Questions about running

 I've always wanted to be able to run but because of the extra 100+ lbs. I've been carrying for 30 years I get too winded to go more than 30 seconds without feeling like my lungs will burst.  Now I'm planning WLS (VSG) and am starting to think that my dream can soon become my reality. *gets excited*

But something nobody ever told me was the why's and how's.  I hear people talking about the exhilaration they feel after running their first 5k and stuff like that but what I never understood (and bear with me for appearing ignorant) is why do you do it?  When they have these marathons/mini-marathons do participants raise money for a charity?  Or is it just for the sheer pleasure of running?  What is involved in signing up for a run?  

Also, 5k is the shortest, right?  How long is a 5k actually (in miles)?  And how long are the others?  I hope you don't mind answering my questions -I'm just trying to learn from those who are in the know.  Thanks!

Personally, I run because I love it, and because I CAN!!!! Yes, most events benefit a charity, which is great, however most people sign up to run, because, well, they want to run! a 5k is 3.1 Miles... And yes, you cannot top the feeling of completing a race, and also there is such thing as an endorphin "High", which is exhilerating in and of itself.... 10K is double  a 5k (6.2 miles)... half marathon 13.1 miles, and marathon 26.2 miles. Congrats on surgery and best of luck....

 The answer of why is nearly impossible.  The "because it's there" answer is true but does not provide the whole answer. 

John Bingham is a runner whose gimmic is that he is slow.  He wrote for Runners World and has come up with a good answer that I will tweak a little to make mine.

I run away from many things.  Mostly, I run away from being fat.  I run away from everyone who has doubted me in life.  I run away from the 12 minute mile that I ran in the 5th grade and was last.  I run away from being picked last in elementary school.  I run away from the girls that I thought would not date the fat kid.  I run away from the inmates who would yell "fat F**K" every time I walked into a dorm.  I run away not being able to tie my shoes.  I run away from a million things.

I run toward a million tihings.  I run toward high self confidence.  I run toward self esteem.  I ran into the arms of my wife.  I run toward being healthy.  I run to a resting pulse rate of 55.  I run toward a goal that  less than 2% of the population has done.  I run because when someone sees me on a treadmill for an hour or more, they think I'm nuts.  It empowers me.  I run because the 26.2 mile pain feels so good for so long.  I run for the T-Shirts.  I run because I get to be alone for 30-60 minutes a day.  I run to work out problems in my head.  I run because there is nothing like the energy at the start of a big race, or a little one for that matter.  I run to beat people.  I run to improve my times.  Mostly I run because hopefully, my sons see me and want to be me.  

I cried when my oldest son shoved a fist full of McDonalds fries into his mouth and said, "I want to eat like you daddy",  I cried when he finished his first race and perhaps my running had something to do with it.  I will run every day for the rest of my life if it will help keep him healthy.

 

Coolrunning.com is a pretty good site.  Go and find your state to find races.  Sign up for one and it will get you motivated to get out there and start pounding the pavement.

Good luck
 

Scott,
Well said...  I would add, "I run because I need to keep accountable to Scott!"  Great inspirational message.  Enjoy your holiday.
Rob

So well put! Can I quote you?

Why I run?

I agree with what the guys said above. Couple of things...

When you start running it's not fun. It doesn't feel good. Your lungs will not be able to get in enough oxygen and your legs will feel like lead. It will pass.

One day when you head out there your lungs and legs will be strong enough that running feels like walking (ok, not that easy but you'll be able to breathe) and you'll look around and then it will start to feel great.

Running has become my zen. It's the time where I can clear my mind, it's also when I have my best ideas. The endorphins kick in and I feel great. I wish I could bottle the motivation and positive feelings I get when I'm running.

Why I enter races - it makes me accountable. i could just run for the sake of it. Having a race in my future means that I have to push myself just a little bit harder than I usually would. It gives me something to strive for. And yes, crossing the finish line is great and fun and exciting.

On your questions about a 5K - it's 3.1 miles. there's a great beginner program called Couch to 5K (www.c25k.com) that will "teach" you how to train for a 5K race. Just google 5K races and your town's name and I'm sure you'll find one. There's also 10K (10,000 meters / 6.2 miles), 1/2 marathons and longer.

Just start by going to a shoe store and getting the right shoes for your feet (yes, this is important) other than that just bundle up and walk out the front door.

Rob -Good answer!  LOL

Sophie, thanks for sharing.  Were you able to run at 200 lbs?  I'm currently 238 and can barely make it up from the basement with a load of laundry without huffing and puffing.  I'm hoping to have my surgery in January and as the weight starts coming off I hope to have more lung capacity.  At that point maybe c25k would be a good place to start.  I've visited the website in the past but never took the plunge -YET!

yes. I absolutely ran at 200lbs. I just didn't run very fast. I acutally ran the London marathon (26.2 miles) at 200lbs. remember tho - I had been training for a LONG time to be strong enough to do it.

The huffing and puffing has less to do with your weight and more to do with your cardio vascular fitness. You can still huff and puff at 120lbs if you're not fit.

My advice - start getting out walking now before the surgery. the stronger you are the better you will feel overall. You should talk with your surgeon about his reccomendations about working out post op. It took me (and yes, I'm pretty fit) 4 weeks to really get back to normal.

 Yes, my cardio vascular fitness level is the pits.  Thanks for the advice -I'll have to start building myself up slowly beginning now.  I'm seriously impressed that you ran a marathon at 200 lbs!  

 Wow.....

Thank you, Dan for the solid information.

.....and a big major wow to Scott.  Holy cow, that was very passionate.  I'm copying your post to motivate and re-inspire me when I need inspiration most.  Thank you for sharing from your heart.  You must have a really BIG  !!!