After working for another mother runner for almost a year, I still hadn’t gotten on the running train. Working for a running blog and being a total workout-a-phobe was a constant source of irony in my life. While I knew a lot about running, countless creative ways to find time and motivation to work out, and all of its benefits—both mind and body–I still never kept up a regular routine. My sparse workouts were punctuated by discouraging soreness and the embarrassment of how weak my body was. Truth is, I’ve just never been much of an athlete. Though I played water polo and swam in high school, I’ve got a bad knee, sports-induced asthma, and serious coordination issues working against me.
This summer, I took on three jobs and one class. Working in a cubicle, then sitting in a classroom, then manning a desk at my college campus started to take its toll quickly. At the end of the day, I was mentally drained yet still restless; I realized something needed to change.
I needed to move.
So one day, for what seemed like the millionth time of deciding “Now, I am going to run and this time
I’ll keep with it,” I pulled out my ill-fitting Nike shocks that were gathering dust in the back corner of my closet and, with a heavy sigh and my iPod, left the house to release some tension. The outing wasn’t pretty, and it definitely wasn’t successful—but I came home feeling an endorphin rush and a strong conviction that I needed to keep with it this time.
I started out running in my neighborhood, where I knew that there was only a small chance someone would see my huffing, slowing down, or taking walk breaks. I made two rules for myself: go every other day and go a little further each time. Whether it was a block, or two, or five more, I made sure I was increasing my distance gradually each time—even if that meant I had to walk a little bit on days I wasn’t feeling too well. Within a week I could feel the difference in my legs, my energy levels, and my attitude.
About a month or so into my running routine, there was a moment where I really felt like a runner, and even more, like I actually experienced what the AMR tribe describes all the time: It became a release, not a chore.
I had a friend staying in my room while I was on a family vacation in July. The vacation, as they often do, turned out to be anything but emotionally or physically restful. I returned home and found my friend had his belongings splayed across my room. It was the last straw in a long series of disappointments, and I was furious. I knew it was unreasonable for me to be upset like I was—it was nothing out of the ordinary for a college kid, but I couldn’t shake off my emotional rage.
Eyes widened, eyebrows raised, deep breath in. I was exhausted, upset, and I needed to be alone. But the house was full of roommates and friends, there were dirty dishes in the sink, and I’m pretty sure my friend had just clipped his toenails on my bed.
So I plunked down my suitcase at the doorframe, and simply said, “I need to go for a run.” And then I just went. Before running, my options in this sort of situation were to bottle it up or let it all out; I had no way to release negative emotions in a productive way. But on the run, I blasted my Lady GaGa and sorted through what I was feeling. That run cleared my mind like never before. I got home, stretched on the porch, and walked in the house feeling like a badass mother runner, and I couldn’t have been more proud. I felt—and feel—so good, and I have Sarah, Dimity, and you all to thank for that.
So I’m pretty sure I can call myself a runner now, and I’m ready to take on more miles. Stay tuned.
Yay Jessie! So excited for you. I started running in college and here it is…19 years later…still exactly what you described.
Good for you! Welcome to the club.
Good for you, Jessie! I am an ex-swimmer, too, so taking up running seemed like a joke at first. Eventually I started to feel less like I was just flailing my limbs around aimlessly and actually started to feel like I could be a runner. Stick with it and you will continue to find your rhythm and more reasons to continue your cardiovascular efforts on dry land!
Totally get you there– the dreaded dry land workouts made me pretty sure I’d NEVER take up running. Slowly but surely I’m getting more comfortable and learning to appreciate the sweat!
I say a triathlon could be in your future! I swam before I ran too, and that is what made me think of doing a triathlon. I’m training for my second now. “They” say that swimming is the hardest part, and you’ve got that down already!
Way to go Jessie! I started exactly like you. I needed a stress release and slowly increased my distance. Now I’m addicted! Congrats!!
Yay Jessie! I was a reluctant runner at first, too but taking those first few steps and sticking with it— it’s awesome, isn’t it?
NEVER thought I’d see the day, but I now find myself waiting for weather to cool down and getting myself out of bed an hour+ early to run. It’s been awesome :)
Way to go! I didn’t start running until 6 months ago (which is 10 years post-college). I wish that I knew in college what I know now about running! I probably wouldn’t have gotten into so much trouble! :)
Way to go Jessie!! Now you just need to become a Mom! Ha…maybe start with a pet? :) Welcome to being a RUNNER!!
My mom saw this comment and said, “WHOOOAA Nelly!” We’ll wait a few more years for that, but I could DEFINITELY go for a dog or something :)
Run, grasshopper, run.
Way to go!!! Stick with it even when you don’t feel like it. Thank you for sharing your story :-)
Gotta watch out!! We are a dangerous group… Hang around long enough and we’ll get you/convert you!!
Well done, Jessie the Runner Girl!!!! Giddy up :)
You run, therefore you are a runner. Stick with it! You can do it, Jessie!
That was such an encouraging story, thank you for sharing it! You should be very proud of yourself.
Yay Jessie!!! I haven’t run for a week, and after reading this, I’m much more inspired to bring my shoes home with me for the week!
That’s awesome! You’ll feel great after getting back out there, trust me :)
woooohoooo! She “Get’s It!”
Good job, Jessie, great post. Even though I don’t live there I share the Oregonian complexion. Definitely do the dog before the kids! But both of those things are fun too. Happy running! Next thing you know you’ll be in a 5K…..
Yahoo! Welcome to the club!
Yay Jessie!!! So proud of you!!!
Yay! Congrats…and p.s. LOVE my LUCY skirt too. It’s my fave to run in!
Yay! Congrats Jessie. Welcome to the club! ;)
I’m so proud of you Jessie. It was great running with you on Sunday. Looking forward to next time.
“It became a release, not a chore.”
YES!! I wish I could remember that exact moment – I guess it was too gradual for me to pinpoint. But now I CRAVE it instead of dreading it. Good for you! And welcome to the club :)
Jessie Great, excited for you and bet it wont be long before you find a bunch of other girls to run with . Have a blast
You go girl!
Welcome to the addiction!! Good for you!