Meet Jason...the runner. He has goals and aspirations. He wants to BQ. So he has been running OVER 75 miles per week to increase his EVERYTHING. He is amazing. We all know it. This picture is of this weekend at the TOU Half. I love it. The throngs of people, supporters and runners alike. You can't hardly move and stress is high because you just know you're gonna lose a kid or two by the time the day is over. But it's also fun because people are reaching their goals. Jason took first in his age group.That night, after the half, I took my little jog and I realized that I wanted to clarify, to the world, one thing. I am not a runner. So if you see me jogging please don't think I am doing it in arrogance. Quite the opposite. I am humble. I just want to feel good about my body....someday. When Jason started training for his first marathon, he really wanted the world to join him. He told me he would build a new kitchen if I ran a marathon. Fine. So I started training. 1 mile. That sucked. 2 miles. Still sucked. 3 miles. I can do this. 4 miles. Something is seriously wrong with my knees. Start over. Stretch. 1 mile. Stretch. Stretch. 1 mile. Stretch. 1/2 mile. Stretch. I got up to 12 miles. It was a good run...until my IT Bands started screaming in pain. I ended up alternately sprinting and walking myself home. Turns out I have bad hips...and then I got pregnant.
So this year, after my 4th child, I have tried running barefoot (really, in Vibram 5 fingers). My theory was that maybe if I improved my form and ran more naturally then maybe, just maybe, my hips and knees would be able to compensate.
It's hard for me not to get frustrated. I want to be a runner. I'm just not good at it. I was slow before...and now I'm even slower in my vibrams. I don't run with people, but the other day I let myself get suckered into the social aspect of it and went running with my neighbor. It was quite embarrassing. I tried to warn her I was slow, but I know she didn't expect what she got. I know she thought more of me than when we started that run, and honestly it was quite disheartening for me. It made me realize just how much I really do suck. And I can imagine the conversation she must have had after that jog, "And she calls herself a runner. She said she was slow, but I wasn't expecting to have to zig-zag across the street just so I could get my heart-rate up a little."
Yeah. So. Just so you know. I am not a runner. I will never run a race because I don't need to pay $55 to come in last. Perhaps I am afraid of failure...and if I run (jog at a slightly fast walking pace) by myself then there won't be a first or a last. Just me, trying to feel good about my body. Trying to fight the pain in my hips and knees and do something I enjoy but was not blessed with the talent to do well. Praying to God that I will learn how to run with my legs and that He will make them work if I put in the time and effort to use them. No joke.
Do you pray while you run?
Jason is the runner. Well, Jason is everything. Ha ha. He can do anything. I'm alright with it. It's part of the reason I married him. And if you want to talk about running, I'll happily oblige. Just know, though, I will most likely be spouting off the latest conversation between my husband runner and I. Consider me the conduit between you and the real runner. Yep, that's right. I am a pipe. Not a runner. A pipe. Got it?
11 comments:
Bet you could beat me! Remember when we used to jog through Valhalla in high school? You totally ran circles around me!
Pipe, old friend, I'll cheer you on!
Amen. I feel you. I SO HATE running. The only time I can do it is when I am angry at the world... and then only slow and not very far. I like walking. If you want someone to go walking with you-- I'll go any day :)
I like you. You're an amazing gal to keep at it. I usually give up after a lot of sucking - and go find another thing to love and suck at.
I like to run, but I am super slow too. And I like races - not to win, but it is something to train for, and it is exciting! I'm slow, but hey if my heart rate is higher than when I'm sitting on the couch, I call that success.
Ditto, ditto, ditto. I'm not a runner, just trying to be healthy and finish a goal. Good luck. And I'll take your pipe advice any day.
You, Pipe, are funny. I don't know what sort of things come to people naturally, but I dare say that if you stick with it, as you have, you will get better - whatever better means. If it means enjoying it more, you will. If it means doing it faster, you will. If it means getting the alone time you need, more, you will - just let me know when.
I understand your lack of desire for entering a race, but I am amazed at, and admire, your drive to continue the path without seeing the progress that you hope for. That is a stubbornness I hope you have passed on to my children!
Yes, I pray while running. And jsut so you know, I don't think it helped. except to have someone to talk to, that I knew was listening. Ditto. Ditto. I am not a runner either. I'm a wanna be, a try2be, but just didn't happen.
We can't all be the runner. Imagine how terrible that would be. No one to watch the kids, no one to cheer at the finish line. I could go on and on. You are a great you(pipe)! Let him run:)
Dear Pipe, I am not a runner either, but most days I don't mind it. And if I had to compare myself to Jason, I would be the pipe too. I also am SLOW. And I still struggle with it daily. I don't know enough about running, I don't enjoy it enough, I just know that I need to do it. Now if you want to talk about swimming, I really SUCK at that... The running I can at least tolerate. You are awesome. You can do it. Like Michelle said, at least your heart rate is higher while you run. Better than sitting on the couch and doing nothing. I am sure that you are inspiring people all the time. It doesn't matter how you do it, it just matters that you do!! Love ya!!
You are an inspiration to me. I don't care who you are running is hard. Plain and simple hard. I know many many many people that have started and then quit basically because it is hard or they hurt. I honestly look at you and you are amazing. It would be so easy for you to bag it and say I can't do it but no matter how hard, you keep going and for that you are an inspiration to me again. I look up to you SO much.
Jeri Dawn, AKA Pipe, I love ya! I have been considering trying to run. And now I feel thankful to be in good company. You, Shelly, Kayleen and others are far away, but I will think of you. It will help me as I am sure others may wonder if they are traveling at high speeds or if it is just me in SLOOOOWWWWW motion. I worry about getting injured so please pass on any info you can. I have in-laws that are runners too. They are doing the Wasatch 100 next week. I won't be asking them for the info. I'd rather get it from the pipe. :)
Carina, good shoes are the way to go. And look up the couch to 5k program. Fantastic. Good luck!!
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