As in...I consider myself an intermediate runner, as opposed to a beginner. I started running 8 months ago and could barely run for a minute...beginner and total newbie!
A beginner is someone who has just started to put feet to the ground, moving faster than a walk.
An intermediate runner is someone who can comfortably run/jog for at least 30 minutes non-stop.
What is the difference between a runner and a jogger? Not a lot in my opinion...they are both running, one is just running at a slower pace. I am a runner, not a jogger...and I'll try to explain it. When I leave the house I don't say, "I'm going out for a jog", I say, "I'm going for a run". When I am out there I do speed work, hill repeats, tempo runs and fartlek runs. (This is a great article on the difference, if you believe there is one.)
I'm a runner and I wear running gear, it may look fashionable but it serves a purpose besides making me look adorable. My shoes don't just look awesome, they keep my feet, ankles and knees aligned. I own a pair of Asics trail shoes and two pair of Danskin athletic shoes. (I have yet to have my feet analyzed by a professional, but maybe someday when I feel it is absolutely necessary.) My compression wear also helps me to run faster, farther and better.
Here are some great reasons for wearing compression wear while running...Running compression
tights and similar garments for other sports are quite
different to medical compression stockings, although they
work in a similar way. They are designed to provide the
best support to the muscles of the legs and lower body,
thus minimizing the chance of a muscle injury occurring.
They are also designed to aid the flow of blood and the
oxygen supply to the lower body and extremities, as well
as reducing lactic acid build up. The chances of varicose
veins and other leg conditions is reduced. The ultra
supportive nature of compression socks, tights and shorts
has been found to aid athletic performance and recovery
noticeably.
Everything I wear has a usefulness besides looking good, even my socks.
So now you see, I'm an Intermediate runner...and this isn't just something I do once in awhile, it's what I've become...I run! Here you can follow me on my new running blog I Survived & Now I Run
I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when He is silent. *Written on a wall in a concentration camp*
© 2012 Shannon M. King. This publication is the exclusive property of Shannon M. King and is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Shannon M. King. All rights reserved.
6 comments:
great post - I can't run because of a bad hip... my partner does though. Can I say - DO go for a professional gait analysis - don't leave it. When he started, he ran in the wrong shoes for his feet for a good 8 months (very hard to tell, as the differences are so subtle), and it slowly but surely damaged he knees and hips - when he got it done, he switched to the shoes that worked for him. and he's never looked back.
Laura x
You make running sound like something I could accomplish, especially since now the weather is so gorgeous.
I'm impressed! You know all this, and can run, too. I hope you keep doing well.
I am a beginning runner...I can do a mile in just over 11 minutes. I know that sounds pretty bad, but I was running outside in the cold in Iowa. Plus I'm closer to 50 than 40. UGH!
Congratulations on being an intermediate runner. :)
I still run--in my head! If I had continued with running, I'm sure I would be healthier now. It's great that you are doing this for your body and your family too. Good post.
Good for you!!! I am a complete newbie, runner/jogger wannabe. Other than the speed, wasn't quite sure of the differences. I need to read up on compression clothes. Great info for someone like me.
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