I created this goal a while ago, but I realized how badly I need to achieve it when I was running after the G train the other day.
The G train does not run often. Living in Greenpoint, which is only accessible by G train, I depend on it to get basically anywhere I need to go. If I miss it, I could be waiting in the subway station for 15 or 20 minutes (which is a very long time in NY, as we’re always in a hurry, you know).
So if I’m arriving to the G station as the G is arriving, I run like mad to catch that train.
Mind you, this is only 20-30 seconds of frantic running. No big deal. But as of lately, when I arrive at the traincar and take a seat, I am sweating and panting for the next 20 minutes. After 20 seconds of running. This is not good.
I’m generally a healthy person. I eat lots of salads, I do yoga twice a week, I walk a lot. But running has historically been, to say it lightly, a challenge for me.
I really, really hate running. Growing up, I always found ways to avoid it, whether it was faking doctors notes claiming I was injured or skeletally deformed, or finding ways to avoid PE altogether. I managed to avoid running the entirety of my childhood and teenage years. I’m impressed when I think about it.
Finally, at 24 years old in San Francisco, I decided to give it a try. I downloaded GetRunning (also known as “Couch to 5k”), and started jogging around the Mission in tiny intervals, which the app eventually increases for you until you eventually are running 30 minutes without stopping.
I made it to 18 minutes. Then I quit my job, and my schedule changed, and (insert ten more excuses here). I haven’t run since, with the exception of running after the G.
So now I begin. I just ordered some new running shoes, and I’m ready to open my app back up and start running in tiny intervals, increasing week by week, until I finally hit my 20 minute goal.
Let’s do this.
Helena- this is a fantastic goal! I have several lofty items such as “run every day for a year” and “run 1,000 miles in a year.” I have found that the app run keeper is awesome for this. It also has a gympact integration so that you can get paid for workouts (and consequently get monetarily penalized when you dont completed workouts). Good luck and be safe!! Also, you mentioned ordering running shoes- before I ran a marathon, I didnt believe in getting fitted for a shoe. And I was crapping out after about 5 miles. If you really are skeletally deformed or have other weird things with your body (I have a bum ankle and a bum knee), you might want to consider getting fitted by a pro. You dont necessarily have to buy the shoe from the store, you can always order them online. But it made a world of difference for me.
Are you still in San Francisco? I have the same goal. We should meet up. :)
As a fellow Brooklyner, who has run after a G or two or five, you have my Internet-based moral support!
Oh I hear ya! I hate running. Gives me too much time to think about all the other stuff I need/should/want to be doing ;) What I found helped me was listening to podcasts – not music. I turn on a book-on-tape and then I start to feel productive … on top of the whole running-for-exercise bit. Good luck! I feel your pain!
Whoops. Silly question given G-train reference. But would love to hear how it goes and any good tips you come across.
Good luck! I’m working toward a similar goal, using the GetRunning app as well. I really love the app. I’m currently at 2 10-minute stretches, and it’s starting to feel tough. I think a lot of it is mental. I’d love any advice on getting over that hump!
I completely agree with the podcast tip–I love listening to The Moth or the Snap Judgement podcasts at the beginning of my run, and then switch to upbeat music to “bring it home” at the end! :)