One reason I started a community page on Facebook and this very blog was the hope that I would inspire others to eat healthy (without depriving yourself) and be active. If this 50+, slow runner can run half marathons, you can too — if you want to. As I like to say, if I can do it, so can you.
Today I’m linking up with Tuesdays on the Run and we’re talking about inspiring people to run.
So what’s with the selfies/runfies?
Selfies, or running selfies better known as runfies, are a good way to try to get other people to think that maybe running isn’t so bad after all. You’re smiling — most of the time — right? You aren’t actually doubled over coughing up a lung (because after all, that wouldn’t make a good runfie, now, would it?).
Runfies have a purpose even beyond making it look fun — you may have noticed that many runners include their time, distance, and pace on their runfie, myself included (using the Fitsnap app, by the way)?
Usually you’ll see an average pace of 9 minutes per mile (mm), or 10 mm. Maybe 11 mm on a slow day. From other runners, that is. The ones who think they’re so slow.
Except on my runfies. Except for a shorter race. No, on my runfies, you’ll see a 13 mm pace or maybe 12:30 if it’s a good day. The reason I include that information is that if you look at most people’s runfies, you’ll see paces far faster than me. I want you to know that we don’t all run that fast. And that even if you’re running slowly, you are running and you are a runner.
Battling the inevitable
When I was dealing with hip pain before my Fall half last year, my sister, who is 7 years older than me, told me that’s just what happens when you’re over 50. Things hurt and they ache.
Only I don’t believe that. I don’t want to live longer, I want to live better. And I firmly believe that being active helps me to live better (despite the aches, pains, and injuries). I also firmly believe that it can help stave off dementia, and I’ve seen that up close and personal and it’s not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
Group running
Every year in USAFit Albany we have returning members and a new crop of runners; many of the newbies are training for their first half or full marathon. Some are new to running; others aren’t, but have never tackled the longer distances or ended up injured when tackling it on their own.
I enjoy telling them about my goal to run a half marathon in every state, how many halfs I’ve run, and how I started running in my late 40s and couldn’t even run a mile before that.
Not because I’m narcissistic and self involved, because the reality is that I’m pretty modest; no, I share these things because I know that it does inspire people who find the idea of running a half marathon daunting to believe that if that short woman with the gray hair can do it, maybe they can, too.
What did someone do to inspire you to run?
I completely agree that posting our runs and statistics are not because we want to brag, but to inspire. I love your outlook, knowing your own pace and being comfortable with that. Accomplishing so much within your own sphere incredibly inspiring to all of us. We don’t have to be Shalane Flanagan to be considered runners! Whether we run one mile, 5K, half-marathons, marathons, or ultra-marathons, we are all part of the same wonderful community.
Love this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I would’t exactly say I’m comfortable with my pace. You know it frustrates me! I just want others to know that slow runners are runners too, and we’re working damn hard — I have the sweaty clothes to probe that!
LikeLike
I don’t post my stats because I run to run. I had to run for time in high school and college and it put so much pressure on me. I’m running now for me and if that means I run/walk, go slower or faster, I will. I’m enjoying it now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe being a slower runner & starting late on life is a good thing. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t tend to post my stats but you know I run at about your pace. Yes, I do think that people who think they are slow are faster than me……Laura 😉 I do think runfies are inspiring. I hate taking pictures of myself, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’ve kind of mostly gotten the runfie down to a science — some I like, some I don’t, and those leaves are really helping right now but with our rain they’ll all be gone soon!
LikeLike
You have a great attitude and you inspire me. I do think that injuries and aches and pains come with getting older but they shouldn’t stop you from doing things you love. Things hurt so you slow down and re-adjust your goals. You do that very well. Which is why you will get your 50 halfs unless you decide to pursue something else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, you never know, I have had a lot of hobbies in my life. Time to make a ball out of the yarn I bought in VT & look at some scarf patterns . . .
LikeLike
That’s a really great point about the runfies. It is absolutely inspiring, and I do love seeing when they’re posted by people in my range (11 minutes) and a bit slower. We’re all runners! Great post!
LikeLike
I love looking at photos on both my Twitter feed and Instagram showing my friends (whether virtual or in RL) running. It really does inspire me. As for me, I post pictures to hold myself accountable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You continue to inspire me Judy. Speed is relative, anyway. One thing I learned quickly, there is ALWAYS somebody faster. Anytime I feel “strong” all the way through a half, I feel like I’ve accomplished something extra special — no matter what my time is.
LikeLike
Aw, thanks.
Except there are a LOT of people faster than me. Of course I realize right now you’d love to be running as slowly as me. I get it.
It does remain a source of frustration to me. I don’t get to know the people in my running group as well because I can’t keep up with the pack!
LikeLike
Just wanted to let you know, sometimes Blogger doesn’t let me post my comments (sometimes it does, no idea why), so here’s what I was going to write on your blog yesterday:
The story of the name of your blog is so sweet!
I know for sure that we inspire way more people than we’ll ever know. The ones who read but never comment — trust me, they’re out there.
Your determination when you’re training and your determination to recover from injury are both very inspiring!
LikeLike
I like this post SO much! I never gave it a thought that all those “runfies” I see could possibly be inspiring people that are not already a part of the running community!
LikeLiked by 1 person