''I Can Finally Call Myself a Runner''

My First Mile Wasn't as Bad as I Expected

-- By Stepfanie Romine, Staff Writer

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"I only run when chased."

That was my answer anytime I was asked about running, otherwise known as torture disguised as exercise.

The way I saw it, there were only two reasons to run:

1. to catch a bus, plane or train
2. to outrun someone chasing me (This never happened, but I imagined myself screaming, arms flailing, heels breaking and purse flapping on my arm.)

Running made my lungs burn, my shins ache and my body feel like it was being shaken violently. Though I could get through an entire Spinning class or 45 minutes on the elliptical with no problem, I could only manage to run a block or two before giving up.

Still, most of my friends are runners, at least casually. I've greeted friends at the end of marathons, celebrated their success after 10Ks and helped them carbo-load before big races. But I was always happy just supporting them.

Sometime last year, I saved the SparkPeople article You Can Run a Mile Without Stopping. "Maybe someday," I said. "Someday I'll be able to run a mile."

All winter long, I happily took Spinning classes, sweating and pedaling my way across unseen hilled terrain. After months of cold, dark days, an unexpected burst of sunshine one Sunday in February made me reconsider my deep-held aversion to running.

I decided to try running because I was feeling lazy and I don't like to drive. I wanted to hit the gym and go to the pharmacy, but I didn't want to get in the car on such a gorgeous day. So I decided I could walk to a nearby pharmacy instead, but that short walk wouldn't give me very much cardio. I was craving an intense cardio workout without the constraints of the gym walls.

Feeling particularly ambitious, I decided to run to the pharmacy, then walk home with my purchase.

"Yes," I decided. "I'll run. I'm SURE I can run at least the half-mile to the pharmacy."

I set out, heart rate monitor on and iPod stocked with a new, upbeat playlist. I had some cash, a reusable bag in my jacket pocket, and my apartment key. I was ready--but nervous and slightly dreading the impending workout.

"Slow and steady," I reminded myself as I headed out. The wind was lightly blowing, and with the sun shining on me, it was about 65 degrees. The sun felt great, and so did I. After two blocks, my lungs weren't burning, my legs weren't aching, and my mind wasn't giving up on me.
Continued ›

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About The Author

Stepfanie Romine
A former newspaper reporter, Stepfanie now writes about nutrition, health, fitness and cooking. She is a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher who enjoys running, international travel and all kinds of vegetables. See all of Stepfanie's articles.

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Member Comments

AY_BEAUTIFUL89

I was the same way. You run that first time and smile because you didn't think you could do it! That motivates you and pretty soon you're running when, in fact, you once despised running! - 2/5/2013 11:30:47 AM
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PAUL2274

Fantastic! That is how it kinda started for me... thought I couldn't do it then I started and I could run further than I thought. - 2/5/2013 9:32:59 AM
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QHAMOM

That's great! My son is a sprinter, not a runner, but he wanted Doritos from the corner store during the Super Bowl half time so I told him I'd get them only if he jogged to the store with me. It's about 3/4 mile round trip and we had fun. Now he knows he can do almost a mile. LOL - 2/5/2013 8:06:23 AM
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JENNIW77

I think this is a great article and very inspiring. It is very similar to my own story of how I recently began my running journey. I had always tried to run and got out of breath, and my legs would hurt. Don't get me wrong, walking is fantastic for you, and for many, is the best form of cardio. After reading some comments, I realized that many people think that this girl just suddenly decided to start running one day, with little cardio training. In the article, she said she does spinning. For those who have never tried this, you are missing out! This, next to running, is the best intense cardio workout I have ever done. After around 9 months of spinning classes 5 days a week, I too decided one day, to try running again. I amazed myself that I could run for 20 min without stopping! This was because of my cardio and muscle endurance improvement from my spinning classes. I just didn't realize how much it had improved my endurance. Even my legs didn't hurt like before.
So running isn't for everyone, I do understand, but for those who want an extra boost in cardio, where there body, both heart and joints will allow them without injury, is really worth giving a try. You just have to work up to it :) - 10/27/2012 2:08:53 PM
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LONGLEGS22

What an inspiring story. I need to get some faith to think I can run a marathon but want to do while I can as knees go out later. I hope to get where you are and run my first marathon someday soon. I was always an athlete when younger but after 40 it's hard to get that thing off the couch after a long day of work. - 9/4/2012 9:28:56 PM
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TUBLADY

It's nice that you were in such great shape that you could just start running without any kind of work up into it.
I used to run, those days are over. Two knee replacements, no running. But some brisk walking, a little easy jogging is good for those who can't run or don't want to.
So run on runners, just watch those knees. They take a pounding and sometime in the future they might give out. - 8/3/2012 8:13:02 PM
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NAOLEE

I was a runner when I was in school; but now I won't see that again. Well, maybe with somebody pushing my wheelchair. I can't push it. - 8/3/2012 11:00:10 AM
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JUSTJENNN

GREAT article and I feel like you've written MY story!! - 8/2/2012 6:46:06 AM
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YHORNBUCKLE

Awesome article! I am also a new runner. Completed multiple 5K runs my first year and shortly after first year completed a half marathon. currently training to run a full marathon this December. Good luck!!! - 5/3/2012 11:40:42 AM
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J21883

Great story! I used to always hate running, about 6the months ago i thought id give it a try since i was getting bored with the gym machines. I am addicted, just finished my fist 5k 2at weekends ago and came in 3rd in my age group. Cannot wait for the mud run i signed up for in July! - 4/17/2012 10:14:46 AM
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MARYELLEN301

I've never been a runner and will never BE a runner. With a replaced right knee, I can't even jump rope. Impacting exercises and those that require kneeling are simply not for me. I'll take a brisk walk any day! - 4/13/2012 12:27:00 PM
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STRIVERONE

Great story! Don't be surprised if you do find yourself training for a half marathon. My experience was much the same. Last fall I tried the SP Rookie Running Program after a thirty+ year hiatus from running. During the Christmas holidays I had that "Hey, I'm a runner!" moment when I ran for a mile and a half without stopping and without feeling uncomfortable. I completed my first chip timed 5K and have run several half marathon distances since then I am registered for the Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon, which will be held May sixth. I am really looking forward to it. - 4/12/2012 8:48:33 AM
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DXTREME45

This was so much fun to read. Thank you so much for sharing with the rest of us aspiring runners. - 4/2/2012 3:35:15 PM
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CAROLJ35

Not all of us can be runners. At the age of 76, I thought I was doing well getting in a lot of walking and water aerobics.
This article makes walking sound as though it is not important, yet I have read of many who have lost a lot of weight and attribute their success to WALKING!!! - 3/6/2012 9:43:16 PM
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TOTALPACKAGE12

I really didn't like this article. Its discouraging to people actually trying to learn to run/jog. The writer makes it seem like anyone can go from moderate amount of exercise to running a mile straight the first time out the gate. Don't buy it. Running can be fun but it definitely takes pacing yourself, decent shape, and proper breathing. - 3/5/2012 3:00:11 PM
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