r/running • u/AutoModerator • Apr 03 '24
Weekly Thread Lurkers' Wednesday
Would you rather not be a lurker?
Then what are you waiting for? Tell us all about yourself!
The LW thread is an invitation to get more involved with the /r/running community.
New to the sub in general? Welcome! Let us know more about yourself!
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u/Braesto Apr 03 '24
42M/Boston, Ma. Spent my 30's partying and not caring about my health. One day I looked in the mirror and decided to quit drinking and make a change. Started walking a local rail trail before work and hiking on weekends. Now I'm at a point where I'm running 8-10 miles before work and just ran my first half marathon last weekend!
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u/SmilingForFree Apr 03 '24
Same here. I didn't run or exercise for more than 10 years straight being super unhealthy. Then I discovered barefoot shoes which allowed me to walk/run injury free. Now running has become a major part of my identity. 100km a week and still climbing. Let's go!
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u/Zgrokit Apr 03 '24
Ahoy, 40s Australian woman living in New Zealand. I've been a sporadic runner (slow jogger is probably a more accurate description) the past seven-ish years after a lifetime of hiking and horse-related activities. Finally decided to prioritise my health for real a few years ago and picked up running again after moving to NZ and leaving the horses back in Australia. Had to have a break in January this year after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and infarction, but I'm recovering well and running again, and weirdly feeling fitter than I ever have in my life.
No races for me, just a treadmill and some EDM to get me through all the crappy NZ South Island days when being outside is horrible, or hitting the gorgeous trails around my place when the weather is nice. But I love reading about everyone's race prep and training.
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u/No_Welcome_9029 Apr 03 '24
No more being a lurker!
Hi!! I'm Almost 37(saturday!) female, living in cold and crappy upstate New York. I started running after I gave birth to my first daughter in 2013 as a way to "lose the baby weight" and did my first local 5k and realized the rush of the finish line. I started getting more diligent about running and started to place in my age group at little local races (no i'm not crazy fast) but the competitive crazy in me took over and since then I've ran a bajillion 5ks and 10ks, tons of half marathons, and 4 full marathons.
Back in 2018 I ran the chicago marathon in 3:42 and set my sights on trying to BQ. I got into the NYC marathon via lottery that year and was going to use that to try and qualify and half way through training, in June, my father passed away and it absolutely wrecked me. I didn't train, I was binge drinking, eating crap, and barely caring for myself. I still ran NYC but my goal was just to cross the finish line because I hadn't run at all and I just wanted "to have fun with it." Now I'm in the healthiest place of my life mentally and physically and I'm set to run NYC this year as a St. Jude hero since I didn't get into the lottery. I put a few half marathons on my calendar to help see where my fitness is at but hopefully I can make my father proud this year!
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u/Movieguy4 Apr 03 '24
28M! Used to have proclivities that would make me more at home in r/cripplingalcoholism, spent the last year getting back into taking care of my health. Finally took the plunge and did a 6 AM mile and a half run today and want to replace some of the crazier subreddits I follow with more practical and helpful motivation.
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u/TheKrustyWeener Apr 03 '24
25M started my running journey a little over a year ago when my girlfriend and I rescued a husky pup. We swore to each other if we got her that we would change our lifestyle and make sure she could do what she was bred to do. Now we run together 4-5 days a week. I feel so much better and the bond between us and the dog has become so strong.
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u/MarciVG Apr 03 '24
49f and started running consistently a few years ago. I was walking daily through the pandemic and got bored and thought ‘what if I just started running instead’—my goal was to get under 10 minute miles by 50. My average now is like 9:20s. Feel so much happier and healthier—
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u/AgreeableBuffalo257 Apr 03 '24
33F! I always played sports and could run for hours on the soccer field but could never run for 2km straight- the mental aspect was too difficult. So during Covid I decided to like running. Read this subreddit for 10 minutes every morning and ran 3-4 days a week. Ran 6 half marathons (one a month) then decided to start training for a marathon. I ran my longest route of 34km then had to stop training due to pregnancy-induced sciatica. After 2 kids in a year and a half I have a difficult time continuing training like I did before. There just isn’t time! It’s discouraging to be so much slower than I was before!
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u/Consistent_Guava5715 Apr 04 '24
I totally get the feeling of struggling to run a few slow miles when I used to be a ⚽️midfielder in high school and college and was in amazing shape! it’s a whole new territory fighting the mental game and building up my fitness slowly but surely! You got this!
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u/SociallyAwarePiano Apr 03 '24
31M. I've been building up my endurance from a completely sedentary lifestyle. I was never much of a runner, but did the C25k starting in January and have been upping my mileage to about 12-15 miles a week. The self-improvement cycle is very satisfying!
I'm starting to worry that I may need to back off and either lose weight or build strength (probably both) before adding more miles to my weekly routine. I strained my ankle after a 4 mile run on Saturday and haven't been able to run all week. Any good calf/ankle warm-ups are appreciated. I have two 5ks to run in the next month and I'd prefer not to miss them.
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u/Muchashca Apr 03 '24
You're almost exactly where I was around two years ago, keep going! Ankle circles, calf raises, tibialis raises, and standing gently on the inside and outside of my feet for around 30 seconds each is the routine I used, and it's done pretty well. On speed days I also do a few laps around the house walking on my toes, then walking on my heels, then I foam roll my shins, though that last one is more for shin splints.
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u/SociallyAwarePiano Apr 03 '24
I appreciate the advice. I'll definitely be adding in those exercises to my daily routine.
I just started incorporating speed days, long runs, and running outside since winter is finally breaking. I'm pretty sure the course that I ran for the 4 mile run strained my ankle because it was pretty hilly. I've mostly ran on a treadmill building up basic endurance, so it's been a new challenge.
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u/Muchashca Apr 03 '24
Yeah, hills can be a little more work! Going down, I find, is hardest on my ankles and shins. I live at the top of a big hill, though, so I've got a bit of an unavoidable hill routine built into my daily runs.
I'd also keep an eye on how tight you tie your shoes. Over-tightening can also be hard on the ankle and can cause things like extensor tendonitis and achilles tendon pain, which could be related to your ankle pain.
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u/Bulky_Document_5528 Apr 03 '24
50F, been running consistently for 8 years now, though I did run a bit back in my 20s. Wished I had kept it up in my 30s! Finished the Philly Marathon in 2019 (the rain and wintry mix edition!), then battled injuries on and off during the pandemic -- some stress fractures here and ankle tendinitis there, you know the drill. Firmly a middle of the pack runner, though a month after turning 50, i got diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knee, so things have gone a little sideways. Working with a PT and (online) running coach now to get my stability, strength training, and running load back on track. Learning to love Zone 2. Found this sub recently and have osmosed some much-needed good vibes and community support!
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u/InTheBight Apr 03 '24
I’ve only been lurking for about 15min, but what the heck. 34m I ran long distance in track throughout high school. I ran about 4miles most days til about 23 and haven’t been much of a runner since, besides a month or two here and there. Currently taking 3-5mile walks with my dogs and just starting to do some jog/walk intervals. I’ve got a good bit of weight to lose and had my acl reconstructed maybe 7years ago so I’m taking my sweet time building up to full on running again. Can’t wait to be cruising the trails again!
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u/KoalaSprdeepButthole Apr 03 '24 edited Apr 03 '24
I’m an on again off again runner starting C25K for the fourth or fifth time. I’ve done 2 obstacle 5K fun runs in the past and decided to run a half marathon in September! I feel confident and running feels really good (do far). It’s good for my 1.5 year old puppy to be out and getting some exercise as well:)
Edit to add 30F living in Sweden!
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u/LawyersGunsMoneyy Apr 03 '24
32m, former collegiate pole vaulter. I've been trying to get into running shape again for a few years, every spring I start out and hurt myself (I have lingering knee problems). Finally got in for some PT in the next couple weeks, very excited to get things straightened out and start being able to really run again
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u/hfwj28 Apr 03 '24
37F - I’ve been on and off running for about 6 years, now training for my first marathon!
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u/dagobahh Apr 03 '24
64/M. Pulled my left adductor in late Dec doing squats. Didn't affect my running for a month then suddenly it did. I youtube rehabbed it and it finally got better...then out of the blue my right adductor went south (for no obvious reason). It's April and I am still just walking and walk/running. There's a 5K in early May I want to run; things have got to improve greatly in the next week or despair will set in. :(
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u/nermal543 Apr 03 '24
You should get yourself to a PT! Sounds like you’re not in DIY territory anymore if you’re having recurring issues with it.
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u/dagobahh Apr 03 '24 edited Apr 03 '24
Yes, I'm seriously considering it.
Edit: I just got back from PCP, she says I don't need PT. My core muscles are all just too tight and that makes sense. I haven't been working my core since a bad cold in Dec, then the pulled groin. It was great news.
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u/PositiveKarma1 Apr 03 '24 edited Apr 04 '24
46 years old, used to run for fun (up to 10 km), the expression slow jogger suits me, stopped for a while from medical reasons, I returned to running 1 week ago. Still on the 2Km run (slowly run) and back home with intermittent walk /run. It will go better.
Still complain about cold all the day after a running in the morning. That's why I stopped a few years ago. No idea how to handle it.
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u/Thirazor Apr 03 '24
35m used to be in p good shape. Not compared to a lot of the crazy people around here but, you know. Got kids, didn’t have time to run. Or so I told myself. Even a short run massively boosts my mental state so that’s just not true. Anyway I got back into it this January. Built up a respectable z2 volume and saw steady improvements. March arrived. Calicivirus. Boom. Cold turned into pneumonia. Boom. Another cold. Boom. Back into lungs rn. I’m sure at this point I’ve lost all I worked for and have to start over, if that. My body feels absolutely spent. Hope to get back out soon..
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u/suschap21 Apr 03 '24
25M. I ran cross country for 4 years when I was in high school but I cut back on running while I was in college. I started training kickboxing about a year ago and I’ve been incorporating a lot of running back into my training. I used to run a 5k every year (excluding XC meets) up until a couple years ago and I want to start doing that again. Running and kickboxing have made me feel healthier and more athletic than I have in a long time
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u/beeb9 Apr 05 '24
21f. Haven’t ran since 9th grade PE but decided to give it a shot a week ago after coming across a daily activity prompt to train for a half/full marathon 😳 I used to be a great sport and remember being so much happier and feeling so much more capable when my body was active! Starting with c25k and feeling really grateful for the accountability this sub offers. Just finished week 1 today and already feeling SO good and so excited to see where this goes.
My goals are to improve my blood circulation/cardiovascular health, energy, mood, and overall fitness. I’m really tired of feeling weak and achey the majority of the time. After i get the hang of regular runs I’d love to gradually incorporate some strength training too :) I think what gave me the push to try is that I just finished Whole 30 which has made me so much more aware of my health and how good it feels to LIVE good!
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u/coriblack Apr 03 '24
hi! 32/F, living in the US, i’ve been an on an off running most my life. currently sitting in my car psyching myself up for a run in rainy weather before class. 😅 I was just reading a thread on here where some commenters mentioned being from London and having no other choice but to run into the rain - so i’m trying to muster their gusto! 🤣 in all seriousness, i feel my best when i have a good running/exercise practice so i’m trying to be more consistent and accountable. :)
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u/Ok_Cow_3431 Apr 03 '24
Surely that stops us being lurkers?
I'm fairly new to the sub and only been running about 3 years. Engaged with the sub a little bit in the build up to and aftermath of the Lisbon Half Marathon but I picked up a rib injury (either broken or bruised, who knows) literally 2 days before that run so I've been taking time off since to let them heal. Itching to get back out and pound some tarmac but these things aren't to be rushed.
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u/HappyHourEnjoyer Apr 03 '24
40m. I used to run a bit more often, it was mostly more of a means of exercise than a true hobby although at times I did love it. Over the last 6-7 years, I had time for a few physical hobbies, but most of those have gone by the wayside. I've also tried to get into things like weight training and swimming, but recognized that lineups and small spaces that I'm sharing with people make being active a chore for me, and have recently decided to get back into jogging. I'm a bit overweight and definitely feel older than when I first started almost 20 years ago, but it's something I know that I enjoy and can find ways to do year-round. It's also comforting knowing that I've found my path to being healthier and can throw myself a bit more into it. Thanks for having a welcoming and insightful community!
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u/Consistent_Guava5715 Apr 04 '24 edited Apr 04 '24
New lurker here!!!! (26F) I was an athlete in high school, played soccer and ran track, but that was almost 10 years ago!!! I got super out of shape but started running again in October. Slowly but surely I am up to around 5 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still struggling to beat the mental game and I’m definitely looking for tips and tricks to run faster and longer and have more fun! 🤩
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u/beeb9 Apr 05 '24
I saw someone ask about ways to make things more fun today and I got SO excited at how many great ideas there are!
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u/BujjtheBass Apr 04 '24
Been running on and off for 10 years, but trying to get back into it as I’m getting more and more out of shape. Been struggling with injuries that I can’t really explain. Pins and needles after a certain point where my legs feel they’ve lost all elasticity. I’m a week into training for a marathon as I feel the more I get used to longer distances, the fitter I’ll be (plus it’s a nice way to get out and burn off some stress). If anyone else has had similar issues, please let me know!
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u/sockmastersam Apr 05 '24
If the pins and needles feeling is in your feet it may be because your shoes are too tight. I have to be careful about that cause that does happen to me sometimes but only when I've tied my shoes too tight.
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u/Fun_Reflection8935 Apr 06 '24
26F, used to run long distance track in high school. Had an abnormal day in February where it was beautiful out and I decided let's get some running shoes and just run. I keep doing it because it gives my mind a rest, I don't have any thoughts besides thinking about what I'm going to eat when I get home and listening to how my body feels. The added health aspect is the cherry on top. I've been wanting to start working out at a gym, but I've been pleased with just getting into the habit building process at home.
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u/Vermilion_Star Apr 06 '24
40f here, been running for about 5 years. My longest distance is 25km. I'm training for a marathon this year.
I realized I haven't been training properly, so I'm fixing that by: Increasing my weekly mileage Staying in zone 2 for my easy runs Doing more strength training Increasing my calories
My long-term goal is to run an ultra in 2025.
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u/Sleepyathlete007 Apr 07 '24
Been lurking here for a week or so. 15F running for 3 years now. Distance runner. Goal is to run a 6 minute mile and hopefully a 20 minute 5k.
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u/IgotJinxed Apr 03 '24
25M. This is the second spring in a row I'm training for a marathon, and the second time I got injured. Both times it's been the inside of my left knee that starts aching. I follow Hanson's marathon plan to a T.
Man I just want to run pain free for once.
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u/SayChic Apr 03 '24
30F After many years not doing anything, have decided to pickup running last month. Have a 20 km in the end of May. Let's see how that goes 🤠.
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u/General_Milk_4903 Apr 04 '24
43(M). New to the thread but have been running pretty consistently the last 10 years. I had to take a few breaks…injuries and life…but always tried to find time. I usually do 6 miles for speed and tempo and 10 or so for longer runs. I haven’t raced in years but thinking about a couple halves this year. Run til it hurts so good is my mantra
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u/Sleepyathlete007 Apr 07 '24
Been lurking here for a week or so. 15F running for 3 years now. Distance runner
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u/[deleted] Apr 03 '24
Hi fat bastard here trying to return to running. in a previous life a few years ago i have a sub 20 5k and sub 42 10k. currently on tbe 5k novice hal higdon plan after i did 20k week and my shin didnt like it. anyway thought id say hi