Literally THIS!!!! My only goal with running is to have the ability to run for the rest of my LIFE, INJURY FREE. That is possible with 14 minute miles and it is oh so tremendous and joyful.
Watching you go through this process has inspired me to get back out there too and not be afraid to go at my own pace, not what some onlooker thinks my pace should be... I was so in my head about this! Yesterday I ran 4 miles, my longest run in I don’t even know how long. I was elated, so pleased with myself, I could have cried! Thank you for always sharing and being so open about your challenges and finding solutions! It has genuinely helped me so, so much ♥️
Thank you for this, I loved it. Forgive the long anecdote ahead...I am 48 and a lifelong (once-competitive) runner, middle distance in HS and college and then half marathons. Not comparing myself to past me is huge for me. I have had a lot of really interesting conversations with doctors and PTs about running over the past two years when I recovered from tearing a meniscus in one knee only to tear the meniscus in the other.
First, when I had mostly healed from the first knee, I went to see the orthopedic doc that treats local pro sports teams to get some real feedback on running and my knees. I asked him directly whether someone with my knee picture and history should be running. He encouraged me to keep running, despite pretty significant arthritis, because it helps manage weight (good for knees) and it’s so good for anxiety. “Just listen to your body.” Not listening to my body, I proceeded to sprint in a workout class (hi to past me) and tear the other meniscus.
With my second knee, I committed to listening to medical professionals as well as my body. I had surgery (this April), recovered, did months and months of PT and acupuncture. My PT was a serious runner who understood how much I missed it and wanted to get back. I did months of walking uphill on the tread instead of running for cardio. I started running again this month and she told me, repeatedly, just run slowwwww. I can build up longer distances if I feel ok, but running slow will keep me healthier. It’s really the only way for me to keep running.
So here I am, running slowly and happily, adjusting to new me -- cheers to us! I really miss sprinting but today me would rather be running 10 years from now than sprinting today.
So I’m not such a loser at running! Why do we make up these stories that we tell ourselves that say we don’t belong if our pace is not a sprint? Thank you for giving me the permission I was looking for that any pace, any distance, is still considered running. I was feeling super discouraged this last summer as I too attempted to run a few times and hit that “bonk” and thought, what’s the point? I will give myself more grace and start again with zero expectations! TY Melissa for always keeping it real!
I think this is what I need to do. I unfortunately don’t have a choice on running at a faster pace for my Air Force fitness tests every 6 months. But since I have bad knees, back, and hips that tend to pop out of place ever since having a kid, I abhor it every time. I spend 3-4 weeks leading up to the test just prepping myself to “get through it” without dying or breaking anything. I push my body (and my lungs) way harder than I should for those months of the year, and then don’t run a step in between. But I’m 1000% sure I’d be sooo much better off if I consistently ran at a slow pace, where I’m not hurting, and just gave it a little extra gas for the tests, versus my current method of try not to die from pushing it so much in such a short time. You’ve inspired me to give it a shot, and maybe I’ll be a runner again like I was when I played competitive soccer and could sprint up and down the field for 90 minutes without even breathing hard.
Thank you so much for this. I ran for a really long time, and got decent enough at it to run the Boston Marathon several times. Then I got sick and had to set it down two years ago. Not running does not work for my brain. I’ve been trying to find a way back and reading this made me realize I’m not going slow enough. Even though I’m going so much slower than before (I can’t even run one mile at my old marathon pace - extremely humbling), I don’t think I’m going slow enough. My goal for this week just became to see just how slow I can go. Thank you, thank you.
I’m restarting my running journey as well. Seeing your IG stories about running slowly and not comparing past me to current me has given me the extra push I needed to really commit to it. I loved running until 8.5 years ago, I tore ligaments in my foot. It still hurts from time to time and my PT said it might always, but the thought of how long recovery was is a little scary. To combat the fear of re-injury, I’m doing walk/jog intervals and not caring about my pace. I’m prioritizing weights and cross-training this time to (hopefully) prevent injuries. I don’t necessarily desire to run half marathons anymore, but 5ks and 10ks seem like good goals for my 44 year old body.
I really enjoyed running years ago but stopped when I gained weight. It's very hard on my knees. Your effort to run again is igniting a spark in me to try, but I am worried about injuries. My best time was 13:30 doing run/walk intervals so I'm all in on not going fast. Loved this post!
I read something once about “honest regression” when training (for anything). The takeaway for me was to start where you are right now and enjoy it without worrying about where you used to be. I love running outdoors on trails because the scenery changes and motivates me to keep going. Whenever I do track, I always think “That was slower than I thought” or “slower than it felt.” This was nice to read! It doesn’t matter because it’s the pace for me, and I had a great run. I always stop running during the (long Alaskan) winter because I prefer running outdoors and not when it’s cold. 😆 I’m always starting over in the spring and have to remind myself why I do it and why I enjoy it.
I love all of this and it sounds so much like me. I’ve done 3 marathons and many half’s and after a trip and fall several years ago, I hit my face and broke my jaw, I haven’t run much at all. But I tried a couple of months ago and I tried my old 9 min mile and it killed me and couldn’t keep up with that for more than a quarter of a mile. And I walked most of it. But I miss running and this gives me hope and permission to run slowly! All to say I’m going to give it a go because I SO miss the quiet and solitude! Thank you!!!
Your running stories have been an inspiration to me. I came back to running this year after a ~5 year hiatus. I was a more “hardcore” distance runner before, and after my last race things just felt not fun. At the start of this year, I could barely run a mile. Since then I joined a running group, figured out I had asthma, have incorporated running with my strength and yoga routines, and am happily running 5 and 10k’s at my “sexy pace.” I forgot how happy running makes me, and I’m so glad to be back- in my own more fun way. Thanks for sharing your journey 💛🏃♀️🏋️♀️🧘♀️
I really needed this. All we can do is run the best pace for where we are in our journey at that moment; it’s about the distance, not the time. I turn 60 soon and have only been running a few years. I had SO MUCH FUN doing the rock n roll half in SLC last week and try not to let my less than impressive time be a caveat. My 15 minute miles mean nothing to anyone, and I’m still smiling at the experience, so let’s leave it at that! I’m thinking of doing a half marathon trail run to ring in my 60th year because the race director promises there is no cutoff time, they’ll wait for all of us. And tbh I love hiking more than running, so I’m kind of drawn to the dirt. A question for you. I know what you put in your hiking daypack for hydration and energy, but do you do anything different for running? I love LMNT watermelon packets for electrolytes, but after 60 minutes and my HR is up and I see another uphill, I’m reaching for a gel or gummy. How about you?
I have never been a runner or a good hiker but I was a solid walker. Then my knees just went south. I had them both replaced in 2020 (yes, middle of covid) and now I am trying to get my cardio back. I walk every day again and listen to Audibles. I walk fast then slow and sometimes backwards. Then, this whole running conversation made me wonder...could I? One of the challenges of sliding down the "my knees are so bad I can barely walk" is that you get stuck on what you can't do. My shift is every time I find myself on the verge of dismissing something, I take a minute to wonder if it is something I could do. And I can jog, not far yet but I really love it.
Thanks so much for sharing your strategy! I repeatedly get trapped in the mindset of, "I used to ..." and then injure myself because I push myself too far past my current fitness levels. I'm going to work on getting a clean slate mindset!
I love LMNT - I live in Arizona and it gives me comfort knowing that I'm staying properly hydrated and balanced. LMNT feels really clean and not like I'm drinking a bunch of chemicals or straight up sugar.
Yes! This makes so much sense. I'm a bit wary of running again as I was advised it's not great for women in late 40's it can actually make you gain weight but it brings so much joy and I see lots of healthy women of my age still enjoying it. Going to try your method tomorrow. Just sloooooow down and see where it goes
Good grief! I was trying to figure out when I wrote this! I have signed up for (2) 10 milers in a few months and I’ve hit a wall in our horrible heat in Texas. I’m going to try your strategy tomorrow. Thank you!!
XOMU: Why I started running (again)
Literally THIS!!!! My only goal with running is to have the ability to run for the rest of my LIFE, INJURY FREE. That is possible with 14 minute miles and it is oh so tremendous and joyful.
Watching you go through this process has inspired me to get back out there too and not be afraid to go at my own pace, not what some onlooker thinks my pace should be... I was so in my head about this! Yesterday I ran 4 miles, my longest run in I don’t even know how long. I was elated, so pleased with myself, I could have cried! Thank you for always sharing and being so open about your challenges and finding solutions! It has genuinely helped me so, so much ♥️
Thank you for this, I loved it. Forgive the long anecdote ahead...I am 48 and a lifelong (once-competitive) runner, middle distance in HS and college and then half marathons. Not comparing myself to past me is huge for me. I have had a lot of really interesting conversations with doctors and PTs about running over the past two years when I recovered from tearing a meniscus in one knee only to tear the meniscus in the other.
First, when I had mostly healed from the first knee, I went to see the orthopedic doc that treats local pro sports teams to get some real feedback on running and my knees. I asked him directly whether someone with my knee picture and history should be running. He encouraged me to keep running, despite pretty significant arthritis, because it helps manage weight (good for knees) and it’s so good for anxiety. “Just listen to your body.” Not listening to my body, I proceeded to sprint in a workout class (hi to past me) and tear the other meniscus.
With my second knee, I committed to listening to medical professionals as well as my body. I had surgery (this April), recovered, did months and months of PT and acupuncture. My PT was a serious runner who understood how much I missed it and wanted to get back. I did months of walking uphill on the tread instead of running for cardio. I started running again this month and she told me, repeatedly, just run slowwwww. I can build up longer distances if I feel ok, but running slow will keep me healthier. It’s really the only way for me to keep running.
So here I am, running slowly and happily, adjusting to new me -- cheers to us! I really miss sprinting but today me would rather be running 10 years from now than sprinting today.
So I’m not such a loser at running! Why do we make up these stories that we tell ourselves that say we don’t belong if our pace is not a sprint? Thank you for giving me the permission I was looking for that any pace, any distance, is still considered running. I was feeling super discouraged this last summer as I too attempted to run a few times and hit that “bonk” and thought, what’s the point? I will give myself more grace and start again with zero expectations! TY Melissa for always keeping it real!
I think this is what I need to do. I unfortunately don’t have a choice on running at a faster pace for my Air Force fitness tests every 6 months. But since I have bad knees, back, and hips that tend to pop out of place ever since having a kid, I abhor it every time. I spend 3-4 weeks leading up to the test just prepping myself to “get through it” without dying or breaking anything. I push my body (and my lungs) way harder than I should for those months of the year, and then don’t run a step in between. But I’m 1000% sure I’d be sooo much better off if I consistently ran at a slow pace, where I’m not hurting, and just gave it a little extra gas for the tests, versus my current method of try not to die from pushing it so much in such a short time. You’ve inspired me to give it a shot, and maybe I’ll be a runner again like I was when I played competitive soccer and could sprint up and down the field for 90 minutes without even breathing hard.
Thank you so much for this. I ran for a really long time, and got decent enough at it to run the Boston Marathon several times. Then I got sick and had to set it down two years ago. Not running does not work for my brain. I’ve been trying to find a way back and reading this made me realize I’m not going slow enough. Even though I’m going so much slower than before (I can’t even run one mile at my old marathon pace - extremely humbling), I don’t think I’m going slow enough. My goal for this week just became to see just how slow I can go. Thank you, thank you.
I’m restarting my running journey as well. Seeing your IG stories about running slowly and not comparing past me to current me has given me the extra push I needed to really commit to it. I loved running until 8.5 years ago, I tore ligaments in my foot. It still hurts from time to time and my PT said it might always, but the thought of how long recovery was is a little scary. To combat the fear of re-injury, I’m doing walk/jog intervals and not caring about my pace. I’m prioritizing weights and cross-training this time to (hopefully) prevent injuries. I don’t necessarily desire to run half marathons anymore, but 5ks and 10ks seem like good goals for my 44 year old body.
I really enjoyed running years ago but stopped when I gained weight. It's very hard on my knees. Your effort to run again is igniting a spark in me to try, but I am worried about injuries. My best time was 13:30 doing run/walk intervals so I'm all in on not going fast. Loved this post!
I read something once about “honest regression” when training (for anything). The takeaway for me was to start where you are right now and enjoy it without worrying about where you used to be. I love running outdoors on trails because the scenery changes and motivates me to keep going. Whenever I do track, I always think “That was slower than I thought” or “slower than it felt.” This was nice to read! It doesn’t matter because it’s the pace for me, and I had a great run. I always stop running during the (long Alaskan) winter because I prefer running outdoors and not when it’s cold. 😆 I’m always starting over in the spring and have to remind myself why I do it and why I enjoy it.
I love all of this and it sounds so much like me. I’ve done 3 marathons and many half’s and after a trip and fall several years ago, I hit my face and broke my jaw, I haven’t run much at all. But I tried a couple of months ago and I tried my old 9 min mile and it killed me and couldn’t keep up with that for more than a quarter of a mile. And I walked most of it. But I miss running and this gives me hope and permission to run slowly! All to say I’m going to give it a go because I SO miss the quiet and solitude! Thank you!!!
Your running stories have been an inspiration to me. I came back to running this year after a ~5 year hiatus. I was a more “hardcore” distance runner before, and after my last race things just felt not fun. At the start of this year, I could barely run a mile. Since then I joined a running group, figured out I had asthma, have incorporated running with my strength and yoga routines, and am happily running 5 and 10k’s at my “sexy pace.” I forgot how happy running makes me, and I’m so glad to be back- in my own more fun way. Thanks for sharing your journey 💛🏃♀️🏋️♀️🧘♀️
I really needed this. All we can do is run the best pace for where we are in our journey at that moment; it’s about the distance, not the time. I turn 60 soon and have only been running a few years. I had SO MUCH FUN doing the rock n roll half in SLC last week and try not to let my less than impressive time be a caveat. My 15 minute miles mean nothing to anyone, and I’m still smiling at the experience, so let’s leave it at that! I’m thinking of doing a half marathon trail run to ring in my 60th year because the race director promises there is no cutoff time, they’ll wait for all of us. And tbh I love hiking more than running, so I’m kind of drawn to the dirt. A question for you. I know what you put in your hiking daypack for hydration and energy, but do you do anything different for running? I love LMNT watermelon packets for electrolytes, but after 60 minutes and my HR is up and I see another uphill, I’m reaching for a gel or gummy. How about you?
I have never been a runner or a good hiker but I was a solid walker. Then my knees just went south. I had them both replaced in 2020 (yes, middle of covid) and now I am trying to get my cardio back. I walk every day again and listen to Audibles. I walk fast then slow and sometimes backwards. Then, this whole running conversation made me wonder...could I? One of the challenges of sliding down the "my knees are so bad I can barely walk" is that you get stuck on what you can't do. My shift is every time I find myself on the verge of dismissing something, I take a minute to wonder if it is something I could do. And I can jog, not far yet but I really love it.
Thanks so much for sharing your strategy! I repeatedly get trapped in the mindset of, "I used to ..." and then injure myself because I push myself too far past my current fitness levels. I'm going to work on getting a clean slate mindset!
I love LMNT - I live in Arizona and it gives me comfort knowing that I'm staying properly hydrated and balanced. LMNT feels really clean and not like I'm drinking a bunch of chemicals or straight up sugar.
Yes! This makes so much sense. I'm a bit wary of running again as I was advised it's not great for women in late 40's it can actually make you gain weight but it brings so much joy and I see lots of healthy women of my age still enjoying it. Going to try your method tomorrow. Just sloooooow down and see where it goes
Good grief! I was trying to figure out when I wrote this! I have signed up for (2) 10 milers in a few months and I’ve hit a wall in our horrible heat in Texas. I’m going to try your strategy tomorrow. Thank you!!