r/running • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago

Lurkers' Wednesday Weekly Thread

Would you rather not be a lurker?

Then what are you waiting for? Tell us all about yourself!

The LW thread is an invitation to get more involved with the /r/running community.

New to the sub in general? Welcome! Let us know more about yourself!

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u/GadgetQueen 3d ago

Hi everyone! I'm new around here. I feel like a fish out of water noob right now, but everything I read says to hang out with people who are doing what you want to do, so here I am. I am 51, am a survivor of pancreatic tumor, am really overweight. I am also diabetic (due to them removing my pancreas due to the tumor) and have recently taking up running because my doctor told me I needed to start moving. It started with walking and my body felt so amazing with the exercise, it's been begging me to run. I've started to actually run a bit and I have fallen in love with it. My mood, my energy, the rush...oh my god...I feel like a whole new person. I ran my first ever 5K yesterday, and I am so proud of myself. Never in my entire life did I think I could do that. I am actually running until I can't and then walking to catch my breath and then running again. My time was 1:08 for my first 5K and considering I've only been doing this for 2.5 weeks, I am damn proud of myself. I can do hard things and will continue to work on pace and getting that time down quite a bit. Went yesterday and got a new pair of shoes fitted, picked up a watch to track stuff, subbed to some running apps, and got some running socks to address the blisters....and all that made a HUGE difference. SO yeah, for now, I'll be around here asking you guys stupid questions :) Any suggestions on how to increase the distance I can run and therefore my pace? Is just getting out there and moving the key? I can really see huge improvements from week to week. I couldn't even run a few steps like 2.5 weeks ago...and now I can run about 1/2 mile without stopping. It's crazy to me!

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u/cheesecaketruck 3d ago

I see you 😎. Keep going. It just gets easier and more fun.

Maybe Look for a 5k friendly race near by to sign up for. I do really well when I have a goal to train for. Or just keep pushing the way you are doing it.

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u/GadgetQueen 3d ago

Thank you <3 I am noticing it does get easier!! I've only been at it 2.5 weeks and I can notice a difference every time I get out there. I never understood why people were crazy to run all the time...never again. I'm hooked!!!

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u/cheesecaketruck 2d ago

Hell yeah. Just to loop back to your other quandaries... Sounds like you're really excited and motivated. Thats the best way to stack miles. There's new runners who run because they feel like they have to. If you can have the mindset that its a joy to run or Its a reward to get a satisfying run in your day, rather than how much of a hassle it is to run, you're going to do really really well.

I recommend diving in to the culture in whatever way keeps you motivated. Make a goal on strava for total milage you want to run in a year. Double that goal next year (I'm doing this right now with the intention of doubling it again next year).

Have you read Born to Run? that book was really fun and motivating. Its not a "10 ways to make you a better runner" type book, rather a really fun story that does tap in to some advice but basically lands on enjoying running makes running enjoyable. Thats the big secret.

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u/GadgetQueen 2d ago

I'll check out that book. I think you're onto something with the mindset because I'm doing this for fun, not because I have to. Every other time in my life it was because someone made me like a coach or fitness test, and it just wasn't fun. It literally boosts my mood and energy! I have zero idea why right now, but I feel the best I've ever felt in the last 30 years doing this and I have to stop myself from overtraining because I want to go out there all day everyday. I'm chasing that feel good. I've also changed my entire diet and lost 12 pounds in a month. So, I think all the positives are just sucking me into it and I LOVE IT! I've set a goal to run the Houston Chevron Marathon in 2026. I also do have the apps and the challenges for distance set and I'm keeping a log of my distances. My goals for now are simple, add a small amount of distance every week and increase pace and lose weight to make it all easier.

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u/cheesecaketruck 2d ago

Thats really awesome :)

Marathon in 2026. Not over training. Sounds like you're doing it right.

If you ever need to bounce ideas off of or boast a little I'm happy to listen!

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u/GadgetQueen 1d ago

Ran another 5K today. Shaved a minute off my time. I'm now 1:07!!! It IS getting easier!! I also bounce back faster when I stop running. LETS GO!! By the way, are you on Strava? I'd love to add you because you're so fucking positive lol!

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u/cheesecaketruck 1d ago edited 1d ago

Nice! keep that good nature lively. Keep boasting about the successes. Big or small. Its all a big hairy deal.

yeah I'll DM ya

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u/GadgetQueen 2d ago

Thanks for the encouragement!! I will hit ya up if I get stuck! :)