An oak tree greets the day along the Natchez Trace.
People think I’m weird.
I shouldn’t be shocked — I’ve faced that my whole life. But now that I’m really watching what I eat and exercising, folks REALLY think I’m weird.
And if the obesity statistics are correct, I am. I’m a freak. But since I feel this good, I’m perfectly happy to be. I’d rather be odd and healthy than normal and sick.
But I say this as a warning. When you exercise, eat right, make good choices, people (even those who you love) will be (sometimes unintentionally) discouraging. You will be mocked for making good food choices. You will be offered stuff they know you won’t eat. You will teased. You will be questioned why you block out time in your schedule to work out. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard, “You ran? What was chasing you?” I’d have Thurston Howell money.
I’m even now hearing, “You’re too thin.” I usually just smile on that one (I’m 200 freakin’ pounds — no one will mistake me for a stick).
Be weird. Be strange. Be different. Be healthy. And if you ever get discouraged, let me know. We can be a two-person support group.
Today’s Run was four miles. I was exhausted when the alarm went off at 4:26 a.m. — I almost turned it off and slept until 5:15. But instead, I went out and ran. I burned over 600 calories and was greeted by the sunrise you see in the photo. My legs are very tired right now, but I’m glad I got up. It was a choice that I’m glad I made.
Thanks for the posts. Inspiring!
Would love to know how you got into running instead of something else? Have always wanted to be that guy who liked running but I can never seem to get started.
Do you enjoy running now?
I enjoy it on some days — on others, not so much. I love it when the endorphins kick in. I also enjoy biking and kayaking. But running is the easiest to fit into my schedule. I’ll do another class with Paul LaCoste when I can — I enjoyed the group part of it.
I’ve run 5ks, 10ks, multiple half marathons and 1 full marathon. I have done all of the miles required to train for each of those. People often say something like ‘so, you like running’. My response is usually something like ‘no, I hate running, but I hate other kinds of exercising more so I run’. It surprises many folks that I do it so much but don’t love it.
Now, I will admit that by the time I get into the second mile of most runs I quit hating it so much, and by mile 3 or 4 I am enjoying it, but I absolutely H-A-T-E mile 1 and the process getting ready to take the first step of mile 1.
So, if you want to be a runner, then run. I recommend the ‘Couch to 5k’ program as a starter. It will slowly take you through the process of getting started and build you up to a 5k distance without getting hurt. After that they have a Bridge to 10k program that will build you up to the 6 mile distance.
But first, go to a specialty running store and get fitted with the right shoes. Academy, Dick’s and other big box retailers are not specialty running stores.
A good, well-fitted pair of shoes are cheaper than knee surgery. And yes, I agree with you — I start truly enjoying running after the 45 minutes.
Marshall,
You have helped to motivate me. I agree that it can be hard, but I am really glad that I am doing it!!
Karen
Marshall,
I started about the same time you did and I’m only about 3lbs behind you. Only three more to the 100’s. I’m getting the same comments. I just smile too.
Thanks for posting daily. Keeps me motivated.
Tim
Never thought about it that way.
I ran through pregnancy and you wanna talk about people calling you weird??? But that is okay with me! I felt better, had more energy to keep up my three year old and already itching to hit the pavement again. As for the why I run…it is daily therapy to clear my head. I figure a good pair of running shoes is cheaper than a therapist. I do a lot of thinking out there on road.
If you did it safely, more power to you!