Running 101 #amilikey
At the time, I had a guaranteed hour break for lunch so it made it feasible to complete and the location was absolutely perfect. My very first run took me a little over 13 minutes just to complete one mile in the middle of the day in pure hot weather. I believe I did that for a whole week and by the 7th day I had the time down to about 10 minutes. After that initial week of one mile, he challenged me to do two miles and I was like, it seems too soon to jump from one to two miles but I did it anyways. I was able to complete my two miles each morning before work in about 26 to 28 minutes. Eventually I don't exactly recall when I started my pursuit of an actual 5K which is 3.1 miles, but the first 5K training lasted 48 minutes if my memory serves me well, and I thought I was never going to make it.
As the time passed by, I kept at it and eventually got my 5K down to 38 minutes for my very first official virtual race. My latest 5K time came down to 36 minutes and 36 seconds this past April in 2025. Honestly, had I prepped better with more sleep and rested a day or two before the race without working I would have perhaps made it to 35 minutes, so that was quite a bummer. Now, that is just an overall summary of how I got started into running and how it has progressed over the years. I still have so much more improvement to make and many races to participate in down the road. What I really wanted to discuss is the ins and outs of the whole exercise from my perspective.
First of all, running is not easy, and the most difficult part is not the physical aspect but the mental fortitude you have to exert each and every time you go for a run. Even after several years of amateur running, after the first mile I am already tired and my body wants to say "okay, that is enough you can stop now". Now, this is where the real runner in my point of view is made, because she/he will push past this natural instinct to want to stop and keep running. I often get discouraged when I can't really improve my timing, but I always tell myself, "you can at least finish the 5K mileage and work on the endurance".
Next, running is not cheap at all, people think it doesn't take much to actively participate in running, but the reality is that this activity requires a financial investment. You need a great pair of running shoes, which are not going to be under $50 dollars tops; you need several running outfits because otherwise you'll be doing laundry a lot more often; nutrition wise you literally have to invest in healthy food and supplement items to replenish the sweat -- so taking in electrolytes in drinks or snacks; when you actually want to test out your training in a real race -- you have to pay to be in the race and it all racks up. So, be mindful that even if you never run in a real race with other participants, you will spend money to be able to run even on your own.
Also, the actual running-world of people that partake of this physical activity are usually for the most part semi-athletes and they are like the popular social group. They are not welcoming to outsiders who don't look like them physically in a fit body, or at least no one in any of the races I've participated has ever genuinely welcomed me to the social running group. I always get the "what the heck is she doing here with those burnt legs?" No one has ever verbally said it out loud in that same manner, but if looks could kill, well I'd definitely wouldn't be here for sure. They all question my physical ability to run, but beyond that it's also like they don't feel comfortable having me as part of the runners because it looks so disturbing to their perfect fit physique. I know am not the fastest runner nor will I ever be or win anything, but running makes me happy and I do enjoy it a lot. So, beware that the social aspect of running is also very tailored to this concept of aesthetics, and affluent upper social class that doesn't accommodate to outsiders. (Another mental fortitude you have to be prepared to endure)
Finally, although the causes for races are always noble and raising awareness for several issues is important, I believe there is a large gap that forgets about those wishing they could partake and these people are being robbed of a great opportunity to enjoy running at a larger scale like being in a race. In other words, all these races have a price point, from my recollection there aren't any free races because the whole point of these events is to raise money for a cause. I know that there are races with a minimum participation fee, but even with such a low price point -- some people in low income housing can't afford it or afford to be involved. I get that it takes money to sponsor a race, I also know that if more people invested in the happiness of those less privileged then we would have a better society. People throw away their money adopting pets (I believe animals can fend for themselves and domestication has ruined natures natural course, but that's beside my point) why not adopt an amateur runner and sponsor them to be able to run.
Alright, that is as much insider perspective as I can add to this topic and I hope it brings about some enlightenment to those curious about running. I hope I didn't discourage you from becoming a runner, but I hope it does help you better mentally prepare to what you will encounter overall. On that note, I will not be running in this year's Bolt Run downtown by Amalie Arena, for several reasons I have personally but mainly the amount of work it takes to prepare for 5 miles is serious work and given my current line of work I barely have energy to run at all on my in between days off. I commend all those who work 12 hour shifts on their feet all the time, because it is physically exhausting not to mention the other physical labor intensive work that I do overall. So, running is fun overall, it will test you in many ways and require a lot of your time to actively stay in it. So with all of that let me get back to my main goal of spreading encouragement and reminding myself and others you are not a mistake because God that created you is perfect and He cannot make mistakes. You are here for a plan and a purpose so allow Jesus into your life and discover that plan for your life to be fulfilled. Thank you and remember leaving a small comment or feedback is always welcomed!!
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,
Ana :)
Comments
Post a Comment