Motivation

When Martinus asked me to write a guest post for “beginner runners,” it took me awhile to even admit that I myself am a runner.

My journey started 3 years ago and 80 lbs heavier. Since then…
I’ve run many 5Ks.
Ran a half-marathon.
Just yesterday I ran 2.5 miles.
And yet… I still have trouble calling myself a “runner.”

So that made me think… What constitutes a runner?

It’s a debate that has been ongoing for a while.  Some feel that a runner is a person who has 10:00 per mile pacing or less.  They complete 5Ks, marathons, and many many miles each week.  The argument could be made that anyone else is just a “jogger.”

I’ve thought about this for a while and here are, in my opinion, the three things that make a person a runner.

1.  Passion.  A person who is a runner is passionate about all things running.  They talk about it. The shop for it.  They get excited to wake up and go for a run.  When they overhear a conversation at a party about running they’re eager to get involved.
2.  Perseverance. A person who is a runner preservers through the pain, the sweat, and the sluggish days.  They sometimes take a break to get some variety, but they always come back.  Runners always come back home to running.
3.  Performance. A person who is a runner is just that – they run!  You don’t have to be a marathoner or a speed demon.  Whether it’s a jogging pace or intermittent with walking.  If you go outside with your shoes on and run then you are a runner.

In my opinion, in life, anyone who has passion, perseverance, and performance for anything they do, I would never doubt them for a second.  If a runner has all three then, by golly – you’re a runner.  So start calling yourself one.

DubyaWife blogs on www.dubyawife.com where she talks about her healthy journey.  Her motto is to take each day as a moment to be better than the next.  Through healthy eating, plenty of exercise, and being kind to oneself – life just tends to fall in place.  You can find her on twitter @DubyaWife where she graces the world with her snark and love.

Last week I got a DM on twitter from one of my followers that needed some advice…This is what it said, “Hey man, I’ve gained everything I lost since March 2011…Any advice? I want to run but scared!” Usually I would just respond to the DM but I feel like everyone can benefit from this.

I remember being in class as an undergrad and reading something like, “most people who lose a major amount of weight will gain it back.” I remember asking why, my professor responded, “Two things… When you lose weight those fat cells are still there; they don’t go anywhere… they just shrink as you lose weight.  Secondly fat cells have memory… your body is not use to you being small and it thinks you are starving. I believe that you have to keep the weight off 3-5 years to successful win the weight loss battle.” With all that being said here is some advice to you and everyone else that feels the same way.

The first piece of advice I can give you is weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. The faster you lose the weight the faster you can gain it back. Once it’s gone that’s not the end …You can’t go just back to your old lifestyle. No! It doesn’t work that way this is a lifestyle that you must keep. The things you did to lose the weight are the same things that you are going to do to keep it off.  Secondly, weight loss is just as much a mental thing as it is a physical thing. You have to change your thinking… Ask yourself are you ready to change and be honest with yourself. Are you committed to this change? Are you committed to yourself? Once you get your mental right, you have to understand that it’s not going to be easy. This is all a process; so don’t get upset or discouraged if and/or when you have a set back because it’s a part of the process… Having setbacks are just as important as having success.

To start running I recommend getting the C25K app…Every smart phone has it’s rendition of it but it’s all the same. Go at your own pace…don’t feel discourage if you have to repeat day or two… Remember that you are the star player of your own team and your journey cannot be compared to mine’s or anyone else for that matter. Make sure you have proper fitting running shoes; it’s the most important equipment in running. If you are planning on running outside in the winter months make sure you are prepared. Last but not least have fun. Find joy in the fact that you about to embark on a new journey that will take to places where you have never been (physically and mentally) before. Good luck on your journey and if you have any other question don’t be afraid to reach out.

Until next time I’m 300 Pounds and Running

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