Thursday, June 27, 2013

Feeling Bummed Out

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

Sometimes I wonder...can I even call myself a runner??? Don't get me wrong, the blogging world is very supportive and 99% of the time is very encouraging...so I guess we're talking about the other 1% (that is purely made up in my crazy mind)

I read all these posts about "easy" miles (I don't know about you - but I don't have "easy" miles everyday when I run) or how people had a horrible run and were just dragging their butts and their pace suffered...meanwhile their crappy pace is a good 1-3minutes faster than my best running pace.

So can I consider myself a runner when I can't run as fast, I can't run as far, I don't run as often, and a marathon distance is (as we all learned the other week) is not on this gal's bucket list?!?

So I looked up the definition of a runner:


I gotta say - this didn't do much for my running self confidence - when I can't say yes to either one.

I buy all of the running "gear" so does that make me a runner? I buy the shoes, the GPS watch, the compression gear, the running clothes etc.

When I start getting all these crazy thoughts - I just have to remind myself that this is my journey - and not anybody else's...and at the end if the day I run for me. For the way it makes me feel and for the solitude it brings me during a run. I know I am never going to be the fastest or go the furthest...and I'm ok with that (well...most of the time ;-) )


And just in case there are others of you out there that have these same mental craziness thoughts sometimes - here's a few more words of wisdom for you:




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And in other news - I TOTALLY want to try this:


 

Any of you ever have bummed out moods from reading other's posts?


What do you do to overcome these thoughts?

 

 

12 comments:

  1. Sugar Coated SheridanJune 27, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    Let me just tell you!! My best pace is around 9:00 minutes per mile...BEST. Usually when I'm running everyday, I do really really well to get a 10:00-10:30 minute miles so I get bummed out all the time reading all of the posts from people who run 7:00 minute miles or less but I've gotten to the point where I can't let it bother me. I have just settled on the fact that i wasn't made like that...I do the best that I can and I'm super proud of myself for just getting out there and running at all!!

    This image is like my favorite of all time

    http://pinterest.com/pin/82050024432788440/

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  2. he he he...that is too funny
    So true - we need to celebrate the accomplishments that "we" make!

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  3. When I first started blogging, I questioned if I was a runner because I don't race all the time and I've never competed in a marathon. But, like all of your great quotes above - we are runners!!!

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  4. Charlotte@CommitnessToFitnessJune 27, 2013 at 4:49 PM

    you know i think you bring up a good point- the official definition of a runner really needs to be tweaked!! a runner in my mind is somebody who is committed to getting out there and moving their feet one after the other quicker than they would walking. its more about heart than anything else. so whether you have a 5 minute mile or a 13 minute mile, if you're dedicated, you're a runner :) and ps- i want to try that aqua cycling!

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  5. where do we file our appeal?!?
    totally - doesn't that look so interesting...my biggest problem would be...what do I wear? bathing suit or cycling clothes...

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  6. katie @ fromicecreamtomarathonJune 28, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    It's so hard not to compare ourselves to others. It is hard not to do that when I read about people running 7 or 8 min miles. I do have to fight the voice that tells me because I'm not fast, I'm not a 'real' runner.
    But you know what? That's baloney! I've discovered there are people out there who would like to be able to run my 10 min. miles!
    It's NOT about how fast we are, or if you have or haven't ran a marathon. It's that you get out there and do it. I think you're awesome, Michelle. BTW, they need to change the definition of that word in the dictionary! Ugh.

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  7. Thanks Katie :)
    ...I know...who comes up with these definitions anyways?!?

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  8. cori @olivetorun.comJune 28, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    I am a firm believer that you can invent your own definition to "runner". Throw that definition poster to the wayside and keep on running, runner :)

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  9. Thank-you for the word of encouragement :)
    BTW...I went to another CRXWorx class this morning...it was much better than the 1st one I went to...but still would prefer and hour long bodypump class instead...

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  10. cori @olivetorun.comJuly 5, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    I know I'm super late to this but I had it bookmarked to respond back to you again. I agree with you on the cx vs bp but I have heard from one of my most hardcore instructors that she saw a huge difference in her running/cycling from taking cx so I'm going to keep going 2-3 times a week. Luckily we have ours right before classes that I love (combat and pump) so I typically do the 30 mins cx then into one of those classes. Do you think you'll keep it up?

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  11. I think I will...instead of the class being before BodyPump it's actual right after - so the class just naturaly transitions into it...I figure what do I have to lose - I'm there anyways. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

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