Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Running Vlog

Okay, dear readers. Here it is: the long-awaited running vlog.  As I've said before, I can't seem to write about running without sounding blindingly obnoxious.  But I do want to share my experiences with you, so perhaps a video will soften what I'm trying to say.  Well... we can hope, right?

MVB once tweeted about how unrealistic it is that everyone only talks about their good runs - we all have bad runs, and we should just admit it.  She's totally right.  It's impossible for every run to feel amazing physically and mentally; if it were, more people would be runners.  But this video is positive for the most part because, even though I have absolutely had miserable runs, my overall experience with running has been transformative.  The past 11 months of exploring what I can do has been an incredible learning curve for me, mentally as well as physically, and I feel so much more connected to both mind and body because I run.

And on that hippy-dippy note...




(Remember how I said that, in my unemployment, I'm going to work on blogging techniques and, as part of that, my video editing skills?  I clearly haven't gotten around to that yet.  Sorry!)  I'd love to hear from you if you run, too, or are thinking about starting to run - like in blogging, the running community helps keep me on track while inspiring me to push myself!



19 comments:

  1. Yes I watched the whole thing (#unemployedproblems)
    Totally relate to the running not being a quick weight fix but a correlation with improved eating. I saw a quote a while ago (can't remember where!!) that was something along the lines of some people run to be able to eat, and some people eat to be able to run. It was the first time I looked at it like that and really focused on educating myself about food and how it effected my runs.

    (Olives are also a TERRIBLE thing to eat before running... add that to the list after Chinese food.....)

    It's great that you started running kind of blindly (in a good way!) about the overall competitiveness of the sport. I didn't start off reading running blogs but I had running friends, so I kind of knew about "good" paces, "good" race times, and that really dragged my motivation down when I wasn't meeting those standards. Insert the internet and then boom, you just want to quit! But you always gotta do what's best for you!

    I'm starting to ramble, but anyway, great vlog, really enjoyed it!

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  2. I watched the entire thing too! Thank you for the shoutout, but I did not peer pressure you. Okay, well, I sort of did, but it's good peer pressure, not bad! I just have been watching you train and I KNOW you're in a spot to hit those distance goals if you want to try for it.

    Personally, I have found most of my running friends through the internet because so many of my friends were immediately fast runners. Some are cool about "do your own thing," others don't get it. So... you know. Internet is awesome. Running awesome. The end.

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  3. hi Betsy, I am new to your blog (Liz mentioned it on her blog :) and this running Vlog came at the RIGHT time! I use to run....well, jog actually....then I had a baby 7 mths ago....gained someweight and now I want to start Running and go back to pre-baby weight....just like you I just don't Feel right...so thanks for the Vlog! :-)

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  4. yeah, I think that if I had done more research at the beginning I would have totally gotten stuck in my own head! sometimes it's good not to overthink things :)

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  5. you totally peer pressured me. but, in your defense, I didn't take much convincing! thank you for all of it :P

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  6. hello and welcome! glad the vlog speaks to you - sometimes it's nice to know that there are other people feeling the same way and trying to work it out, too. good luck with starting, and let me know if I can help!

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  7. Love the vlog - also nice to hear the person behind the the blog (if that makes sense haha!)

    I found it really interesting - running is such a tender issue with me - I started a few years ago and managed to do a 10k but then stopped for a while, and then I did the odd run for a while not really pushing myself and at the moment I go to the gym quite regularly and run on the treadmill sometimes for 10 minute or sometimes manage up to 30. I think i'd like to properly become a runner, and like it and I think the couch to 5k programme sounds good - I shall check it out! I am similar to you as I put on a lot of weight during uni and although i've lost a bit I still haven't been able to reach my top goal. Anyway, I am obviously rambling (exercise, diet & weight loss are things I could probably talk for hours on if you can't tell haha!).

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  8. it does make sense, and I agree :)


    I HATE running in the gym - even if the weather's awful, I enjoy it more outside. maybe because I have a short attention span and trails are more interesting than treadmills? who knows, but have you tried hitting the road? let me know how it goes when you start the program(me)!

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  9. I watched! Mostly so I could hear your actual voice- it's nice to connect an aural voice with the written one to which I am familiar. But this was a good vlog, at least from my non-running perspective. I tried the C25K, which is how I found out I overpronate (amongst other issues). I got pretty painful shin splints in the 3rd week, which led me to the podiatrist, which led me to my "special sneakers", which HURT when I wear them but I know it's right. I just should wear them more frequently. I was going to ask if you listen to music whilst running with Charlie, because I am always amazed when I see people running with headphones & dogs. I can't even walk my dogs with headphones; I'm far to hyper-aware for that distraction!
    But this was actually encouraging- perhaps I should incorporate a little more brisk movement into my walks... (I'm not gonna say running, at least yet- that's daunting!)

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  10. why thank you! Charlie's so energetic that we can't meander (unless he's in serious sniff mode) - it took two months for us to learn that he walks more obediently if we go faster! and I will say that running gets less and less daunting each time you go out :)

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  11. I love that you are wearing your running top. :) You seriously inspire me to run! I'm so not athletic at all and you make me want to be better. I've gained 20 pounds since college (and I only graduated in December... yeah.) and I need to do SOMETHING to be active. I'm trying to eat more healthful foods right now. I know people say "oh you know I'll just start in January" but with me going home and everything I think that might be what I have to do! Long story short- you inspire me and want to do better. P.S. You sound exactly like I thought you would. :)

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  12. I really did go for a run after! haha :)


    the thing about starting now v. starting later - it psyches you out! if you tell yourself that you can't start now, you're telling yourself that you can't incorporate these changes into your daily life. so when you do start them, they'll seem really intimidating. sorry, I don't mean to preach! just to say that there are small ways you can start implementing the things you want without them feeling overwhelming. good luck!

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  13. Her Late Night CravingsNovember 28, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    We think that you are awesome!! Loved this vlog and you should be so proud!!

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  14. I loved your vlog, Betsy! I've been a runner on and off in the past, but the last six months or so have been my worst ever in terms of just getting out there. I ran a 10k on Memorial Day weekend (so I'm impressed with your Turkey Trot- those are HARD!) and I just totally fell off the wagon after that. Anyway, this couldn't have come at a better time for me because just this week I've gotten back into the swing of it. I loved hearing about your experience, it makes me want to go sign up for a race!

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  15. thank you! watching your vlogs gave me the courage :)

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  16. YES I AM NOW A PEER PRESSURE-ER! success :)

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  17. Love this - I watched until the end! You're so inspiring :) So happy to have you as my running friend. Keep up the great energy! xoxo, eliza

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  18. Weirdly (I know this opinion is rare) I prefer running on the treadmill. I think this started when I lived at home and all the terrain around me was very hilly and I wanted a good flat run. Where we are in London is not really good for outdoor runs either which is a shame as i'd like to try again. I may bring my gym gear back home for christmas and try a few outdoor runs. I shall let you know how it goes :)

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  19. You've been so much more disciplined than I have recently. Good for you! It's so exciting how you're building yourself up incrementally to longer and longer distances.

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