Today I wasn’t sure what to write about. I have a ton of ideas for blog posts, some written down and some half written even, but I couldn’t convince myself to write about any of those. For some reason I felt “blah” about every subject I started with. I suppose now that the initial excitement of my ebook release is over (have you bought a copy yet? have you? have you?), I’m a little blogged out. It’s not that I’m abandoning the blog (NEVER!) but I’m just tired and muddled when I think about what to write about. I’ve been trying to decide what to write about nothing has come out.
If I had more exciting things happening with fitness or weight loss I’d blog about those things. But alas, though my workouts are consistent and daily, they are not exciting. I miss zumba and kickboxing in a bad way. Those are my favorite workouts on the planet and I’m no longer doing them because my gym doesn’t offer classes like that. Yes, I know I can do it at home with a workout video. But are you aware of how not fun that is? I want to be in a class dancing and fighting and sweating with other people. I like my gym for the convenience and the access to weights but I miss the excitement and the love I had for zumba, kickboxing, and yoga.
And because I miss the things I love to do and can’t afford to do anymore, I’m bored with exercise. I’m still doing it, yeah,but it’s not as fun. Plus, I made a decision yesterday.
I’m no longer running.
Yes, I’ve stopped running. I was really proud of myself for running a mile at Fitbloggin. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed pushing myself and the ladies I ran with.
Running might be great for everyone, and I love the novelty of being able to run, but it’s just not worth it yet. My knees don’t deserve to be punished any more than they already are. I genuinely do like running and I enjoy the fact that I can go run a mile, but I hate the need to ice my knees after just that much. Being obese for years really fucked up my knees. I’m going to have to live with that forever, and for now I don’t think running is doing me any favors.
For me this takes a huge step in not comparing myself to anyone else. I can’t watch the Biggest Loser and feel bad because they weigh more than me and are running. I can’t read other blogs and be jealous of people who are running 5ks now and I’m not. I can’t compare myself to anyone else because I need to do what is best for my body right now.
Talk to me again in twenty pounds and I might start running again. Running a 5k is on my to do list. It’s on my list of fitness goals and eventually I will conquer it. I will. Just not yet. Running is just being postponed until I think my body is better able to handle it. I’m no longer trying to push myself to be like other people if it’s just going to cause my body harm.
This was really the blog post I wanted to write but tried to avoid all morning. For some reason admitting that I’m not running anymore for a while makes me sad. But I know it’s for the best, even if now my cardio options are even more boring (walking, elliptical, biking). Hopefully I don’t die of boredom while getting my cardio in!
Have you ever given up or postponed something fitness related?
Yes, I have up learning to run about 6 months ago because I was experiencing very painful hip issues. I’ve spent the last 6 months trying to strengthen all my supporting muscles in my hips/legs and am now trying to start the learn to run program again (or C25K as they say).
I think it is important to listen to your body and not push it. Recovering from injury can slow progress in lots of areas – stop you from working out totally. Not a good thing.
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..Feelin Good =-.
You have to listen to your body especially with an injury. Good luck trying to start again! It sounds like you have a much better starting place this time. :)
I’m right there with you when it comes to running. I want to so badly, but it hurts too much, and that’s just not worth it, when I can get a sweat on without causing damage to my body. (For me, it’s my feet.)
And as far as The Biggest Loser people go, I’ve thought the same thing, but I’ll point out, they aren’t really given a choice in the matter, AND they have live-in medical staff and physical therapists. Just in the last episode, we saw Sam being worked on with Drea in the background. That alone tells me that they are doing some potential damage to their bodies.
I’ll stick to nice and slow, and I’ll run when I’m thinner.
.-= Jeremy Logsdon´s last blog ..An Easter Shout Out =-.
Yeah. It’s not worth it. It took me a while to come to that conclusion.
I thought about mentioning that in my post, about how the biggest loser contestants all have medical staff and physical therapists and massage therapists and all that. I mean, if I had a staff to work my body down every day maybe I’d be a bit more adventurous. But it’s just me, so I’m gonna look out for myself.
Yes! Let’s run later! I really do want to run, but just when it’s better for my body.
Sorry that shoud say Yes I have GIVEN up ….. :)
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..Feelin Good =-.
Of course…but in time they will be done.
.-= Trish @IamSucceeding´s last blog ..Day 3…6 Week Challenges =-.
Yes. I need to remember that. In time.
I think you have to do what is best for your body and not compare to anyone else! There are so many other great ways to exercise besides running.
Is there Groupon in your area? They often have great deals to local gyms so maybe you could get a pass to do some of your fav classes :-)
.-= Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..beautiful morning for a run =-.
There is Groupon here, but it’s always coupons for hair and spa stuff and restaurants I’d never eat at. The only fitness thing I’ve seen lately was to a pilates studio and it was still more than I’d pay since I don’t LOVE pilates.
Trying to be like everyone is too exhausting. Besides, Mary is pretty awesome even if she is putting the ‘running thing’ on hold! It seems like you have a really great connection with your body despite the changes you have in store for it. You know enough to understand the importance of making choices that will benefit you in the long run (no pun intended) despite what ‘everyone else’ might be doing. That takes a lot more effort than running a few miles. Trust me.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Do You Have 60 Minutes? =-.
It is exhausting, which is why I try not to do it. It’s hard though, not to compare myself to awesome people like you. You now run 10 miles for the fun of it. But I’m still not to that point yet. But yeah… I’m trying to be in touch with my body and take care of it. Way harder than one would think it would be.
Yep. I wanted to run. I so desperately wanted to run and I started the Couch to 5K program and definitely injured myself. I’ve learned that I’m just not a runner. Even when it didn’t hurt, I didn’t enjoy it at all. I didn’t like the pounding, how sore I was, how I had to wear 3 sports bras so I didn’t hurt my girls… so I walk. It’s slower, which means weight loss is slower (if anything) but I’m not miserable.
I started the C25K thing like three times. Hurt myself twice and every other time just suffered through the pain with ice. Um, why bother? If it hurts and isn’t doing me any favors… don’t do it! Some people aren’t runners. I think I might be, because I like it, but I just can’t do it yet. And if it turns out that I’m never a runner? That’s ok.
I wish I’d known you two years ago when I tried it the first time and got hurt, and then got so down on myself when I couldn’t do it!
Ah yes. We could have been friends long ago!!
You should be so proud of yourself for doing the right thing for YOU. Who cares what anyone else is doing? I was just talking to my husband last night saying that I am not sure running is my “thing” and that I want to finish the C25K training, run (by which I mean slow jog) a 5K, and then I would be fine with that being the end of my running experience. Everyone is different, and who cares if you don’t run right now? It takes guts to admit that you are doing what’s right for you and not worrying about all the other people. I admire this so much.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Learning to Appreciate my Body =-.
Thanks Heather. Ultimately my goal is to run a 5k all the way through. I don’t have any big ambitions to run a marathon or anything. Since my goal is just a 5k, I figure I should wait until my body is ready for this. At 200 + pounds it’s not. Some people can do it at this weight, but my body isn’t handling it well. You are totally right – we are all different.
Hey Mary,
I struggle with running to. In fact I was just talking to one of my friends last night. How I so bad want to be a runner. I was saying how I wanted to earn a medal. She was like “for running a marathon”? And I was like, NO, just for doing a 10k or even a 5k. Then I paused and said, I don’t even need a medal, I just want to run a mile straight.
I am in the best shape of my life, but I can’t run a mile straight. I can do Zumba for an hour straight, with just a few stops between routines, including a warm up on the elliptical. But I can’t run for more than 9 minutes in a row. It is unbelievably frustrating. Especially reading on the blogs how much people enjoy running, all of the cool things they experience as runners.
I keep trying to work at it. Whittle away at my running endurance, but here I am and I’m topped out at 9 minutes. I guess I will probably keep trying, but there is no way I’ll ever run a half marathon.
Anyway, my friend offered some really cool info – she told me (she is a nursing major) some people’s bodies are not made for endurance/distance running. Something about “short fibers” in the muscles? I don’t know if that is just something people made up to feel better, but I’m definitely going to look into this. I know for you the issue is your knees, so it may not apply. But I want you to not feel alone on that. I totally respect your decision to stop running (I made a similar one myself after I got about 4 weeks into C25k training. Now when I run, I just turn on the treadmill and see where it takes me. I am not even at the level of week 5, but I try…). Anyway, this comment has totally turned into a blog entry of its own!
I’ll let you know if I find out more about this whole “not built to be a runner” science. :)
-Kimmers
.-= Kimmers´s last blog ..What I’m NOT Doing Today =-.
Haha, thank you for that blog entry comment! Hehe. Some people aren’t built to be endurance runners – true that. My brothers are all tall and built to be runners. They played sports and ran cross country and track in high school. Me? I’m super short and nothing like them. I know I’m not meant to be running marathons. Running a mile straight was a huge accomplishment for me because honestly that’s the first time in my life I was able to do it (good luck with that if you continue!). Eventually when I lose more weight I think my body will be better able to run and I’ll tackle my 5k goal again. I probably won’t run forever and I’ll never train for anything over a 5k, but I’d like to accomplish that one too when I’m ready. Right now I’m not ready.
Amen Mary. It’s not worth it. I don’t think that you should rely on anything to help you lose weight that you can’t do for a lifetime of maintenance.
I dream about running. Feels like flying. And then I have other dreams where my legs don’t work and I feel like I am slogging through mud. It’s all related to how I feel about my knee. Some days I wish I could but I know I am success regardless of wether or not I exercise. We all have our own way of getting from point A to point B. No sense in compromising the journey to be like others.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Magical and Revolutionary =-.
Sarah that first couple of lines is BRILLIANCE!
Seriously.
That’s so smart. And of course I thought that with eating, but not much with exercise. But you are totally right.
Hehe. Running kind of does feel like flying. Especially when you spent a large portion of your life NOT running. So in that respect I love it. But I totally understand the knee thing – some days it’s torturous mud slogging.
mary, i totally agree with you here. Running is hard on your knees and joints, especially when you have extra weight. I used to be very skinny and ran a lot of marathons —it was very easy for me and didn’t hurt. Then i got old (ha!) and injured. After having babies, I have extra weight and running now just plain HURTS. My joints ache and my injuries are out of control. As much as I love running (and despite all the pain, I really do) I too have decided I can’t do it right now.
So good for you for listening to your body and just know that you are not alone! :)
.-= workout mommy´s last blog ..Deck of cards workout =-.
Thank you for validating my point! Hehe. Once when I was running with my friend I was struggling and had to explain how the extra 50 lbs I have makes it harder and makes it hurt to run. My joints can’t take it. There is a reason bigger people don’t normally run, and that’s one reason.
I’m hoping to get down closer to my goal weight and then start running again. I think if I knock off more weight it will be easier/better/more fun to run. :) I hope. We will see.
Thank you!
Good for you for doing what your body needs. I had to give up running for a year due to back troubles. No matter how much I wanted to run I could barely walk.
And as much as I love yoga I just can’t get into it at home. I do it every now and again to stretch but I need a studio or a friend to do it with. I’ll start again when it is in the budget.
.-= Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Not Enough D =-.
I’m the same way with yoga. I LOVE it, but just can’t enjoy it at home alone. I guess I need the environment or at least someone to do it with me. That is probably the last thing on my budget, so I probably should convince a friend to do yoga.
Mary, you KNOW I completely get this because you read my post about giving up on the half marathon. I HATED writing that post, but you know what? I felt so FREE afterward, and I don’t regret my decision at all (at least not yet-haha). You have to do what is right for YOU and not worry about anyone else, but I definitely understand the struggle to compare yourself to others. But you are awesome, so who cares what anyone else is doing! :)
.-= erin´s last blog ..My Arms: Exposed =-.
True. Thanks. I’m glad some people totally get it. I felt like I should be running and that it’s hard to not live up to something when you think you need to prove yourself to other people. Your post helped me realize I’ve not got anything to prove to anyone and that’s where this post came from. So thanks. :)
Yes, I’ve been postponing running until I’ve lost another 20 pounds or so. My (*)(*) are so heavy right now, that I don’t think that a sports bra could even contain them. TMI, TMI, I know. Running is on my to-do list, for sure. One day…….
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Back On The Weight Loss Train =-.
TMI, but still hilarious. I have the exact opposite problem… we’ve all got our reasons and problems. ;) But I bet you could find an appropriate sports bra!
Going for hikes in beautiful scenery is much better than running. Plus, when you are running you are moving to fast to notice all the amazing things around us. Don’t get me wrong, I love running, but not if it is causing more pain than good. Enjoy having the time to stop and smell the flowers, you’ve got your whole life to move fast.
I do love hiking. ;)
I actually liked running and looking around. It was a nice distraction from thinking about the steps and I saw more area than when walking because I went farther. But for now while I’m just walking I’ll enjoy the extra time that I have.
I also gave up running last year. It was really fun, my favorite exercise, really. But it killed the knees. The impact was too much. At that time, I weighed around 160-155. Not sure if losing the weight gets any better. Some joints are able to take the impact better than others, I guess.
.-= Camevil´s last blog ..Wednesday Weigh-In: 4/7/2010 and I’ve Got Some Nice Garbanzos! =-.
That’s true. My knees probably mean I will never be a real runner who runs for fun. But once I lose another 50 or so I’m going to take it up again and get to the 5k and retire. I figure that won’t do too much damage.
Whenever you’re exercising, you really need to listen to your body, especially when running. Although I did sign up for extremely long runs this summer, I hope to be at least 20 pounds lighter so my legs don’t hate me as much.
Just know that when you get back into running, you’ll be kicking that 5K’s butt!
And I saw some background clips on the Biggest Loser. They have physical therapy almost everyday, and when they’re done exercising they have ice packs covering their legs! Although I enjoy watching the show, I’m surprised not more of them have gotten injured from all the stress they put on their bodies.
For now, just listen to your body, it knows what it’s doing :)
.-= Gina´s last blog ..My Decision on 26.2 =-.
Yes! I’m gonna wait until I get to a healthier weight and then DOMINATE the 5k. Just like you will dominate this summer. ;)
I’m sure some people on Biggest Loser have gotten injured. It pisses me off that they never show that or show them with ice/physical therapy and all that. The show is ridiculous and so unrealistic.
I didn’t start running until I was at 190 pounds, I think the punishment to my body would have made me miserable before that and I might have ended up injured, I can almost guarantee I would have quit. You have to listen to your body and know what is right for it, it sounds like you are doing that. Running is great exercise, so is speed walking. When I wear a heartrate monitor and walk at a speed where it would be easier to run I burn way more calories than running (at the slow speed I can currently run), it’s just a less efficient gait and harder to maintain but easier on the knees, this worked for me for a long time. I lost over 50 pounds before breaking into running so you definitely don’t need to run to lose, maybe it’s something to put on a future goal or to do list, but why push it for now, are there any local drop in classes for zumba around you? I found 10 places within a reasonable drive for me when I looked for classes that were open to the public, worth a look at any rate.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Always learning something new. April 6th Food and Exercise Journal =-.
I wasn’t running to lose weight, just running because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. So that’s why I’m just not running for now until I lose more weight and it’s easier for me. I agree though – I normally burn more calories walking because I walk fast and at an incline. So walking can work fine for weight loss.
I would love to find a drop in class, but the closest ones are a 20-30 minute drive and I can’t afford them anyway. I’m looking forward to eventually joining a gym with glasses once I can afford it. My gym now is cheap but doesn’t offer classes I like. It’s a tradeoff for now but hopefully not forever. ;)
Yea, I didn’t run to lose weight either, it was just a bonus. I love running BECAUSE I waited until it didn’t kill me to do it, so I could enjoy it and not feel like it was torture. I’m really glad that I did.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Running Thoughts =-.
I ran some sprint races in high school track but was never good at long distance. That was fixed when I went through Officer Candidate School in the Navy but a few years later bone spurs and subsequent surgeries ended that. I turned to cycling instead to get my aerobic fitness.
.-= Bryan´s last blog ..Using Google Maps To Recon A Bike Ride =-.
I love how you are committed to cycling. That’s great! Cycling is something I love and am happy to do since I’m not running. :)
Oh HELL yes I’ve postponed/given up stuff like that… I’ve said I was going to run a half marathon and then opted out about half a dozen times by now. I don’t think I ever WILL actually do it. Running is not for me. I don’t enjoy it, for the most part. It’s sometimes hard, when I see how many other “healthy people” are runners, but we can only do what our bodies are capable of and what we WANT to do, and my body is just not geared for running. That’s okay. I’ll do other things instead.
I also still haven’t finished the 20 chin-ups challenge. One day I might get back into it. For now, it’s just not happening. That’s okay, too. I think it’s great if we try a bunch of different things, but it’s better to recognize what we do/don’t like and to recognize what our bodies can handle than to push ourselves and then get injured or, at the very least, cranky.
.-= Sagan´s last blog ..The Living Healthy in the Real World Guide to Budgeting, Part Three: Debts and Loans =-.
HAha. That makes me feel better. I know myself well enough never to set crazy goals like a half marathon. I think eventually a 5k is doable for me but just not right now. My body isn’t capable of running without pain now so I’m accepting that and hoping that with more weight loss it changes. But you are right – we aren’t all runners, nor are we supposed to be!
When you do 20 chin ups I will stand in awe of you, cause those are crazy hard.
I agree with Rachel in that you are in fact pretty awesome and don’t need to compare yourself to others. You did GREAT with your Fitbloggin mile but if you running is going to screw up your knees, then it needs to be put on the backburner. If you were to force yourself to do it now then when you really are ready you won’t be able to, your knees will be like “No, eff you!” and that’ll be the end of that :(
At the very least, its easier to tweet when walking, biking (exercise bike that is) or on the eliptical, so we can keep you from getting too bored with it :)
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Floating on tweetcloud nine =-.
Aw, thanks Steve!! It’s hard to not compare yourself sometimes when it seems like everyone else is doing something that you WANT to do. It’s not that I don’t want to do it. That makes it hard. But yeah, I need to stop comparing and wishing I could do what other people can and just put it on the backburner. I don’t want to do anything to further mess up my already messed up knees.
True that! I will tweet up a storm during workouts!
My first time with weight loss (263 to 173) I refused to run. My knees hurt too. My second time with weight loss, (220-183) I ran very little. I’m finally comfortable with running. So it’s taken ME a long time too :) It might not seem like it because this time around I’m making running a really personal goal, but it’s taken me awhile to like it. So run on your own time. Run when your body is ready. Run when you find it enjoyable, when you love it, and when you find it exciting. You’ll be there when you’re ready :)
I think this is your hiatus and not a quit. You’ll be back, Terminator style.
.-= Jess´s last blog ..Day 66: POMtastic! =-.
I understand that. The first time I lost weight I didn’t run either. This time I wanted to so badly, but I think I started too early because I was over eager to accomplish some goals. I am a really impatient person so it makes sense, but I’m trying to talk myself into waiting to hyelp me out in the long run.
It’s definitely a hiatus. I’m doing a 5k one day, darn it.
I can relate. I can’t really run now either, for different reasons, but yeah – I get a twinge of jealousy when I read about everyone starting the C25K program. I wish I could run, because it’s a great workout and can be a time saver, BUT for now – it’s just not meant to be.
.-= Jenn @ Watch My Butt Shrink!´s last blog ..technorati claim token =-.
Yeah. It’s okay. I mean, we couldn’t run before losing weight, could we? No. Not really. So it’s just waiting a little longer or maybe just accepting it’s not happening.
I stopped running too, since I injured my ankle and was too impatient to let it heal properly. Now it relapses constantly and to give myself a proper chance to run again, I’m not running until at least 2011, maybe even 2012. It’s been heartbreaking watching people who started their running journeys *after* me who are now running marathons. I find it hard to cope with that jealousy, but maybe I’ll be able to run a marathon myself one day if I am patient.
.-= Marshmallow´s last blog ..Undoing the work of thousands… =-.
Ah.. that’s one of my big things. People who started at the same time I did now run forever and I can’t. It bugs me, but I guess we just need to be patient and wait it out. Being impatient doesn’t get you anywhere fast, ironically!
I can’t totally relate to this. I love to run but for a while there it did not feel good. It hurt my joints and knees, and I wanted to do it but I stopped because I didn’t want to injure myself. I used the stationary bike and rowing machine for cardio and incorporated strength training for a few months. Now my knees are stronger and I can run 3-4 miles at a time, which is huge for me. I just had to give it time.
I think it’s great that you are listening to your body, smart decision!
.-= Midgetkeeper´s last blog ..Familly Meals: My go to quick meals =-.
Ah, you give me hope! Seriously. That’s EXACTLY what I’m hoping to do. Lose weight and build up some strength too so that my body can better handle it. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m doing okay, thankfully, with running (or run/walking, I should say) – but I’ve had that experience with strength training over the past six weeks. My trainer set me up with a great new routine, and after a week, I was having terrible back problems. I let it heal, started again, and reinjured myself. There’s still something that just doesn’t feel right when I do my strength routine, so I’ve really scaled it back – which is disappointing, because I really enjoy it as much or more than cardio! Although, cardio is growing on me. I do think we have to listen to our bodies, so we’re both doing what we know is right for us!
.-= Chad´s last blog ..Having Fun with Seven Things =-.
Yes! It’s all about doing what is right for us. Which is where trying not to compare comes in. We are all different so we can’t all be doing the same workout, can we? Nope. ;) Good luck with everything!
Making a decision for your own health’s sake is tough, but needed.
Have you considered biking (instead of running)? That’s a great form of exercise and various bike rides/events are also held.
.-= ernise´s last blog ..One More Mile =-.
I do like to bike and that is one of the forms of cardio I use. I haven’t looked into bike races though. That’s a great idea!
For every pound you lose in weight you take six pounds of pressure off your joints, so give yourself as much time as you need before you feel ready to start running again. You’ll enjoy it more when it doesn’t hurt as much and when you’re enjoying it you’ll feel empowered to stick with it for the long haul. Best of luck!
Yeah I read that somewhere. I’m taking a lot of pressure off then going to try again later. :) Thanks!
I think you made the right decision Mary and you can still walk if you want to BUT you know your bod & knees are not things you want to F-up long term. Yes, the BL people are doing it on the show but have you seen the parts where they are also all bandaged up in ice packs & have all the docs & massage therapists at their disposal. It is obvious that the workouts they are doing under the weight they are seem to really hurt those joints. I have seen more of these clips with them ice packed up to death! You are smart to pay attention to your bod especially if ya can’t afford what TBL contestants have for them.
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Children Will Listen & See; Happy Bday Steph! =-.
Yeah, I’ve seen that. I have to ice my knees after running or any high impact stuff. I’m only 23 so that’s crazy to me but it’s just how it is.
You know what, don’t worry about it. I had planned to start the C25K program this month but the truth is, I’m just not ready for it at this point in my journey, I still feel like I’m too big- at first I was kind of down about not being able to achieve my goal of doing it this month but you have to remember that this is not a race, it’s a transformation. You will get there…maybe periodically do a run just to check with your ability every once in a while?
That’s a good idea. Maybe I’ll once in a while go for a job and see how it feels. I might start that once I get under 200. So in 15 pounds. Hehe. I think that will be a good chunk of pressure gone off the poor knees!
This isn’t a race. I’m a tortoise. Or butterfly. Something like that. ;)
Thanks wise one!
I’ve been on a similar path … while I haven’t given up running entirely I’ve realized my body isn’t ready for distances longer than 2 miles. When I tried it my legs and feet were very angry for days. I actually had bruises on the bottom of my feet … and this was only going from 2 to 3 miles.
As you’ve said, you have to listen to your body. It’s gonna tell you loud and clear what your ready for and when. I hope you have the opportunity to run again some day but if not I’m sure you’ll find other things to do … Cycling?
.-= Sean (Learn Fitness)´s last blog ..Exposed From The Inside Out =-.
Yeah I cycle already and do eliptical workouts. If I had access to a pool I would swim because I love it.
I think that is very smart, Mary. It’s gotta be hard to make that decision, but I think you have good reason. Don’t give up the dream though. Someday, it will be reality that running will be nothing but enjoyable.
It was hard, but easier because I’m not in fact giving up the goal of running a 5k. I’m just postponing it and going to focus on other things. I’m so impatient to get that done I haven’t listen to my body.
I think it’s a good idea to put running on the back burner if it’s being that rough on your body. You don’t want to mess up your knees any more than they already may be, otherwise there will be plenty of other things you won’t be able to do either ;(
You’ve gotta take care of yourself first!
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..My idea of a delicious salad =-.
Ah, the thought of not being able to do anything just because I wanted run is a scary thought. Ah! So yeah. I’m gonna give it some more time and a few less pounds. :)
I postponed many many a things. When I was training for my first figure competition I realized I wasn’t going to be ready (or at least be ready and stay sane) so I postponed it. I was a bit embarrassed but everyone was really supportive.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of running unless it’s something someone REALLY loves/enjoys or does occasionally. IMHO, there are more effective ways to train that aren’t as hard on the body. I guess it all depends on goals and passions.
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Not so deep thoughts on Lent. =-.
That’s great that everyone was supportive when you made a decision for you!
Definitely. Running isn’t really the end all be all to cardio. I actually do enjoy it, but I don’t want to do it if it’s too much for my body and right now it is. So eventually I want to start again and work up to a 5k and then only do it occasionally, not train for marathons or anything.
ahhh the blogged out. I CAN NOT RELATE TO THAT AT ALL! (wink)
and Im with you on the running too.
It just isnt for me. myriad reasons (and this isnt my blog :)) but no matter how many people/experts tell me “you totally can be a runner yada yada yada” it isnt for me.
at all.
Haha. Blogged out. Every day it gets harder I think. I have ideas but *ijustdon’twannawrite* … yeah I’m a five year old! Because I have to write because without it I go crazy and without it I’ve got nothing to do.
Eh. Everyone doesn’t need to be a runner! Geez! You do your own thing and rock at it. ;)
I saw your post on not running. Smart decision, running or more specifically jogging is the worst form of cardio for weight loss.
.-= Jelani Khalfani´s last blog ..Try this pasta recipe =-.
I wasn’t doing it for weight loss, I was just doing it because I wanted to. ;)
I just read all 70+ comments, and I’ve decided I want to get back into running next week.
Yes, I know that’s a weird reaction, but a) I’m a weird person and b) reading about all the people who think “running can really stink sometimes” makes me feel that I’m not alone.
Also, I feel reassured that my slower-than-a-drugged-slug pace is good enough for now. I won’t try to go faster until I lose a few more pounds.
I’m not trying to say ‘bad Merry for giving up running’ — not at all. Good for you for recognizing that it’s not working for you right now! Go with what works. I’ll meet you at the 200 pound mark :)
.-= The Merry´s last blog ..Or else =-.
I don’t think that’s a bad or weird reaction that all. That’s awesome, actually. Going slow and plugging along isn’t a bad thing.
The thing is, I should have put “why I’m not running RIGHT NOW.” I’m in no way giving up running forever or my dream to at least run three miles straight. I’m just waiting until my body is better able to handle it without causing more permanent damage. Ya know? I’ve gotta think long term here and consider the consequences of what I do. Running with so much extra weight is really not a great idea for me. But running eventually – it’s happening. And I’ll probably be slow too. ;)
Go Merry! Go run along!
Yah, I don’t think id like my exercise classes as well if I was doing them at home on a dvd. In fact, I don’t think id look at those workouts at all. Im that lazy. And I would feel silly doing those weird zumbas in my house alone, esp if someone came in and saw me. At least in a class everyone else looks silly with you!
As a fellow blah knee person, I think that making sure you don’t make them worse is a good decision. If running will make them worse right now, then maybe running isnt right for you at this moment. My mother was just visiting me and she has arthritis in her knees and cant walk up or down hills hardly at all. I don’t want that to happen to me, esp since mine have been bothering me again, so now im more conscious of that.
I started pilates then had to stop because its too much $ and my gym doesn’t offer any good classes for free. One day if I have money I’ll start up again. Yoga is supposed to be sorta like it but its not nearly as fun for me. I’ve also had to leave clubs early because dancing was bothering my knees a lot. They’ve gotten better since then (yay) but it was frustrating.
.-= merri´s last blog ..HAUTE’s opening nite was umm, well, hot!! lol =-.
I post-poned racing for 2 years. I was just beat. Running is hard work! And it takes a toll on the body! I don’t know if you’ve been over to my blog lately, but I’m running a 1/2 marathon in 5 weeks and I am seriously nervous! I am being so super realistic about my goals and expectations, though…I can’t do much more than that right now! Good for you in making this difficult decision for all the right reasons!
.-= Nicole, RD´s last blog ..spreading the love… =-.