Permission to run slow accepted. TY! I know that “bonk” feeling well. One of my 2024 goals (for enhanced joy) is to start running again. I MISSS IT. Injury and weight have me nervous. I think going slower might just do the trick! Thank you. 👌🏼😎
Thank you so much for this story. Barre classes were my go to workouts before COVID. During COVID, I transitioned to at home workouts that were mostly Peloton rides w some light strength mixed in. When I finally got back to the barre I was bummed that I couldn’t do so many things that I’d been able to do before and my body felt (and looked 🙄) so different that it took me a LONGGGGGG time to enjoy going again. I started and stopped plenty even tho I LOVE It. I begrudgingly figured out comparing my post COVID self to my pre COVID self was futile and mean, but learning the concept still didn’t make it easy to accept. I STILL struggle w consistently showing up three years later bc my life is SO different than it was BC (before COVID).
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 keep trying to re-start running after a decade of no-running. I keep comparing my current self to my past self and I just give up every time I try. Over the past few weeks, I've been run / waking hoping to work my way up to a full mile run... but tomorrow I'm going to try the super slow run and see how that goes.
I just love this so much. I’m almost 52, and have spent yearsssssss (since high school track and x-country) battling a love/hate relationship with running. I have literal performance anxiety before every solo run (and I only run solo) because of the self imposed expectations (pace, distance, whatever I decided that day will qualify as acceptable to maintain my running fitness card). I am just now finally accepting that an 11 minute pace for 51 year old me is just as amazing as the 8 minute pace 25 year old me accomplished. Even better, because after decades of a relationship with running, I’m finally learning how best to enjoy it. Thanks, MU ❤️
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!!!
I find it SO FASCINATING that so many of us are mad at ourselves for taking many years off, then not being able to return to a pace that took us MONTHS if not YEARS of training to achieve in the first place. I'm seeing this theme everywhere! So yes, start again, meet your body where it is, and keep us posted!
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 💛🏃♀️🏋️♀️🧘♀️
Thank you SO much for this post. It came at exactly the right time. I too have lost my joy for running *because* I've been so embarrassed about how my pace has slowed (not that I was ever very fast). It had already slowed because I try to follow the Maffetone Method (heart rate training), and then after I had COVID in Jan. 2021, it slowed even more, and I find that I run out of steam at around Mile 2 of a 3-mile run. I really try to focus now on the fact that I'm still getting out on the trail. FWIW, I ran my first half-marathon at age 50, ran my first (and so far only) marathon at 53, and just turned 60. I alternate with cycling (Peloton) and strength training. I'm trying to overcome a lifetime of body issues and just keep reminding myself that I exercise to stay healthy and live a long life. Thanks again for this post. It really, really helped me.
I mean, I think you're doing AMAZING! And, like, who's going to make fun of you for your pace? (And even if they did, DO THEY MATTER?) Find your joy again! You deserve that! XO
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 love that! Thirteen miles is SO LONG, and I don't care how long it takes you to finish--you did a half-marathon! That's something not everyone can say.
I still haven't dialed in running nutrition or hydration yet. TBH, I don't take any water out with me, unless I'm trail running! So I typically run for 60-90 minutes without any water or snacks, and maybe I'd feel so much better if I did, but I really just haven't thought about it much. I go into runs well hydrated and well fed, so that helps, but if I continue to up my mileage, I'll have to create a strategy here too. Stay tuned!
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.
You could certainly try! Or you could add weight to your walks, for added cardio without the joint strain. That's one of the biggest benefits of rucking! If you test it out, keep us posted!
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!!
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.
Based on everything I’ve read about building a cardio base and keeping your joints healthy, you’re on the right track. Easy zone 2 running in between your fitness tests, combined with some mobility and strength work as you have capacity, would probably make those tests feel less treacherous. And if you could find a way to run in between the tests in a way that was enjoyable, that feels like a win to me. ❤️
Permission to run slow accepted. TY! I know that “bonk” feeling well. One of my 2024 goals (for enhanced joy) is to start running again. I MISSS IT. Injury and weight have me nervous. I think going slower might just do the trick! Thank you. 👌🏼😎
Thank you so much for this story. Barre classes were my go to workouts before COVID. During COVID, I transitioned to at home workouts that were mostly Peloton rides w some light strength mixed in. When I finally got back to the barre I was bummed that I couldn’t do so many things that I’d been able to do before and my body felt (and looked 🙄) so different that it took me a LONGGGGGG time to enjoy going again. I started and stopped plenty even tho I LOVE It. I begrudgingly figured out comparing my post COVID self to my pre COVID self was futile and mean, but learning the concept still didn’t make it easy to accept. I STILL struggle w consistently showing up three years later bc my life is SO different than it was BC (before COVID).
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 keep trying to re-start running after a decade of no-running. I keep comparing my current self to my past self and I just give up every time I try. Over the past few weeks, I've been run / waking hoping to work my way up to a full mile run... but tomorrow I'm going to try the super slow run and see how that goes.
I just love this so much. I’m almost 52, and have spent yearsssssss (since high school track and x-country) battling a love/hate relationship with running. I have literal performance anxiety before every solo run (and I only run solo) because of the self imposed expectations (pace, distance, whatever I decided that day will qualify as acceptable to maintain my running fitness card). I am just now finally accepting that an 11 minute pace for 51 year old me is just as amazing as the 8 minute pace 25 year old me accomplished. Even better, because after decades of a relationship with running, I’m finally learning how best to enjoy it. Thanks, MU ❤️
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!!!
I find it SO FASCINATING that so many of us are mad at ourselves for taking many years off, then not being able to return to a pace that took us MONTHS if not YEARS of training to achieve in the first place. I'm seeing this theme everywhere! So yes, start again, meet your body where it is, and keep us posted!
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 move that we call whatever pace we feel the happiest and most comfortable our "sexy pace." All in favor? :) :) :)
Thank you SO much for this post. It came at exactly the right time. I too have lost my joy for running *because* I've been so embarrassed about how my pace has slowed (not that I was ever very fast). It had already slowed because I try to follow the Maffetone Method (heart rate training), and then after I had COVID in Jan. 2021, it slowed even more, and I find that I run out of steam at around Mile 2 of a 3-mile run. I really try to focus now on the fact that I'm still getting out on the trail. FWIW, I ran my first half-marathon at age 50, ran my first (and so far only) marathon at 53, and just turned 60. I alternate with cycling (Peloton) and strength training. I'm trying to overcome a lifetime of body issues and just keep reminding myself that I exercise to stay healthy and live a long life. Thanks again for this post. It really, really helped me.
I mean, I think you're doing AMAZING! And, like, who's going to make fun of you for your pace? (And even if they did, DO THEY MATTER?) Find your joy again! You deserve that! XO
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 love that! Thirteen miles is SO LONG, and I don't care how long it takes you to finish--you did a half-marathon! That's something not everyone can say.
I still haven't dialed in running nutrition or hydration yet. TBH, I don't take any water out with me, unless I'm trail running! So I typically run for 60-90 minutes without any water or snacks, and maybe I'd feel so much better if I did, but I really just haven't thought about it much. I go into runs well hydrated and well fed, so that helps, but if I continue to up my mileage, I'll have to create a strategy here too. Stay tuned!
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.
You could certainly try! Or you could add weight to your walks, for added cardio without the joint strain. That's one of the biggest benefits of rucking! If you test it out, keep us posted!
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!!
Loved this and its just hat i needed. Running has always been causied a slight shame spiral in my fitness journey what a great reminder. Thanks MU xo
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.
Based on everything I’ve read about building a cardio base and keeping your joints healthy, you’re on the right track. Easy zone 2 running in between your fitness tests, combined with some mobility and strength work as you have capacity, would probably make those tests feel less treacherous. And if you could find a way to run in between the tests in a way that was enjoyable, that feels like a win to me. ❤️
*I mean, playing soccer and being able to sprint for 90 minutes was the last time I considered myself a runner. Not that I want to get there again 😅
Yes!! This is how I got into running a while ago. I told myself, you can just "run" at a walkers pace. I want to start doing this again. It was fun...
The thing I love best about running is that it doesn’t really require much. You can just get out and do it! Keep us posted. ❤️