you decide to run twenty feet, you are a runner. Everyday that you put in the miles, you are a runner, as long as you keep running. Injuries and illness aside, you are a runner until you just stop running. Don’t give up. Just run.
Soooo…
Will I keep running after this race? I think so. I guess I can’t really answer that until after the race. I don’t know that I’m the kind of person to run just for the sake of running, even though I’ve never felt better both physically and psychologically. I am strong, I feel strong, and I am proud of my body and what it can do. That’s been a long time coming after my chubby childhood, some ups and downs as an adult, and let’s not forget those two pregnancies. So I’d like to continue. Will I try to improve my speed and stay at the 10K distance or will I shoot for a half marathon? I don’t know yet, but I do know that this journey has reemphasized how important fitness is to me in my overall lifestyle. It is part of who I am.
I hope that if you’ve followed along at all that maybe I have inspired you to move your body – whether it is running, popping in an exercise DVD, or just taking your kids for a walk for bike ride around the block. Anytime we do that, we are doing something good for ourselves and our families. Or maybe you’ve been inspired to reach a non-fitness related goal. That’s awesome too! Growing and going outside your comfort zone is amazing for your physical well-being. Go for it!
And now of the giveaway! Cabot provided each member of the Cabot Fit Team with a super awesome FitKit. This kit allows you to take your workouts anywhere by packing some simple and light equipment plus exercise cards and a sample workout program into one portable package that will fit in any bag. I have mine with me in Maine so that I can loosen up my muscles before and after the race. You’ll also get four coupons for free Cabot products!
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents 18 and older. You have until 11:59 pm on August 7, 2015 to enter.
To enter, just tell me – what is your current fitness goal?
Good luck!
DON’T MISS OUT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ME FOR YUMMY RECIPES!
Sara says
My goal is to workout enough that I am not grumpy to my husband during pms time.
Gail Fernandez says
My current fitness goal is to be more active, so I won’t be out of breath after walking up some stairs.
Leela says
I want to tone up my body.
Jasmine R says
My current fitness goal is to lose 15 lbs. I’ve already lost 20! Working hard to reach my goal 🙂
Tandi Cortez-Rios says
My current fitness goal is to get down to pre-baby weight.
Kimberly says
I use to run, in fact I absolutely loved it. I would do 7 races in a summer and half of those we 13.1 miles or more… Until I was sidelined with a really bad sinus infection that was prolonged by my stubbornness of not resting. Days turned into weeks and then months. My goal after nearly 6 months of inactivity and 10 pounds of added weight is to complete a 10k.
Janet Boyanton says
A healthy lifestyle.
Beth Ann says
My goal is very specifically to get back in shape and lose twenty pounds of fat. Or at least drop four dress sizes. That can result from gaining muscle instead, I’m okay with that! 😉
Jenny says
My current fitness goal is to improve my endurance. I am working on that through swimming, running, walking, etc.
Sandy Headtke says
I want to stay active now that I am retired.
Fiona N says
My current fitness goal is losing some baby weight!
Thank You for the chance
Daria Hezel says
To lose 50lbs by the time I turn 50 – which is 8 months away!!
Amber L. says
I want to tone up my whole body. After having two kids and hitting my mid 30’s I really have to work on it.
Jennifer Shelton says
My current fitness goal is to become healthy. In doing that I have about 100 pounds to lose 🙁
Sandy says
My current fitness goal is getting on track and staying there! Life gets so busy with a family and a career. My goal is to stop with the pizzas and make time for health!
amy tolley says
to feel better about myself and much more healthier
Angela Saver says
My current fitness goal is to power walk 5 days a week, & eat healthy, nutritious foods!
[email protected]
Diana Hatch says
I would love to lose 30 pounds and eat a little healthier
allyson tice says
I just ran my first 15k in July and am hoping to start training for a half marathon this coming spring! so, my goal is to run a half marathon!
Ally says
I just want to start some good habits. We just got a dog, and she’s got us walking 3+ times a day, but I’d like to do a little more!
Tammy Woodall says
My fitness goal is to eat healthier and walk more.
DJ says
I want to mix up my routine and add some weight and strength training. I usually so a lot of cardio.
Pam H. says
Returning to running after a two-year hiatus, my fitness goal is to run a 5K by the end of the summer.
claire says
stick with my workout and get into a routine
Dawn S. says
My current fitness goal is to increase my endurance and feel stronger. I work at a desk and lately, have been getting winded walking up stairs. That needs to change!
latanya says
I want to do my strength training about 3x a week.
Wehaf says
I want to tone and strengthen my arms and shoulders, and improve my posture.
Donna L says
My current fitness goal is to los 25 more pounds.
Ronda says
My fitness goal is to get back in shape, loose my belly, have thinner legs and arm and a smaller butt.
cassie says
i suffer from chronic pain, so my fitness goal now is just to keep moving! daily walks will help build endurance, strength, and ironically cut down on pain
Jennifer M says
I want to increase my flexibility and core strength with yoga.
Danielle M. says
To feel comfortable in my own skin.
Meg says
My current fitness goal is to get “bridal arms” haha. I am getting married in November and have been trying to get some tone in tricep/bicep area!
Pam C. says
My current goal includes losing 10 pounds, but it’s not quite that simple. I also really need to tone up again. I have definitely gotten out of shape, BUT I am working on it and am headed for success.
wen budro says
My current fitness goal is to lose more fat and strengthen my knees.
Kimberly says
My current goal is to work on my upper body strength so that I can swing my giant toddler around. 🙂
Melissa B. says
My youngest is heading off to college next week, so my current fitness goal is to avoid looking like the mom of a college student. I’m about to have lots more “me time”, so I hope to lose a few pounds and hopefully tighten back up.
mary j says
My gao; is to strengthen my core and drink more water.
rachel says
My current fitness goal is to run a 5k in no more than 30 min.
susan smoaks says
Currently I am trying to do barre amped at least three times a week to get stronger and longer and leaner. I have done it this week, so I am starting off strong.
Deborah says
My current fitness goal is to get back into running (week 4 for me). And to continue doing strength training and mobility. Thank you!
Heidi Ingalls says
My fitness goal is to lose at least 10 pounds, if not more! I am going to try to cut out sweets (even though I love them so!) and go to the gym more often.
Leah Shumack says
My new years resolution was t at home more and we’ve done a really good job of keeping that up. Now to find some extra time to go walking I would be a happy girl!
Birdiebee says
My current fitness goal is to regain use of both of my arms after an injury 2 1/2 years ago.
Missy says
My fitness goals is to be active every day. I tend to take the weekends off and that makes Mondays tough!
Audra says
I want to loose some weight to be healthier for my daughter
Erin Hussman says
Weight loss is always my goal.
But I am trying to focus on eating better and moving more.
Robyn L says
My current fitness goal has been watching what I eat, cutting out trans fat and refined sugar. Also to up my walking daily.
Taryn T. says
My current fitness goal is to graduate from cardiac rehab, and work on feeling great!
TallulahJane says
My fitness goal is to tone up my thighs and arms.
Kris says
My husband and I are completing a summer bootcamp. Our goal is to make working out a habit. This week is week 9, only one week left!
Nicole Flynn says
My current short term fitness goal is to run a mile in 14 minutes or less, not too fast I know, but I slightly struggled with a 16 minute mile two weeks ago when I started running. I started because I entered my children in a local road runners club and run with them while they are running. I learned I am the same pace as my 6 year old and I can help encourage her along, and that my 7 year old is quite a bit faster than either of us. My longer term goal is to run in the 5 K with my mom in the Spring. I am determined and I will do it.
Diana Stanhope says
My goals center around being healthy. After I was diagnosed with Lupus and Addison’s I had to take high doses of steroids which stole my bone density, immunity and added over 90 pounds. I have been eating healthy and walking every day and now I am down to 20 pounds to go and feel a bit stronger. The main goal now it to add something for strength training to help with one density and there are a few more trigger foods I just need to let go of. Thank you for the chance. Cheese is my main source of health fats and Cabot makes the best sharp cheddar ever!
Shaylin S says
My current fitness goal is to exercise regularly.
liz l says
Disney marathon training!
Melanie says
My goal is to tone and lose 25 lbs.
Jennifer Finn says
My goal is ro lose five pounds
Christy Spurlock says
My fitness goal is to be healthy and feel comfortable with myself. My husband and I walk while we are at work then at home we walk two miles and bicycle 4-6 miles each night. We ran/walked our first 5K over the 4th of July and proud to say we completed the race. We are getting stronger every day by incorporating weight training 3 days a week. Doctor encouraged us to get healthier with our food choices so things have definitely changed for the better in our kitchen. A lot of grilling and fruits and veggies. NO REGRETS! Blood levels have gotten better and we are feeling GREAT!
Deborah says
My goal is to lose some weight
Ashley says
I am trying to be more active and lose some weight!
SARAH CHANEY says
I had 2 babies back to back and they were both a C-Section. Between the surgeries and the pregnancies I gained 80 lbs. Fast forward a year and I still have about 65 lbs to lose. I want more than ever to get into shape and I am determined to do so. I loved running before I was pregnant and I would love to get back into it.
manda says
Work off my baby weight.
Kelsey says
Right now, I want to maintain my healthy lifestyle while pregnant. I’m struggling to find workouts that I can do and feel satisfied.
David says
We have a 20+ mile trail that runs a circle around our town. My wife and I have a goal to run the entire loop. Up to now we have only been able to run half, then we have to turn around and come back(just kidding). It is a little less than a marathon, so we have to work our way up to it.
Megan Sprinkle says
My fitness goal is a balanced exercise routine and maintaining balance nutrient intake from a healthy diet.
Charlene B says
This week I am joining the gym supplied by my new position, and to utilize their personal training services. My goal is to get my cholesterol under control, get off the newly prescribed meds for my cholesterol issue, and to get back into shape. I am going to schedule an appointment with the trainer once a week, much like how I schedule my meetings for work.
Friday is the initial evaluation before I can start the program, complete with the skin caliper measurements. I gotta admit, this is making me nervous. But it’s time to rip off the band aid, regain control, and get back into shape. I worked on the road for the past 8 years, and it took a toll on my body and my health. I am going to regain control starting this week.
Erin M. says
I’ve been consistently running for about 10 years now and my current goal is to incorporate more yoga into my routine. I know I love how I feel when I do it, but I need to actually make myself do it more often!
Starla B says
This is so awesome. Currently I am trying to tone my body and become confident again. I am also working to be able to run a 5K with no walking. It is a tough one for me, but I am definitely making progress!
Stephanie says
My goal this summer is to bike 100 miles with my 12 year old daughter. We are halfway there!
Bri says
My goal is pretty small: I’d like to be able to run more than down the driveway and down the hill to the corner. I’d like to be able to run back up without having to stop and breathe! Maybe run to the next corner after that? Who knows! I think other than setting a goal, I’ll need to go with your second often said statement: shoes that really fit.
Tina Hobbs says
I currently exercise every other day but my goal is daily to increase my strength and tone my body.
Tina Hobbs says
Currently I walk and exercise every other day. My goal is to exercise 5 days a week mixing it up and rest two days.
Julie D says
My fitness goal is to be ready to take the kids abroad it two months and keep up with them as they explore our wonderful world.
Sarah says
My fitness goal is to keep doing strength and cardio every week, keep running those races and don’t get disappointed if I don’t do as well as I would have hoped. Next year I plan to run a mini so I’ve got to hold myself accountable to work towards that goal.
Sue Salazar says
My fitness goal is to get back in to running and light weight lifting.
Heather K says
I need to get back to working out 3 days a week. This summer (when I don’t work) has been crushing me and I’ve been lucky to work out once a week.
Sandy says
I’m in my fifties and take part in some sort of exercise daily. My goal is to continue to push myself to be stronger.
Steph says
I lost 70 lbs and am a healthy weight. If I can do that I can also get in shape right??
Kimberly C says
My current fitness goal, one I’ve had for the past few years actually, is to stick with my workout and get into a routine.
Kim Henrichs says
My fitness goal is to get back into my Yoga program full time.
Dana Coughlin says
My current fitness goal is just to do some sort of exercise every day to help with chronic pain, I plan on starting the
Couch 2 5k training program.
Adrienne says
Complete the couch to 5K program and run a 5K at the end of October.
Lori Daley says
To run a half marathon without getting out of breath.
Danielle Royalegacy says
My current goal is just to lose some weight!
Katie says
I’ve been getting back into running since having my baby so increasing my mileage is my goal.
Rachael says
Hi! I was glad to see your post here about running & that you gave advice. I’m interested in running too, but for me, I think that I will start out walking (fast). Work my way up to running because I will probably need to gain more muscle in my legs. Like you, I also have overpronation that has caused my knee’s to hurt. I have found shoe’s for that, thank goodness, because they really do make a difference. Your article is an inspiration, Thank You!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh my gosh, thank you! Just keep at it!
Pattie says
Two years ago, my daughter talked me into training for a 5K. I don’t enjoy running, was not and am not in good shape but I’m so grateful I did it because of the time I spent with her and getting to a healthier place. I recently decided I need to get moving again and the huge smile on my daughter’s face when I told her we should train again confirmed I’d made the right decision. Looking forward to training and hopefully improving my time.
Krista says
I’ve been running for a long time, but haven’t been the best at improving my distance. I’d like to build up to a 10K for a race 🙂
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
Woohoo! I have a special place in my heart for Cabot products because my fiance is originally from Cabot, AR. Ha! One of my fitness goals this Summer is to continue finding outdoor activities in our new city that we live in to enjoy while getting in a good workout
Lorraine F says
My current fitness goal is to get my big ol’ butt back on the treadmill on a regular basis, and to lose this pudge in my middle!
Karen says
I am getting ready for my first ever half marathon. I was plagued at the beginning of the summer with injuries and here it is one month till my race. I am nervous but trying my best to be ready.
Shoshana says
My current fitness goal is simply to mix it up…I don’t want to get bored with one type of exercise so I try to do something different every day!
Penny says
Need to get back on the bandwagon and loose the baby weight!
Katie says
My last few summers I have been focused on training for a fall marathon. Working on it again, but shooting for a new best time!
christina says
I just want to feel stronger!