Tara, 48 years old

How much do you run?
I am not running now, due to an injury.

How long have you been a runner?
3 years.

How did you start running?

I was dating a runner so I would use a treadmill at the gym sometimes. When we broke up,  my office was putting together a team for the Corporate Challenge. I channeled my energy into training for that event and found it was something I enjoyed and helped me make peace with the relationship ending.

Best running experience

Any race in which I'm not dead last for my age group. Seriously, last year's Brooklyn Half Marathon.  I belong to a running club. One of the faster members came along side me at mile 8, she was loosing her energy.  We helped each other get through the next few miles.  It felt so good to help a better runner and have her help me.  And what a blast it was running up the Coney Island Boardwalk and being greeted by clowns and jugglers at the finish line!

Unexpected benefit of running
I don't always go to my club's organized runs in Central Park.  But I have plenty of people to run with. Going to Central Park on the weekends means I'll bump into my friends and find someone to run with for part of the time. 

Until I became a runner, I didn't realize it is a social sport. I've done races and had wonderful conversations with strangers on the bus afterwards. We're all buzzed with that runner's high. It's like a more open version of having coffee. You're extra aware and extra open to the people around you. 

Running-induced crazy story
I've been in physical therapy for months now for an injury that has me in pain when I walk. I know I'll get past this and be able to run again although thinking and talking about running right now is pretty frustrating. I'm active and like to do other things but nothing takes the place of running so that is what is motiving me through my recovery. 

In some ways, running is the simplest sport but there is a lot of potential for injury. Since is it repetitive  if have an issue with your form, a particularly tight area, you increase your milage quickly-- these are magnified by the thousands of steps. 

Of course, all these things can be addressed but it takes time. To go from not being a runner for most of my life to being an injured runner is tough. 

Advice for new runners

Don't worry about your speed or distance.  Build slowly.  Don't be afraid to ask more experienced runners for pointers.  They love their sport and are happy to help newbies.  Enjoy your run!

Raymond, 35 years old

How much do you run? 
Around 14 miles a week.  But I am going to try to bump that around 20 miles a week, adding another 5 - 7 mile run to my routine after the winter. 

How long have you been a runner? 
4 years.

How did you start running? 
I needed to loose weight and it seemed to be the fastest and most effective way to do it.  It's kind of hard to half-ass running. If you run from point A to point B you always have to go back to point A so it is easy to finish a run you start.

Best running experience
I love running in the very early morning where you can see the sun rise!  The blues and purples and everything waking up is just beautiful to me!

Unexpected benefit of running
It's a time to myself to kind of meditate and test the extremes of my body.

Running-induced crazy story 
Not sure what to discuss here. The black and blue toes and general pain I feel most days? What it was like running after hurricanes Irene and Sandy to see all kinds of odd debris on the East River run? I find it crazy that I would continue to run all these years or that I would ever allow my body to fall apart.  I am equally amazed by how easily mother nature can wreck havoc on our lives. I think of our city as powerful and strong so the effect of Sandy is that much more humbling.  These are both topics I often contemplate while running the East River, Central Park, or other parts of the world I've had the opportunity to run.

Advice for new runners 
Spend the money on the RIGHT shoes.  Take risks and continually challenge yourself. And lastly, every once and a while run with someone you know if faster than you to help push yourself just a little bit more.

Karla, 34 years old

How much do you run?
More days than not.

How long have you been a runner?
7 years.

How did you start running?
Thanks to a slow-growing bone tumor in my leg that sat right at the knee joint, running had been a painful endeavor for more than a decade. I avoided it at all costs. I walked with a limp, lived with constant pain and stuck to low-impact exercise until any exercise at all was too painful to contemplate. Eventually, even riding the elliptical machine and walking was sheer pain.That is, until surgery changed things. It was a long road to recovery—three months on crutches, three months of no activity whatsoever and six months of only the gentlest low-impact activity.

But one year post-surgery I was largely tumor free and my doctor told me it was time to start rebuilding the muscle and bone-density in my leg. The quad muscles in my “bad leg” had shriveled after years of limping and disuse; I even used to row one legged by anchoring my stroke with my “good leg” while the bad one just came along for the ride. My right leg was at least two pant sizes smaller than my left one. I looked like a healthy athlete from the left side and an anorexic model from the right.

But when my doc suggested running as the perfect bone-building exercise, I scoffed. It had been the single most painful exercise pre-surgery. Once upon a time, I’d loved to run. As a kid, I’d run to swim team practice as my best friend bicycled by my side and I enjoyed hitting the track for “dry land” workouts. But as the mystery pain in my knee crept in, so did my fear of running.

But I’ve always been the person who follows doctors orders. So one day, I laced up the only sneakers I had—a pair of cross-trainers—and I hit the sidewalk. It was some ugly business. After 12 years of avoiding running at all costs, I lasted three blocks before I was completely out of breath. There wasn’t exactly pep in my step. Instead, there was lots of sweating, heaving, huffing, puffing, and, oh yes, walking. But I stuck with it and three blocks turned into five, which then became 10, and eventually stretched into a mile.

Running has just been different that anything I’ve challenged myself with before. For starters, I wasn’t immediately good at it. With swimming and rowing, I was a natural, using my tall frame to my advantage. Running, on the other hand, felt anything but natural.Best running experienceI soon felt my well-worn hatred for running morph into something else—joy. Sure, it hurt. But it hurt in a different way than it used to. Instead of the usual searing pain shooting through my leg, I felt a familiar burning in my lungs—a burn I recognized from swimming and rowing. It was accompanied by that familiar burst of energy that comes with an endorphin high, which was doubled when I made the startling realization that I could run at all. I was free from the pain that inhibited me all those years. Free from the fear. Just free. The athlete within me had been reawakened and given a new lease on life. I felt pure, unfiltered joy.

Before long, I was ready to tackle my first race. It was a 4-miler in New York City’s Central Park.

Unexpected benefit of running
I love running. And I love that there are millions of other people out there, like me, who love it too—fast and slow, lifers and newbies. I love that all I need for a run is a can-do attitude. Heck, I don’t even need a pair of shoes. Running is with me every where I go, and many of the places I go, I tackle with a run.

Running-induced crazy story
The Staten Island Half Marathon on October 7th was my 50^th race. It’s a milestone I never could have imagined in my previous life as a person who hated running.

Over the course of those 50 races, running has become one of my passions—not because I’m great at it. I’m only slightly better than average. But because it’s something I couldn’t even conceive of doing for many years. Being able to run now feels like a gift, even after five years and 50 races.

Advice for new runners
Just keep going. I know how hard running and, especially, racing can be to a newbie. I've been there. On days when it feels overwhelming or intimidating, just run. Forget about everything else. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and it will get easier. And if you can swing it, try to have some fun!

Want to know more about Karla? 
Check out her blog:  http://www.runkarlarun.com/

Mike, 46 years old

How much do you run?
At least 4 times a week.

How long have you been a runner?
Most of my life. 38 years.

How did you start running?
Running in the Columbia Track Club in Missouri. 

My dad's friend at the university was trying to get a runner for an interesting relay where the collective age of the two runners need to be under 50. It was run on a track. He would run one lap, I would run one lap, and so on. My being only 10 years old was a big plus! 

We ran as a team three or four years in a row so I found each year that my times would improve.  I was proud to be able to contribute more to our performance as I got faster.


Best running experience
The 2009 Twin Cities Marathon was the perfect weather for a great performance, although it was not a good year to be a spectator. It was in 40s at the start with a cold drizzle. This was particularly remarkable because in 2008, although my training was just as successful, there isn't much you can do when it's 90 degrees on race day.  After the year before, it was particularly sweet since I was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It was exhilarating.

Unexpected benefit of running
After a run, I like to say "I have a free day." I'm free to eat and drink what I like, relax or not. I've taken care of my health in a tangible way and taking care of my happiness is what comes next. Running allows other indulgences.

Running-induced crazy story
I used to run 10k events in my teen age years.  Sometimes when I ran too fast (relative to my training--I never won anything),  I would get sick to my stomach.  No problem, I would detour a few yards into the ditch.  Heave, ho.  And I would be running again, feeling better!  It used to make my brother hysterical!!

Advice for new runners
Do lots of events, fun runs.  The energy of a crowd is so inspiring.  Not every run needs to be for a PR or all out.  Having events dot the calendar will help maintain motivation and break up the monotony of training.

Stephanie, 33 years old

How much do you run?
In my most recent marathon training, 35 - 40 miles week. Once I've recovered from Marine Corps, I'm hoping to move closer to 50 miles a week.

How long have you been a runner?
Since the summer of 2009.

How did you start running?
I joined Weight Watchers, thanks to a good friend's encouragement, in my late-20s.  That summer they had a 5k challenge that got me started. The goal was to run an August race.  We picked a really fun one that went over the Brooklyn Bridge and back again.  It was pouring rain that day and I had a blast!

We had a coach who showed me that running is not just running as fast and far as you can in order to loose weight. She showed me that there is a structure to it.

Having a race gave me a purpose.  I knew I needed to exercise in order to feel better about my body but that didn't motivate me from the same place.  That difference makes exercise fun.

Best running experience

What brings me out to go for a run is that I get to call the shots in my own training. That feeling propels my training. So much of life is about doing what other people want you to do. I am the one who decided to start down this path. I am the one who started running. I am the one who decided to run a marathon and did the work it took to complete it. Running is something that I do for myself so the pride taken in my running accomplishments has a special place.  

Unexpected benefit of running

I have to say it is the friendships I have made as well those I have deepened.   There is something to be said about the way a friendship is accelerated on the run.  When you go out for a two to three our run with someone you don't know well, you come back with a newfound knowledge of their entire life, hopes and dreams.  That is a pretty cool thing.  

Running-induced crazy story

I would definitely say the decision to run marathons.  I was pretty out of shape growing up.  I had good genes but was never rail thin like the 'popular' girls.  I 'danced' as part of various musical theatre productions (I wasn't coordinated at all) and rode horses, but I didn't play any sports.  So, to now, be training for my third marathon 16 years later, feels pretty crazy.  I can guarantee if you had asked 17 year old me if I would ever run anything, let alone a marathon, I would have laughed in your face.

Advice for new runners

Talk with other people who also started running later in life. They have been there and understand the process in a different way. People who ran high school track, or even just played sports and had to run as part of their conditioning training, don't approach the process in the same way.

Want to know more about Stephanie? 
Check out her blog. http://www.therunningcookie.com/ 

Shawnessy, 30 years old

How much do you run?

I've been running 6 days a week ranging from 6-21 miles for each run for the last number of months. However, I just completed the Chicago Marathon, so I'm currently taking about 2 weeks off of running. Once I start again this week, I'll run 4-6 days a week, averaging about 20-30 miles per week. This changes depending on what I'm training for throughout the year.

How long have you been a runner?

I've been running since I was a teenager, so about 16 years I think. As a kid I ran around with my brothers and sisters and we would race up our long driveway in the summer. In junior high, I became active in sports and as a freshman I joined the track team, where I sprinted through high school with my sisters.  

How did you start running?

I wanted to maintain fitness as I prepared for preseason field hockey back in high school, so would go for a run here and there during the summer. After playing junior high softball, my skills as a first baseman weren't as strong as I had hoped and I decided I was a better runner, so I joined the track team. I've been running consistently ever since.

Best running experience
I have so many great running experiences, but will try to narrow it down! Running at midnight for the Ragnar Relay. Seeing a moose during my first marathon. Breaking the 400m record in high school. Finishing a marathon. Exploring new places while running on my trips. I could go on, which is a good sign that running is an important and great part of my life.

Unexpected benefit of running

The amazing friends that I've made over the years. When I first started running it was at my very small high school and being on the track team wasn't super cool. But ever since running became mainstream, I've met some really great people over the years, and have also continued to share running with my sisters--we've been running together for over 15 years. Also, it's such a stress reliever. In college, I would get upset over an exam and would go for a hard run. Nowadays if I have a bad day at work, I just want to run it out. 

Running-induced crazy story

Again, there are just too many. Running a marathon (actually 6 of them). I know it's normal nowadays, but it's still kind of crazy. Seeing a moose during that first marathon. Good thing I just keep running. Running a half marathon in freezing temps that resulted in icicles (or sweat-cicles). Seeing nutty costumes and antics during races. And so much more...
 

Advice for new runners

Take it easy. Start with low mileage and go slow. Gradually build up and before you know it, you won't be able to stop.

Want to know more about Shawnessy?
Check out her blog. http://shawny-30-fun.blogspot.com/

Lolline, 35 years old

How much do you run?
Probably average 20 miles a week. That's enough to make me feel good like I've met my goals but not so much that it gets in the way of other things I need to do.

How long have you been a runner?

Since 1993, my junior year of high school.

How did you start running?

As me and my friends started to worry about college applications, I decided to join the track team to have an extra curricular activity. 

I continued to run sporadically for general fitness until about 2008. When I decided to run a half marathon, I found a training program and made running a priority. 

Best running experience

I've had some great experiences racing but the freedom of movement is the best part of running even if that isn't a specific time or experience. It's that feeling that keeps me coming back to it. I like training hard and meeting my goals. The freedom of how it feels to just be outside pushing myself on my own, or taking it easy chatting through a run with a friend, that every day joy of running is the best experience. 

Of course, there are times when I don't want to go for a run at all and I'm not into it for awhile but there are other times when I get distressed thinking about how to fit a run into the day since I need one that badly. It's funny how you can't predict those mood swings around running but you know they'll come.

Unexpected benefit of running

Running has taught me to expect more for myself. It has taught me that I'm stronger then I think I am. It's taught me to live with discomfort in a tough workout or getting through a run on a day when the weather isn't cooperating. There is a lot of discomfort in life as a whole and you being able to sit with it and get through it leads to the next good thing. When you get to the other side, the discomfort is always worth it. 

Running-induced crazy story

At one 10k race, I saw this runner in her 60s wearing shorts who I've seen in several other races both before and since. She had poop all over one of her legs and didn't let it stop her, slow her down, or seem to bother herself nearly as much as it upset those of us who saw her that day. There are certain things that I will not run through. There are times I get sick of it. There are times when I need a break. Nothing is worth finishing a race once I've pooped myself. Maybe if she was wearing pants it would have felt differently.

Advice for new runners

Listen to your body and take it easy. Give yourself time to adjust to all the stresses of becoming a runner. If you have a pain or a tightness, don't run through it until you've gotten accustomed to what normal running discomfort feels like. It take awhile to be able to tell the difference. Following a training program to the letter instead of listening to your body causes injuries.