Open Mic Friday: Mel

Welcome to our July ExtraOrdinary Award Winner - Mel (aka m0mmymel).  After reading her story, we were excited for the opportunity to learn more about her and her running.

In your story, you tell us a little bit about why you started running.  What went through your head on those first few runs?
Oh boy.  The first few runs were tough, and S-L-O-W.  I was so out of shape, and being an ex-smoker, climbing stairs would often leave me breathless.  My thoughts and emotions were mixed --  I was trying to convince myself that I was having fun, I believe that positive thinking helps, but at times I was very frustrated that I kept having to stop to walk.  Having bought the Nike+ kit, I couldn't wait to go out for a run, sync it up to see the distance, graphs, and my progress in the beginners' challenges I had joined.  I think if I didn't have this as my start, I would have stopped, or may never have started! -- it played a huge part in running as a new habit, and soon after I looked forward to lacing up my shoes!

What has been the hardest part about running?
This is two-fold for me, and still a challenge to this day.  1) My own negative thoughts.  Not believing in myself and not allowing myself to stop or give up when my body or mind thinks I can't.  It's pushing myself beyond what I used to and still think were my limitations. 2) Nutrition.  I eat well, however, increasing mileage requires increased calories.  While I don't care so much about being a certain weight on the scale, I  would still like to stop the jiggle in the mid section and shed some of the fat and gain muscle and definition.  So I struggle with fueling myself properly to achieve this -- not enough vs. too much. 
I wish my body came with a how-to hand book, with exact instructions.  To have a BMI of this, and run this many km/week, you need this amount of calories, this amount of carbohydrates at this time of day, include this amount of protein, etc.  It's a continuous experiment.

What are your running goals now that you have a 1/2 marathon under your belt? 
August 16th I'm doing a 30k race!  I figure that mentally, this is a great distance -- meets in the middle of a 1/2 and full marathon.  If I were to tell myself, "ok, now you've run 21.1km, turn around and do that again" i'm not sure that would turn out ... If I can accomplish 30k (18.6 miles), a full marathon seems slightly more attainable, even though I fully respect and admire the distance of a marathon.  I am also thinking about starting to train for a duathlon for next year

In a recent post, you talked about how you have realized you have gotten faster since you started.  What do you attribute it to?
Consistency, belief in myself, and cross-training.  I was on injury recovery after my 1/2 marathon for about 2 months.  For me, I was all about running and didn't incorporate much else.  I've added a lot more cross-training lately, including road biking, weight-training, bootcamp and even yoga.  It's been great to change up the routine a bit, and hopefully better for injury-prevention so that I can continue for a long time!  Listening to my body too!  I take rest days when I feel I need to, without beating myself up about it.

If you hadn't taken up running, what do you think would have been your outlet? 
I used to do kick-boxing classes, and while I enjoyed them very much.  While I still think of going back to do those classes; I never do. I fear an injury that will prevent me from running, and going to do a class will take up time that I could be out running!  Other than that, I haven't found much else that has given me the same stress relief as either of these two, so I'm not sure what I would have done!

What do you do when you aren't running? 
Read blogs and running websites. LOL  Spending time with my family...I'm also taking an online college course and just living my life!  Enjoying my independence again!

Through your story and blog I know how much you treasure your son.  What is his reaction to your running and success?
He's been amazing.  I knew he was proud of me, but didn't know how much until this past spring.  He had a basketball tournament at another school, and after his game, I was taking a few of his friends home.  We drove by one of my new running routes, and as we passed one of the landmarks, I turned back to him to tell him that I had run by there.  My son then told his friends "My mom ran a 1/2 marathon you know".  Collectively, his two friends said "we know Terron, you've told us a million times!"  I was absolutely stunned and so proud of both him & I.

What has been your greatest running accomplishment?
Getting out there and sticking with it! Especially through a harsh Canadian winter! :)  I remember having a conversation with a runner a few years ago about running and thought 3k was so far, and impossible.  Nothing is.  Last night at bootcamp, we were saying that we "were only going to do 18k next weekend to cut down a bit and take it easy"  Only 18k!  Never thought I'd be ok hearing those words!!

What advice would you give beginning runners?
Stay positive, don't give up, and maybe even join a running group if at all available.  I find that runners are a great and motivating bunch of people, having a wealth of knowledge.  What better way to stay motivated than to be surrounded by people that have the same goal?  You will have others that understand the ups and downs, the struggles and the triumphs.  There's a lot of benefit of running on your own too though -- I do appreciate my alone time as well.

I'd also say give it a chance -- I've read and heard that it takes 3 weeks to develop a habit.  They may be the toughest 3 weeks, but keep at it.  :)

Comments

[Laurel (aka Lily)]

Sounds as though you've got a good, strong, positive handle on your running Mel! Good for you to stick with it. Good Luck and Best Wishes for your 30K!! Next year you'll be ready to run the 30K Around the Bay in Hamilton!!

From your picture, I'm guessing you are in T.O. running down Yonge Street, past Sam the Record Man's old store!! T.O. is my home town and I'll be there in September for the Waterfront Half...maybe I'll have the chance to meet up with you!

[Tom]

You've learned and accomplished a lot with your running. The body definition will come. It's more about fitness than shape.

What handsome son! What a tribute to you that he's told his friends about your HM. You're lucky to have each other.

Laurel, you're connected with everyone!

[yolanda spearman]

I used to do kick-boxing classes, and while I enjoyed them very much. While I still think of going back to do those classes; I never do. I fear an injury that will prevent me from running, and going to do a class will take up time that I could be out running! Other than that, I haven't found much else that has given me the same stress relief as either of these two, so I'm not sure what I would have done!

[MikeSpiller]

Heh great. By the way, did you know that ICQ is not FREE anymore? More info here: http://xrl.us/onw8m-icqnews