Monday, May 18, 2009

Sweet little dime piece

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on the last post, since I'm still learning the links on my new computer, I did the links again here, so you can check out all 11 pictures she posted here. I am still in awe of how great they came out. Also that leads to more posts about you silly people wanting to know how I look so great...which is mind blowing, but I will let you in on my secrets soon.

So I've been getting some questions regarding running, how I started, what I eat, how I run etc. I wanted to address them all but that would make for much too long of a post, so I wanted to start off the week, or posts with how I started and why I run. Also what I personally do to get myself going and what I use to help me out when I run.

First off, I kind of mentioned why I came back to running in this post, where I talked about losing my mom and all sorts of emotions that running really helped me explore.

First off, I think one of the most important things when you run or are going to run is your mindset. Honestly, I don't always want to run. Some days I do, and some days I don't. It's the days that I don't want to run, and I get out there and do it, I realize how much I do love it. Running isn't always fun, or easy, and it's not the most favorable thing for many to do, but at the same time, it's almost like those sayings, "It's not the destination, it's the journey," and "Whoever said anything worth something would be easy," (or something along those lines) and I feel the same way about running.

I signed up for the Long Beach Half Marathon last year in July when the race was in October. I felt like I needed something to focus on in my life. I needed a 'hobby' of some sort. I'm not artistic, or musically talented and I did run cross country and track in high school. I do enjoy food often and I felt like I was getting unhealthy. When I graduated from college I weight 155, the highest I ever had. That wasn't the reason I started running though, that was just an added bonus item. I had gained that much weight from drinking like a fish my junior and senior year in college, being addicted to my best friend Cheese, and eating fast food like it was my job. I didn't look overweight but I carry most of my weight in my middle. My arms and legs stayed pretty skeletal. I was wearing a size 30 pants which I never even really realized nor was that my big issue.

Today it's shocking to many but I still weight 136. I wear size 27-29 pants depending on the brand. Right now, I'm completely happy with my weight, and that's what I realized has helped my running. Being happy with myself. I mostly lost my weight by stopping drinking so much alcoholic beverages and not eating fast food for every meal. Duh right? Everyone thinks I weigh much much less, or I wear a size zero, which isn't farther from the truth. I wear a size 7-10, J.Crew, yup 10. I don't like to think of it as a 10 though, I like to think of myself as a dime piece. Cracks me up every time.

To enjoy running, you can't be worried about the calories burned, how fast your going, your pace, how far, but just to be able to go out and go run is something that some people cannot enjoy at all. I think the main things for beginning runners, and every runner is to realize that what you are doing and can do is special. You may not even love running, if you want to do yoga, seriously, that's amazing because yoga to me is way more hardcore since I have the flexibility of a tree branch. Just do something that you love.

I think these things really allowed me to appreciate running, instead of going into the mindset of I hate running, I hate working out, etc. Getting up early and running isn't a favorite thing of mine. When I groggily open my eyes and realize that I have to go out, in the cold, and run I really question my sanity, but once I'm done, I feel amazing and empowered. Give yourself a chance to have that feeling too.

Here's what I think people need to remember when starting out running.

1. Believe in yourself, you CAN do it, you CAN run, you have to let yourself do it

2. Start running outside and enjoy the scenery around you, some of the best runs for me have been in new areas, where you can get lost in things around you

3. Don't start out by overdoing it, you'll just get too sore to move, hurt yourself, or hate running. Walking while running isn't a bad thing, taking breaks isn't bad, not everyone is a little speed demon. Take your time.

4. Do it for yourself. Try to enjoy it and relax.

5. Sign up for a race, it's motivation that will make you run, and you might even enjoy it!

6. Not every run will be great, and not every run will be bad, take the good with the bad, running is a huge learning experience.

7. Think of the accomplishment you are making!

8. Buy really cute stuff so you feel good while running :)

Seriously, running is a mind game. You have to be stronger than your mind when it tells you that you're too tired to keep going, that you want to quit, that this is just too far.

As for some other great runners sites check out Oz Runner, I think he's so insightful. Runner Dude has some great advice for all types of runners, and very scientifically proved advice (unlike myself cough cough) The Happy Runner is a running mom who really inspires me as well. :)

Do it and enjoy it. Enjoy anything you do and it will bring you joy and once, maybe after you run for a while, you'll get the 'runner's high' or this euphoric state that makes you love running like all us crazy long distance runners do. I don't keep running because I have to, but because I want to.

That was a lot of random posting in one post, but this week we'll sort everything out, including ice baths, gus, clothes, chafing, training ect, and I'm warning you in advance, I honestly am just going off my own experiences. There are so many other great resources out there, but I'll have some links in every post that could possibly help as well. If anyone has any more questions, feel free to shoot them over to me @ danicakoo@gmail.com.


xoxo

PS I totally forgot to add my earthquake story! So last night there was an earthquake, I was doing what I do best, creeping on face book, and my TV in my room started to shake, along with the floor. I live in an apt. building that was built in the 1920s and just looked around and thought to myself, Oh F! I *usually* run outside during any earthquake which isn't the smartest idea, but me and my co-workers, who have also oddly enough experienced 2 earthquakes together and work in the oldest building in the city that we work in, have decided that we'd rather die trying to get out than sitting at our desks. Risky, I know. Last night though I wasn't wearing pants ( this is a whole different story, but I've been asked by a police officer to put on pants... maybe one day I'll share that one ) and couldn't run outside! So then, for the first time EVER during an earthquake, I did what the experts tell you to do! Ran to the door frame! I stood there and my little heart felt like it was going to die. My roommate was actually out of town so I was all by myself, then it stopped shaking and I went back to my creeping, naturally. Everything was fine, even though I envisioned our walls literally cracking down our home. Too funny, and for the record, I'd take earthquakes over any other natural disaster any day of the week. Shakin' not stirred baby!

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great way to sum it all up! I feel the same way about running.. I don't LOVE it but I don't hate it either. I actually enjoy seeing how I can push myself - I'm not fast by any means! I'm one of the slow ones, but I'm happy that I'm just out there! Never would I have ever pictured myself being a runner!

megan said...

LOVE this! You are so right, running is mostly mental!

The pictures are just stunning. You are just so naturally gorgeous!

Amber said...

1. You're SO pretty, I LOVE those pictures.

2. Your hair looks AMAZING in those pictures, how do you get it like that?? It has the perfect wave to it!

3. I loved this post and agree with everything you said wholeheartedly! I just ran my first half-marathon on May 3 and I feel like I am addicted to the running and the training now. Do I always want to do it? No. But I always DO do it because I know I will feel amazing after!

Reading your blog and other running blogs really helps inspire me too! When I read posts like this it makes me WANT to go out and run!

Tyly said...

First off, you are amazingly beautiful. Such gorgeous pictures!

Secondly, I love your attitude. I am pretty new when it comes to long distances. I've only run a few 5Ks and the most I've ever done at once is 4 miles. So what did I do? Decide to run a half marathon in November! It has given me something to work towards. I am in the verrry beginning of training, and I am making sure to start slow. I know it's going to be hard, but I know it's going to be worth it.

I love your blog, and I hope you don't mind a random stranger popping in! :-)

Michelle said...

Awesome post!

You really summed it up perfectly!!

Also I like to wear cute running clothes!!! :O)

Mrs. Potts said...

You are such an inspiration to me. Running is not my thing - I've never enjoyed it. However, walking with my dog always has been. Mr. Potts will sometimes come with us & he tells me that as fast as I walk, others would have to jog to keep up.

The tips that you shared really focus on key components of any exercise & thank you! You reminded me of why I like to exercise!

PS: Your pics are wonderful!!

Denise said...

Very good list!! You hit it right on!

Tara Gibson said...

love the pointers and ssoooo true! I hated running when i was younger but love it now

Michelle said...

You are GORGEOUS GIRLIE!!!

Girl Meets Beau said...

Gosh! I need to call you every night when I get home so you can give me a little pep talk about running! I love this post!! Your perception on everything is so great. "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey." love it.

I am cracking up over your one-liners! Especially dime piece!! You are hilarious :)

Last, your pictures are amazing! Seriously, you are gorgeous!! Your hair is perfect...seriously, perfect! How does it do that???

Mrs. Realife said...

PERFECT! I love that you are so passionate about running and all its benefits -- I wish I could run, but I find other ways to work out (getting the Wii Fit, soon... it's crazy awesome!)

:)

kristen said...

Cool post. I love the 'dime piece' refrence. I might have to take that.

Alisa said...

Dime piece... I love it!

I don't go by clothing sizes anymore, I have dresses in my closest ranging from a 4 - 12. I'm no 4 nor am I usually a 12.

I never would have thought I would be the one to run marathons...I was always a pool person. There is something soothing about being out on the road alone with your thoughts.

SD is coming up quickly!

i. me. mine said...

Just saw the photos that you took. You are gorgeous and that photographer is freaking amazing!

Anonymous said...

I now think of you every time I hear "dime piece" mentioned! love this post! running gives me so many different things on so many different days that it's so hard to explain why one does it :) The pictures of you are AMAZING!!! so gorgeous and I love that Claude is in there with you!

Lucky in Love said...

I love this post! For a beginner like me...it is totally inspiring. Thanks!

RunToTheFinish said...

those pics are amazing!!! seriously!

I agree running for me is just putting one foot in front of the other, when I start to get all focused on time and splits it becomes less enjoyable... right so how will I BQ then? umm in a new unorganized approach

Wearing Mascara said...

I love this post! Thank you :-)

Sarah said...

thank you so much for your tips... I think I have actually gotten to the point that I am starting to Love running which is a complete turnaround becuase I used to HATE it... can't wait to reaf the rest of your tips

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Great post on running!

Ian said...

Hey, I too surf facebook with my pants off... wait... I've said too much haven't I?

KBroome said...

I love your blog. Love it!

Unknown said...

I love your list that you compiled. I'm going to link your blog to my post today.

One thing I always tell my readers (who happen to be running for their lives) is that if you can get out and exercise the days that you REALLY DON'T want to, imagine how easy it's going to be on the days that you kind of do.

Thanks again for the inspiration!

Ronnie

Chocolate & Chants said...

I didn't feel the earthquake, lol. But one thing I did learn is to NOT stand in the doorway, because the door can slam shut and you can get your fingers stuck.

ilovesteaks said...

You have a very good attitude towards running! It's a lot like mine! I barely felt the quake out in the 909. I was wondering why the bobble heads were bobbling! :D

Black Labs and Lilly said...

I agree that running is all about mental toughness, and you just have to get out there and try your best! Thanks for the links to other running blogs!

J said...

So true that running is mental! I have started to buy cuter outfits because I have finally become more comfortable in my body (not that anything really has changed over the last year) I just became more confident by running with the track team! Funny how that works! Thanks for sharing!

i have never been in an earthquake. We really dont have any natural diasters here in NY just lots and lots of snow! lol

audgepodge said...

What a wonderful post! First of all, LOVE the pics - you look absolutely gorgeous! And the Garmin ones are my favorite - I want pics of me with my G :) And these are great running tips... I always sign up for races to keep me motivated. It's the only thing that works for me.

it is everlasting said...

The pictures are beyond amazing-- you are gorgeous! :)

Your advice is really great and (hopefully) just the motivation I need to get back out there tonight. It's been a week and I just need to focus on how great I feel when I'm out there doing it! Keep it up chica.

FLYERS26 said...

Great post!
I can't imagine being in an earthquake, and what emotions you must go thru.

Counting down said...

Thank you so much for this post, I am currently training for my first half marathon and I love reading your blog! The tips you gave are so valuable because like you said running is definitely a mind thing and can be so rewarding!

Heather C said...

I LOVE this post! parts of it cracked me up (a "dime" piece, haha, so cute!!!), and parts of it I'm going "OMG me too!" running is Not always easy, you just DO IT. and for some crazy reason, we love it. :)

Felice Devine said...

Hey, Miss Dime Piece! Thanks for the love. :)

Great way to put things. And really good tips! I especially like the idea of doing something you love. Right on!

littlesack said...

i like the dime piece thing, I'm definetly going to use that.

ps- im trying to find new songs for my ipod, for my marathon mix. someone mentioned you did a post about new running mixes recently, can you forward me that link, THANKS?!

Alison said...

You almost made me cry - your post was everything I need to read/hear right now! I want to run, I need to run! But being pretty slow and making gains in mileage SO SLOWLY - when it seems like every girl in every blog I read goes out and blows through 5 or 6 miles so fast - can get discouraging sometimes. You made me remember that it's about ME not anyone else. Thank you!

Oz Runner said...

hey thanks for the mention in the post....great advice and ideas on beginning running, totally agree....it's funny, my son had a shirt on today that said "the journey is the destination"

wow, that earthquake would freak me out...all we have here are tornados...

Cheetah Girl said...

Girl, you're awesome! Friends think I'm crazy when I say running helps me destress and makes me happy. Love that others feel this way too! :)

P.O.M. said...

Those pics are amazing! YOu look fantastic.

I was drunk and didnt even feel the earthquake. oops.

Mrs. C. said...

Hi- I just started reading your blog and I have to say that you really are inspirational. I have been running for a long time, but I can really never make it past 4 miles. It's definately a mental thing. But today when I went out running, I really thought about your positive messages in previous posts and it inspired me to push harder than before. I think I'll become a follower now:) I can't wait to read your upcoming entries.

Jess said...

Hey Danica, thanks for sharing.

I've really come to enjoy reading your blog over the past few months because you're always so open and honest about things and it's easy to tell you really love running for running not because you're trying to lose a bunch of weight!

It's a nice breath of fresh air and I always enjoy reading!

P.S. Loved the pictures! What a fun idea to pose with Claude!

Niki said...

Great post!! Looking forward to more running info this week! Your pics are amazing!!

Steve Stenzel said...

Those pics are SOOO cute! Nice!!

And "dime piece" is great! HA!

Glad you made it through the earthquake!!

Nicole said...

Again the pics are beautiful :)

I love this post. I need to bookmark it so i can go back to it every time i dont 'feel' like running. It was actually a good thing i read it, cuz i was considering skipping my run today.

Thanks for making me feel bad ;) ha ha ha

SO sorry to hear about the earthquake. I'm gald your okay. I've never experienced that but i would probably flip out. I'll the excitement we get around here is either ice or snow. BOO

:)

jlc said...

I don't know how you Californians do it!

My sister in law is living out there now and she talks about them so nonchalantly!



Can't wait to visit again soon though!! :)

pinkriss said...

the pictures are beautiful!

also, thank you for this post, i have been needing something to get myself motivated to begin running. my dad and sister both enjoy it so much i decided it would be my "summer activity" and hopefully it sticks and continues into the school year.

Heather Scott Partington said...

Oh man, I'll add beautiful pictures to the list of things that inspire me to do anything... (along with cute clothes, new shoes, etc.) Love them. Love that you're posting some future stuff related to the questions you've gotten too. :)

kymberli q. said...

I related to so many things in this post...to the some days loving running and other days not...to the earthquake and thinking the walls were going to come down! We are two peas. ;)

Running 365 said...

You're completely right about the days that you don't want to run and still do make you feel the best. Even though I KNOW I ALWAYS feel a million times more destressed and happy and accomplished after I run, sometimes I STILL have to drag myself out the door. You'd think I'd catch on...

P.S. I'm totally jealous of your pictures.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures Danica!

Marcy said...

You ARE a dime piece baby! Love the pics!

I know what you mean on sizes. None of them are EVER right. Blah.

Much Ado said...

REALLY love the photos from your shoot!!! Especially the garmin ones! :)

Unknown said...

First of all, nice running story! Such great advice for everyone. I think you're an inspiration for so many people, that's really amazing!

Secondly, earthquakes?! I'm amazed that you would take that over any other type of natural disaster...of course, I've never experienced one, but I'm already scared to death of them.

Thirdly, your pics are all very nice!

Take care and keep running strong.

maria khoury said...

i completely agree with you on running...not so much on earthquakes though! that sounds crazy!

Marlene said...

That's some really great perspective. Thanks for sharing!

A Toronto girl out West said...

I'm starting a new training program this week and this post was just the motivation I needed! Gracias!!! :o)

Perfectly Imperfect said...

you freakin' crack me up. I laughed so hard over the "flexible as a tree limb" that i almost wet myself. (TMI) and i love that you're a facebook creeper. I consider myself one of the best =)

did you watch dwts last nite? i'm so glad i have another downwithmelissa girl! i thought she looked exactly like a cheerleader last nite and not a dancer.. please don't let her win america!!

Anonymous said...

I was a little jealous when I heard you guys got a little quake down there, we of course didn't feel a thing up here in norcal :(
they're sorta exciting!

great post, I'm a beginning runner and I'm pretty positive that I'm starting to feel that love ... deep deep down there, somewhere. haha!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your weight and your size. That is not always the easiest thing to do. I tend to carry weight pretty evenly and also carry a lot in my legs (i think most of its muscle) so, when I worked out with a trainer and she weighed me she actually said, no this machine must be broken (it was a weight, body fat, BMI). And then when she was working me out like a crazy person and I wasn't losing much,she was stunned. I did though start running more and more then the weight did come off but, I am still lingering around a number that I tell people and they are shocked (140). Thanks for sharing. I enjoy reading your blogs :)

Marathon Maritza said...

Love the pictures, love running, love you, MUAH!

Erica said...

Thanks for the good advice on starting out. Found your blog through runners lounge look forward to following.

http://myfirst5k-erica.blogspot.com/

Julia said...

Great post! I found it to be insightful and inspiring. And I agree with #8. :)

Unknown said...

I love the way you write you are awesome...I can't wait to read more of you :-) Thank you for sharing your experience. xoxo