A runner's build. But what kind of runner?

by Liz
(Folsom)

As a sprinter I have a different body type than a distance runner and for awhile it caused me to be self-conscious about what I saw as less than the ideal runner shape. Every time I saw a picture of myself I immediately honed in on my "big butt" or "thunder thighs", never mind that they were solid and muscular.

My father was a boxer and I inherited his broad shoulders and back and of course that made me feel "too big." I finally learned to stop comparing my appearance to other runners and to concentrate on my body's ability more than its image--I did this by realizing we all have different athletic talents.

Usain Bolt doesn't look like Galen Rupp. Carmelita Jeter doesn't look like Shalane Flanagan. I don't look like a masters 10K runner or a marathoner, and I certainly can't do what they can do....yet they can't match my abilities either! It's the old adage of appreciating what you have instead of yearning for what you are not.

Sep 04, 2009

You are beauty personified!

by: Ken

Liz,

I know ladies who'd die for a butt like yours. I'd die for your hurdling ability.

(In fact, keep your eyes on the obits following 2010 Sacto nationals for my name after I try running the long hurdles.)

We all have body image issues. (Mine is my hump back and skinny frame.) But I trust my friends to accept me as is.

You go, girl! And stay fast.

Do you girls run when you're sick?

Or is it just me that wimps out when I don't feel good? I have a sore throat and some mild body aches, a slight headache too. But I also have some running that needs to be done today (and tomorrow, and the next day). I don't have a fever though. Would you run? And if you wouldn't run, would you feel guilty about it? While we're at it, is it only girls who feel guilty about skipping a run?

No heart when feeling down

I've been arguing with my husband a lot lately. Today it sucked the life out of me. I finally couldn't take the heartache anymore so I went for a run. I managed 3-1/2 minutes before I was breathless and my chest hurt, so I stopped and walked home. I jumped on the bike and made it a mile and a half before I called it quits and slowly pedaled home. Anyone else find it hard to exercise when they are feeling heartbroken?

Sep 10, 2009
Friends help with broken hearts!
by: Anonymous

Hey, it helps if you go for a long easy run with a friend. Talk during your warm up or cool down and then enjoy the company. Perhaps you'll get a different point of view from her insight.

Then bring home a latte or some ice cream for your husband. Hopefully you'll both be calm and ready to talk by then.