Most of you know I started running (106 days ago). So far I have dropped 20 lbs, leaving me with another 20 to lose. At first I could barely run around the block, but now my shortest runs are 3.1 miles and my longest are 5 miles – for now. I run at least 4 days a week.
My initial reasons for running were numerous: I was convicted about how I had (mis)treated the body God has given me, I was 40lbs + overweight, I wanted to feel better, and the doctor said running is one of the best things we can do to fight against a disease that has afflicted much of my family. But my reasons for running did not actually get my out the door. What actually got me running was the example of a man I know who started running a year ago. I hadn’t seen him in about a year and when we ran into each other he had lost 55 lbs and had just run his first marathon – all within 9 months. The next day I started running – and I have not stopped since.
At this point I run for health, discipline, some time alone to think, to relieve stress, to use my body in a way that God has designed, but most of all I run because it brings me joy. I’m serious, I run because I love it.
I will probably offer a weekly run report sharing some of my experiences in this new discipline. I’d love to hear about your running as well. I know some of you take it seriously and have a lot of wisdom and encouragement to offer. Others, like me, are just getting started.
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
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I have had a very similar experience. A friend got me into running a few years ago. At first, I figured I would do it to try and get into shape, but like you, I found that I loved it. People that don’t run find that hard to believe, but it’s really true.
I got out of the habit for a while, but started back up about 2 months ago, and now I’m training for a local half marathon. It’s encouraging to hear your story, I can definitely relate to the body stewardship stuff!
Joe,
I have recently gotten back into running as well. My problem, and I hope that you or some commentors can help, is pace. What is realistic? What do you shoot for? I’m currently running 3 miles on long days and 2 miles on the short. I’d like to build up to five, but I don’t have the experience to know how to do that.
That’s encouraging. I started running 6 days ago. I’m 29 and about 29 lbs overweight. What got me going was a friend at work that challenged me to run a Half-Marathon (13mi) in 8 weeks. I just laughed at him. “Yeah right,” I thought.
But when I got home that evening, I decided to see how far I could go. I put in almost 2 miles in 17 minutes. I even nerded out and mapped my run online. I figure I need the extra incentive of possible public humiliation if I give up, so I’ve committed to doing the Half-Marathon. I built a training plan from RunnersWorld.com. Hopefully, I be in good enough shape to survive 13mi in 8…make that 7 weeks.
I’ll try to report back on how the training and Half-Marathon go (even more public humiliation!).
Joe, you’re progress and drive are a huge encouragement.
Brad, one way I’ve found is to run my shorter distances a little harder than normal(pushing myself), while stretching my long runs.
Most people I read encourage you to not worry so much about pace early on – except to say, slow down. It’s more important to run well. So I focus on form and finishing my distance. In my case I found that eventually at the end of 2 miles I felt like I could keep going for a while. So I did on my next run. I wasn’t sure how far I’d get, but I ran another mile. Same with going to four and five. I map it all out online at places like runningahead.com or mapmyrun.com.
Joe: Thanks for the shout out brother!
Regardless of the miles and hours I spend training for big races each year, it is stories like yours that inspire me the most. I have trained and raced with some of the worlds greatest (tri)athletes, but it’s nothing compared to seeing someone get inspired by a desire to get healthy, and develop a new hobby. You have made great advances thus far — keep going! I nominate you to be the back page story in Runner’s World — truly an inspiration!
By the way — I said “back page” because that’s where they put all the inspirational stories from common people — not because I don’t think it’s a front page worthy story! haha… thought I needed to clarify that!
Yeah, whatever Nick. Always trying to keep me on the back page.
Thanks man. Without guys like you showing the way for guys like me I would never has come this far. And I have a long way to go.
Joe, any thoughts on participating in a race? Signing up for a race can give even greater purpose to your workouts. Besides, you get to hang out with other runners and grab a t-shirt.
Glad to see that you are enjoying the running for the sake of running.
Yeah, I am planning several races. My first is a 5K in Chicago this October.
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