Category: running

What Makes Someone an Athlete?

On By LeraIn Cycling, Life, runningLeave a comment

What Makes Someone an Athlete?

I’ve been thinking about the answer to this question for the last couple of days, after someone told me I was an athlete. It really got me thinking about the term, because I’ve never thought about myself in that way before. So, like any time life throws me something I need or want to think over, I got my bike out and pondered it over the course of an hourlong ride, and then I went home and did some journaling regarding the topic. I’m curious to know what everyone else thinks, but this is my take.

I have always thought of athletes as people who are good at sports, and even most dictionary definitions will say the same thing. By that view, I certainly don’t feel like an athlete. I run and bike because they bring me joy. I’m nowhere near good enough to ever win an official event, and I probably never will be. I sign up for 5Ks because I enjoy them. I lack even the most basic traits of athleticism. I’m still striving to get “in shape”, and I’m not particularly coordinated (I trip over my own feet more than I should). You can see why I have a hard time thinking of myself as an athlete based on those views, but is it the right view?

When I first started running, I read a lot of articles about the sport, especially if it was targeted to a beginner. Some of the articles made it clear that even people who partake in running just a few days a week should think of themselves as an athlete and try to keep that mindset at the forefront of their minds during a workout. Thinking back to those articles, I asked myself a few other questions:

1. Is a team really necessary to be an athlete, or is competing against yourself sufficient?

2. Do you need to excel at your sport (team or otherwise), or is committing and showing up enough?

3. Can you be an athlete without being athletic?

I came up with some answers after talking it over a bit with my aunt and thinking about how much I’ve changed in the last two years. I think being an athlete has more to do with mindset than physical abilities in many ways. Undertaking and finishing a training program for whatever your goals may be takes dedication and sacrifice. If you’re someone who sets goals and strives to improve each day, that makes you an athlete. It often means changing your lifestyle to meet the demands of your chosen activity, reorganizing your priorities, and getting out of bed each morning without making excuses. The determination and drive to keep going when things get tough definitely define an athlete, so I don’t really think it matters what your activity is or if you choose to compete. Your sport becomes a part of you that you can’t do without. I can easily identify with the above characteristics, and I’m sure many of you can, too.

Maybe more of us should start thinking of ourselves as athletes. Maybe it’s time to do a mental overhaul instead of just a physical one. That old adage “fake it till you make it” has some truth to it. It can be hard to change your mindset, but maybe “faking it” is what’s needed until you start believing it.

Run For Your Life— A Halloween Event

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

Hey, y’all! It’s been a while again. I’ve been doing pretty well with my running and biking despite my knee giving me some troubles. It’s been bothering me off and on all year, so it isn’t anything major. However, it’s been more and more of an issue lately, so I’m hoping to get it looked at and figure out what I need to do to fix it since the pain won’t stay gone. I don’t want to end up with any long-term problems.

That said, this month I did do another 5k race! I ran it with a couple of friends, so of course I had a good time. One of my friends did the 10k earlier in the day and the 5k 2 hours later (massive respect for her taking on that challenge), and the other ran the 5k with me. We tackled it together in run/walk intervals and I did a lot better with this one than I did at the race in August. It was Halloween themed, and I was planning to wear a costume, but I didn’t have enough time to make one and I didn’t feel like buying one, so I just made an orange/black/purple tutu to wear. I ended up glad not to have a costume after all because it was so humid. It had rained until an hour before the race, so everything was all steamy. The weather cleared and there was even a little bit of sun peeking through the clouds here and there, but I was glad it wasn’t full-on sun or it would have been even hotter. The race was held at an orchard, so on the way to pick up our race bibs and shirts, we had to walk through a field on a hill. It was muddy from the rain and I rolled my ankle three times by the time I got my bib, walked stuff back to the car, and walked to the starting line. Thankfully, it never rolled far enough to actually cause pain, so that was very lucky.

I wasn’t feeling nervous before this race like I did before every other one I’ve done. One of my friends rode to the race with me and we stopped at Starbucks before we hade the half hour drive. I guess the caffeine really helped! My main goal this race was to look good in my race pictures, but I managed to look like I was dying in just about every single one. There were photographers at miles 1 and 2, and at the finish line. The only picture I look kind of good in was the finish line one, and I think the fog machine helped in that one to add some atmosphere in. I at least look happy, but I still look a whole lot more exhausted than I felt. I’ll just have to try again at one of the other races that has in-race photographers. The finish line was fun because they announced every runner’s name as they crossed, so I felt like a celebrity. We collected our medals and made our way to the refreshment stand, where they had freshly made cinnamon donuts, popcorn, and cold apple cider. We battled a couple of bees to try to eat our snack, but I successfully managed not to get stung in the mouth (which happened to me 3 times as a kid, so I have a bit of a phobia of eating outside with bees buzzing around). I definitely want to do that race again next year. It was a really fun time. Even the people living in the nearby neighborhood that we passed through enjoyed seeing the runners. A few people had tables set up with refreshments they offered us and they were wearing costumes. The T-Rex was a popular choice this year for costumes; one was an adult dressed as one and one was a kid of maybe three or four, both in separate locations.

All in all, it’s been a pretty smooth year. I’m not having near the number of problems I had last year. I’m still really slow and feeling like I’m not making any progress, but I’m enjoying myself anyway. I’ll never be good enough to actually place in a race, so I don’t stress about it too much.

I don’t have any other races planned until New Year’s Eve at midnight, which should be interesting. I’ve been going to bed at 10:30 lately, so I don’t even know if I’ll have a lot of energy to run that late at night, but I’m sure he combination of the cold air and the fun atmosphere will give me enough of a boost. The goal for 2022 is to do a 5k every month, so I’m on the hunt for some fun novelty races. February will be a local hot cocoa run, and March so far looks like it will probably be St. Patrick’s Day themed, but I’m still hunting around. My only requirements for a race is that it has to be a fun one and it has to have finisher medals. What can I say; I like my bling!

Rainy Day Dreams

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

I haven’t written lately because I’ve been so stressed out. Everything feels like a struggle lately, and I’ve been having more days than usual where I just don’t want to get out of bed. However, I always manage to get up on my running days, even when I don’t feel like it. There’s just something about not going that feels wrong. It’s not even “guilt” per se; it’s just such a part of me.

That said, I wasn’t going to let 3 solid days of rain stop me from running. Even my running friends thought I was crazy for going out, but it was 58 degrees; it was not cold. I love a good rainy run, more in the summer, but I’ll do them all year. There’s just something magical about it. Everything looks different with puddles all over and the street lights reflecting off the road. I don’t use headphones when it rains. I like to listen to the sound of the rain falling and my footsteps on the road. I take in the feel of every raindrop as it hits my skin. Even the cold gush of water flowing into my shoe isn’t so bad. It’s really a zen experience, and I look forward to days I can get lost in that.

Ghost Town Run

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

I really had no interest in getting up early to run today, but I told myself I should do at least 20 minutes. I was tired and a little bit sore from a weekend of bike riding and I just wanted to rest before work in the afternoon. Like every time I feel like I don’t want to run, I was glad I went. I got one of my best paces and I was able to fall into that zen state of mind during those 20 minutes. I ran the whole way through, which had been a while since the summer heat and humidity was brutal here. I had been doing run/walk intervals the last few months, so it was nice to know that I didn’t lose as much conditioning as I thought. These cooler mornings are agreeing with me.

Today being a holiday, it was so quiet on my run that it felt like a ghost town. Usually the main road through downtown has quite a lot of traffic, but I didn’t see many cars at all. It was so quiet that I stepped into the street to snap a photo of the emptiness and the feeble sunrise.

A Race for the Kids

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

This past weekend I did another 5k race. Unlike the one I did in July, this was a small scale race, but every bit as fun, and honestly even more so! There’s a local organization that started doing races last year, and they’ve just gotten better with time. If you remember me writing about the running group I joined last summer, the person who organized that group organizes the 5ks. What I love about the small races is that they’re so much more intimate (60-ish runners vs the large ones in the area that can have thousands). A lot of the people who came out for last weekend’s race are people I’ve met in running group or at other races hosted by the group. You can chat and really get to know the people who come. It’s nice doing a race with a lot of familiar faces, and some new ones mixed in.

I arrived at the race an hour before check-in started. I had asked the organizer if he needed any extra help and he told me I could swing by early to help with any last minute things that needed to be finished. Everything was done when I came, so I chatted a little and waited for the check-in process to start. As runners started to arrive, I directed them to fill out their event waivers and showed them the registration table where they could pick their packets up. It was a small job, but I enjoy being able to greet everyone as they arrive. I did the same thing at a previous race last October and really had fun with it, so I was happy to do it.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an event for me if some weird sort of mishap didn’t occur. I wear glasses because I can’t stand contacts, and one of the lenses fell right out of the frames! I was worried I would have to go home and get my spare pair, but the screw had just come loose. It was still in the frames, luckily, and between a small safety pin and my thumb nail, I was able to get the lens back in and tighten the frame. I’ve since put an eyeglass repair kit in my bag so I don’t have to worry about it again.

Eventually my running buddies arrived and I chatted with them as I continued to direct the new arrivals. I did this race with two of the girls I meet semi-regularly at the park and one who used to train with me before she moved (it was her very first race). I always feel a little anxious before a race, even though I don’t really have a reason to, so it’s nice to have people there I can talk to. What made our group even more fun was the fact that we wore tutus for this race. I was a little self-conscious at first, even though I was really looking forward to wearing my tutu, but everyone loved it! I got so many compliments! I kind of want to run every race with extra flair like that now!

Since one of my friends was still near the beginning of her training program, I told her I would do whatever she was able to do and that we would finish together. She was doing 3 minute run/ 3 minute walk intervals, so that was what we planned to do at the race. I say planned because by the halfway point, I was done. I was so exhausted, I felt like I couldn’t breathe, and we walked a lot of the last half. We ran again at the end, but I feel like I held her back. She would easily have finished ahead of me, but she kept my pace. I have never finished a 5k slower than I did last week. It was 13 minutes slower than my best. I didn’t understand why it was so hard in that moment, but a few hours later, I ended up having a full blown asthma attack, which hasn’t happened to me in quite some time. I guess me feeling so exhausted so early at the race was the early warning sign, even though I didn’t have chest tightness or anything earlier in the day.

The race was held at a local zoo, which is very small because it’s a small town, but there’s more to see than you would think. The first almost mile of the race looped through the zoo before taking us down the street to the park, and then the course looped back and we finished just inside the zoo entrance. The zoo usually closes at 5pm, but for this race, they stayed open until 7:30. There was a local charity group that does kids characters from movies there doing performances, so we heard songs from Frozen and Moana. Batman was there too, but he didn’t do any singing. There was a grilled cheese food truck inside where we could grab some dinner after we ran. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything super delicious either. They did have a lot of different options, and I ended up trying a grilled cheese with pesto and tomato. I think I would have liked it more if the bread was all the way crispy and not just the outside. Two of my running friends left after they ate, but my other friend and I stayed the entire time the zoo was open and slowly walked around visiting all the animals. It was a beautiful evening, only about 79 degrees and a bit of a breeze—much better than the 90+ degree days we had earlier that week.

What makes this race so special to me is a couple of different things. First, it’s turning into an annual race that benefits a local children’s hospital (this was the second annual race), so being able to go and have such a fun time while supporting a great cause is a double positive. I know three different families who have had their kids treated at that hospital, and I had been there a few times as a kid myself. The other reason this race was special to me was because it was my first ever race last year, and the fact that it is now turning into something that will be held every year makes it feel like a milestone I will achieve each year I can run it. I wrote about it forever ago, but it was actually my primary care doctor that told me about this race last year and asked me if I’d be interested. He told me it was a way to help raise awareness for the hospital because his daughter gets treated there. He wrote a very touching book about some of his family’s experiences, and I feel like after reading that, the very least I could do is to sign up for this run every year. He was there again this year with a cape with his daughter’s picture on it, which I thought was amazing.

My next race is in October, and it’s Halloween themed, so I’m trying to figure out a costume to put together. Right now I want to do something related to Legend of Zelda, which is my favorite game series. I don’t know if it will really end up being a full-out costume or if it will be more like a shirt with the Hylian crest and a tutu. I can kind of sew, but I honestly don’t know if I want to go through all that trouble to make a custom-made costume. I used to cosplay a bit at anime conventions, but I only have about 6 weeks to put something together. The weather will also be a little unpredictable. Sometimes it’s warmer here in the beginning of October, and sometimes it’s not. I want something that can be versatile for the conditions. That’s why more of a tribute to Zelda rather than an actual character would be easier. I have some ideas in mind of a sort of cross between Link’s classic green tunic outfit and Linkle’s cloak, so stay tuned!

First 5k of 2021!

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

Hey all! I’m a little late in posting this, but I ran my first official race of the year last week! It was an evening race and we started at 7:45pm, but afterward we had free dinner and drinks and a concert to enjoy. I definitely earned that burger and a Coke! It felt so hard running that race, which was a big disappointment after getting a new personal best time the week before that was 9 minutes faster than race day. It was very hot and humid, though, so I’m not being too hard on myself. I took a week off running after the race because I was a little sore, but I’ll return back to running tomorrow. I have another 5k next month that benefits a children’s hospital and will be held after hours at the zoo. I’m looking forward to having a running buddy for the duration of the race. One of my friends is making that one her first 5k, and while she won’t be able to run the whole thing, I promised I’d keep pace with her and cheer her on. It will be nice to have the company on a race. My other running friends are more advanced and run 4 minutes per mile faster than me, so needless to say I can’t keep up. I still love them though! They waited for me at the finish line at every race I’ve done. I couldn’t ask for more support!

Observations of an Overweight Runner

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

Running is one of those things that people either love or hate. There seems to be no middle ground (like pineapple on pizza, to which the proper answer is love). I was firmly in the ‘hate it’ category until a little over a year and a half ago. I wanted to take some time to share some observations and experiences I’ve had since becoming a runner, and hopefully encourage those of you who are thinking about running, but aren’t quite sure you want to yet, to give it a try. Running is hard, and it’s really hard if you are carrying a lot of extra weight. I’m looking to lose 72 more pounds, after having already lost 66. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never get there. I had always thought running was impossible for me. However, it is absolutely possible to be successful at running if you want it badly enough.

Who Wants to Run Anyway?

I started out losing weight by biking, which I absolutely adore. Back then, I never saw myself as someone who wanted to be a runner. NEVER. I had loathed it since being forced to run track laps in high school gym class, and that made me never want to run again. So, what changed? A couple of years ago, I had Achilles tendon surgery and started working with a physical therapist who made one of my recovery goals running 20 minutes pain free. My PT helped me choose a plan to follow, and while I hated it at first, a few weeks passed and I started looking forward to running. He eventually inspired me to try running a 5k after telling me about his experiences. It was something I had always thought sounded impossible, but it was a good goal for me to work toward. I followed the None to Run plan to get started running, which starts with very short run intervals in between longer walk intervals and builds you up to full out running for 25 minutes over the course of 12 weeks. This was a great way to start, and it really helped ease me in. It was hard for me to run 30 seconds when I first started, but consistency leads to progress, and before I knew it, I was running longer than I ever had in my entire life.

The First Step Truly is the Hardest— But it Gets Easier

The hardest thing about beginning running was taking that first step. It can feel like a huge barrier to cross. I was intimidated to be seen out in public running when I first started. I felt like the whole world was staring at me and judging me while I lugged my body down the street 3 days a week. It was really uncomfortable for me in those early days. I started out running very early in the morning or after dark in the evening to minimize how many people might see me. I was so afraid of someone saying something rude to me or making fun of me because I couldn’t run 30 seconds without feeling out of breath. It took many months to feel comfortable running and not worrying about what someone might think or say. It turns out all that worry was for nothing, though. I’ve encountered so many supportive people in the community on my runs. On many occasions, I’ve had strangers drive by me while I’m running down the street or pass me at the park and tell me I’m doing great or to keep up the hard work. Hearing those words of encouragement really lifts my spirits, especially on a day where I’m struggling.

Support Goes a Long Way

I absolutely don’t mind running alone, but running with other people is amazing. I started running the None to Run plan with one of my closest friends, and we met once a week or so until she moved out of the area. It was awesome sharing our triumphs, and having each other to lean on when we struggled. After she moved, I had no other running friends. I was told about a local running group by my awesome doctor, and I eventually worked up the courage to join. It was a game changer for me. I felt really out of place and slightly embarrassed that first day walking into the park because everyone looked so fit and I clearly wasn’t, but they welcomed me with open arms. I immediately had a built-in support system of people I could ask for advice and celebrate new milestones with. I never would have met any of my running friends otherwise. Even if a running group isn’t for you, I highly suggest a running buddy. It’s nice to have someone who understands what it’s like.

Judgement From Those Who Should be Helping

The hardest part of being an overweight runner is the judgement from the medical community. Most doctors I’ve worked with have been great, but there are always some that I know don’t believe me when I say I’m active 5-6 days a week. Last year, I saw a specialist for an injury that was still bothering me several months after it started, and even though I explained that it was from running, he told me I needed to join a gym, lose weight, and the pain would get better if I worked hard enough at it. I restated that I was a runner and cyclist, and the only thing he had to say to that was that he was glad to hear it because it would help me lose weight. It was at that point that I started to cry, right there in the office. It was embarrassing, but I couldn’t help it. His assumption that I was lazy and didn’t try to better my health despite having stated otherwise was hurtful. That’s not the only example I have, but I think it’s enough to illustrate my point. Now, I’m not saying suggesting weight loss isn’t an answer in the long term, but for an acute injury, I deserve the same treatment for it that someone who isn’t overweight would get. It’s really discouraging when some of the people you turn to for help treat you like you aren’t telling the truth because they think you can’t possibly be active at a larger size. Weight loss isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time and consistency, and it’s extremely difficult to keep on track if you’re struggling with injuries that are limiting what you can do.

Clothes Do Not Make You, but Do Help the Confidence

Turning to something not quite so serious, the struggle to find good workout clothes in extended sizes is real. They exist, of course, but I’m talking about clothes that aren’t black or another dark color that are also affordable. A lot of stores don’t even carry extended sizes in their building, or carry only a handful and relegate the rest to online only. Hopefully this will change someday. Clothes obviously aren’t the most important thing about working out, but everyone wants to wear something that makes them feel comfortable and confident. Dressing in something that makes me look and feel amazing gives me a boost throughout my workout. It always struck me as odd that society at large wants overweight people to work out, but makes something as basic as finding quality, affordable activewear in bigger sizes resemble a scavenger hunt. Not only thin people want to work out! If I could magically just change my size, believe me, I would. However, reality dictates that I start where I am, not where I want to end up.

Imposter Syndrome at its Finest

Something else that I struggle with as an overweight runner is imposter syndrome. I’ve had a lot of people tell me I inspire them, and I never quite know how to react. Of course it feels amazing to hear something like that, but at the same time, I don’t feel like I’m qualified to inspire anyone. I’m just out there doing something I enjoy doing and trying to get better at it. There are many, many people better at running than I am. I’m nowhere near hitting the goals I set for myself this year. I’m not even “average” at running yet, and I can’t wait for the day that I am. I run so slowly that some people can walk faster than me (here’s lookin’ at you, speedwalker who beat me at my last 5k). I don’t have any special talent for running and I’ll never be the best. I just show up and give it my all. The truth is that I’m just too stubborn to quit.

One Last Word

I know that some of these things aren’t just specific to overweight runners, but as someone who still struggles with feeling insecure about my running, I hope I can help someone else not feel so alone. The hardest part about running isn’t the physical challenge, but the mental one. I have no regrets since I became a runner, even though it’s been a tough journey. I love it so much more than I ever thought would have been possible, and it’s really changed my life. I’ve gained confidence, met a lot of awesome people, and know that each and every effort I make takes me one step closer to my goals, even if it isn’t outwardly visible. I look forward to improving much more and finally celebrating the day I can run 5k in less than 40 minutes.

Feelin’ the Heat

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

Just a quick update now that summer has finally arrived in Michigan! I got so used to running in the cold that the 80 degree temperatures have been hard to get used to. I’m working in run walk intervals while I acclimate to them, and I have to tell you that running 8 minutes in the heat is hard. However, I’ll get used to it and hopefully be back to trying to beat my PRs again. I’ve been a bit inconsistent with my running the last couple of weeks because of my work schedule, so that’s not helping either. I have two months until my 5k race, and I really want to run it in less than 40 minutes. No matter what happens at that race, though, I’ll have a good time ^__^

“Back” to Pain

On By LeraIn Cycling, Life, runningLeave a comment

Hey y’all! It’s been a few weeks since I posted an update. My running hasn’t been progressing too well since I ran that 5k distance last month. I was talking to a much more experienced runner about it and he said it might be wise to back off the training a bit. Having hit two PRs last month left my body feeling tired, and I began struggling to complete a run. Even a mile left me feeling like I was breathing too hard. I switched back to run/walk intervals for the time being—5 minute run and 2 minute walk. I’m going to do that for a bit and gradually increase the running time back up, first to 8 minutes, then to 10 minutes, and keep my 2 minute walk breaks for those new times and see how my body responds. I’m going to increase my total workout time from 35 minutes to 50 minutes gradually with the help of the run/walk intervals, and reassess after that. In a few weeks, I also want to add a 4th run day where I simply run a mile and try to get progressively better times.

That said, I haven’t run in 8 days, unless you count the 3 minutes that I attempted Tuesday. My left back started hurting near my lower ribs 5 days ago, and I just assumed it was a strain of some sort since it hurt with movement or deep breathing. I was content with just treating it on my own until the pain worsened and I felt like I was being stabbed. I made an appointment with Dr. S and he said it could basically be a dozen different things since there’s no other symptoms (he also told me it was too early in his day to have such a tricky problem 😂). I had a test done to rule out kidney stones and that was normal, so for now I’m trying several days of prednisone to see if that calms the pain down any. If so, I’m good to go, and if not, we discussed potential next steps. Hopefully the next time I have to see him will be at the 5k race we’re both doing in August and not sooner. I want to get back to my training plan!

Even though it hurts too much to run this week, I can still bike since once I’m in position, my back doesn’t really move. I rode for over an hour today and it felt glorious to get outside and move. The only bad thing is that a bracket on my bike seat broke in a place that can’t really be replaced without major hassle. I have it duct taped in place for now since it isn’t going to be a safety issue when I’m sitting on it, but I did order a new seat tonight. Chances are if one part broke, others are weak. My bike gets a lot of use! I also need to get a new tire for the back at some point, which in hindsight I should have also ordered tonight. Oh well.

Lastly, I baked some cookies for my physical therapy clinic and dropped them off this morning. It’s been six months since I’ve had to go there, which is the longest I’ve stayed away in the last two years! That’s amazing for me! It’s all thanks to them always going above and beyond to help. If they hadn’t suggested Frankenshoe (getting a 1 inch full sole lift built into my everyday shoes and my running shoes to even out my leg lengths), I doubt I would have gone this long without a major issue. I’m so grateful to have been able to work with people who care so much.

Breaking Records

On By LeraIn Life, runningLeave a comment

Hey guys! Just going to make this a quick update today, but I’ve been working hard on a post I’ll be publishing soon titled ‘The Reality of Being an Overweight Runner’. I’m editing it and trying to get it worded just right.

Things have been going pretty good lately. For once I’m not struggling with any major issues. I’m not 100% at the moment, but doing better than last year so far. My biggest issue has been struggling with my asthma during my workouts. It’s not bad enough to stop my runs, but it does slow me down having to walk in the middle and use my inhaler.

Despite all that, I managed to get my best 5k time today! 46’19” isn’t going to win me a real race, but it’s more than 3 minutes faster than last time! I’m trying my best to run that distance in under 40 minutes by August, so at least I’m making some progress! I’m hurting a little more than usual, but typically I run for 2 miles, so it’s not unexpected. I’m trying to keep increasing my distance so 3 miles is my usual run, but it’s hard balancing what I want vs. what my body is happiest with. It’ll take me several months to get there, but that’s okay if I can run without all the injuries from last year.

Here’s a photo from my run at 7 am! I love early morning runs and watching the sunrise ❤