Diary of a Newbie Runner: Life of Leisure Gone Awry

{By Ellery Sadler}

I never thought of myself as a devoted runner, or a very willing one. I always ran because it was something I just did. People in my family run, and while I occasionally felt the ‘runners high’ it was rare and normally only after a grueling hour and a half of misery. It was after one of these long runs (9 miles to be precise) I felt a twinge of pain in my knees... not really a twinge actually, more like a searing pain. And that was the day a tragedy happened.

At first I did not realize it was a tragedy – it felt like a wonderful little break from my running routine.

 My knees were actually hurting too badly to run. Tragedy? I don’t think so. My first week of rest was delightful, relaxing, and made me wonder why I’d ever run in the first place. I got up in the morning to beautiful days without any sweat or tears. (By the way I don’t normally cry when I run, except for once or twice when I was in extreme pain, but it sounded good in that sentence.) So the first week rolled around. Life as a couch potato was looking pretty good.

The second week came and I began to get a little desperate, after all, I had a half marathon to run in only four more weeks, so I started doing strength training two or three times a weeks, to at least keep up what muscle I had. That was all fine and good. I was planning on running the next week.

Week three. I tried to trot a little on the treadmill – trot, mind you, not even run – and the results were negative. I knew that my knees were injured and if I kept running they’d only get worse. They hurt for the rest of the day and I knew there was no way I was doing that again anytime soon. My heart began to sink. What if I never got to run again? It had been three weeks since that awful 9 miles … and they were still hurting. Life as a couch potato was looking pretty bleak.

By week four I was very desperate. I’d never wanted to run so bad in my life. How ironic is that? Me wanting to run?! But it was true and I had to face the awful truth: that silly saying ‘you never know how much you have until you lose it’ was right. I wanted to run. And I couldn’t.  Maybe I only wanted to because I couldn’t … whatever the reason I wanted to run. Resting for one week is bliss. Resting for two weeks is fine. Three weeks is ok. Four weeks is misery. A life of leisure is not fun or exciting. So I decided if I couldn’t run, I’d do something. I started doing P90X every morning and do you know what I discovered? You can sometimes get a ‘runner’s high’ doing strength training! And that is pretty cool.

By week five I knew I wouldn’t be able to do that half marathon. I was disappointed. This was going to be my moment of glory, the goal I at last, after hours of pain and heartache, achieved, my crowning moment, but I was destined not to reach it, at least for the time being. Now, since I am a Christian writing this for a fundamentally Christian blog, I could go all moral-of-the-story and tell you how this relates to more than just running, after all, we will always face disappointment in life, and this running experience is a wonderful cheesy analogy of …. But I’ll skip that.  The point is, much to my great surprise, I actually miss running. And if you learn anything from my experience it should be this: don’t train exclusively on pavement. It you have a soft, sandy dirt road right beside your house – use it. Oh, and don’t forget you never know how much you enjoy something until you can’t do it anymore, even if while you are doing it you think you hate it. Don’t believe yourself. You love it. 

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Diary of a Newbie Runner: Crazy Resolutions and Lost in a Strange City

{by Ellery Sadler}

Smart people stick to conservative New Year’s resolutions, ones they know they can keep, or refuse to make them at all. Me? I like to go for the daring, the amazing, the unimaginably scary resolutions... such as sign up for a half-marathon! Yep that’s right: I, a timid runner, sane, and normal person just signed up for that crazy thing only crazy people do. And what’s more – I’m telling you about it. Now I can’t back out.

A week into my training plan we went down to South Carolina. I, hoping for a leisurely vacation, was surprised when my older sisters and mom enthusiastically prepared for a run that Saturday morning. What’s more, my dad was going along too. Determined not to be outdone, I grudgingly laced up my running shoes, grimly shoved in my earplugs, and covered my face in sunglasses. I love sunglasses - if they're big, they can cover enough of your face that even if you’re hot and tired you can still look good. I glanced in the mirror and saw a super-fit, chic, marathon champion staring back at me. Ok, this was looking good. 

As we headed out it was decided we would try a new route, a small gravel path along the marsh that our friends had told us about. They said it was only about three miles. Did that mean three miles there and back? Or three miles there and three miles back? I warily eyed the winding path through the woods. I’ll bet it was three out and three back. The path had large, southern-style houses and woods on one side, and a beautiful marsh on the other. It really was quite scenic but I wasn’t going to be taken in by its beauty. I’d had a scenic six-miler before and almost died.

We ran. And ran. And ran. I was beginning to be in pain. My mom, the athletic running-machine, was encouraging me and my dad to keep going, Hailey was up ahead jamming to her music, Brittany kept sporadically reminding me of how ‘beautiful!’ and ‘gorgeous!’ the scenery was. It didn’t look so great to me. This trail never ends. I caught up with Hailey and voiced my concern in a low whisper. What if this trail literally went all the way up the South Carolina coast? I could already see the headlines: “Family Lost on Scenic Run Leaving Two Children and Three Guinea Pigs Stranded in Strange City.” It was looking pretty bleak.

We passed a young couple, a large group with a few dogs, and a dad with a toddler and they all seemed to know where they were going. We did not. We just kept running. The problem I’ve found with scenic places is that it all looks the same and it’s very easy to get lost. How do you tell one tree from the next? Did we turn at the big tree? Or was it that other big tree? I looked at my watch in desperation - we’d been out for forty-five minutes and counting. I whispered in a low tone to Hailey “I think we’d better go back.” She agreed!

But not my mom or Brittany. No, they decided that we should go back on the actual road and not the little path. We were forty-five minutes down a trail and they wanted to cut across the road and head back through a complicated neighborhood. Now, it is well known in my family that I have no sense of direction whatsoever, so if I ever say go one way everyone goes the opposite… but I could tell that neither of them knew where we were or how to get home either. This was looking even bleaker. We turned left down a pavement street. And left again. And again. Yep, we were lost. I could tell by that depressed feeling that came over my soul. I would have to run miles and miles to get home…if we ever got home at all.

But to my surprise after a few more turns we were right back where we started and Brittany, with a triumphant smile, headed around the lake for a victory lap, feeling too good to come home with us quite yet. I breathed a sigh of surprised relief and headed back to the house. A narrow escape. Sure death of either starvation or exhaustion was averted once again. I came. I ran. I returned. Glancing in the mirror I saw a panting, slightly crippled, red-faced me. Hhhmm. Normal. 

One week of training down. Thirteen more to go. 

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One Thing Every Girl Needs to Know

{by Natalie Torbert}

There are a few things that I feel strongly about: some aspects of politics, my Redskins, and self-defense. Many of my soapbox speeches tend to revolve around the fact that I believe every girl needs to have some kind of basic self-defense training. Rocky Balboa puts it best when he says, "The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place..."

The world has evolved past the Leave It To Beaver place that it was where six-year-old kids would ride their bikes to the soda shop. Now, not only are there a shortage of kid-friendly soda shops, but six year olds are used to holding hands with their parent just to cross the street. Back in the day, the “bad” parts of town were usually confined to one area. Now the “bad” parts of town are our streets, our parking garages, and even our malls. Every day we read of people getting taken. While I am not a nay-saying pessimist, I am a realist. I see that we live in a broken, dangerous world.

About three years ago, I decided that I was not going to be complacent with my personal safety. I didn’t want to become another statistic, rather I wanted to be able to intelligently defend myself if my personal wellbeing was ever in question. I knew that the odds of a 13 year old getting a concealed carry permit were slim, so I decided to learn self-defense. I took the plunge and joined an MMA gym, studying the discipline of Krav Maga, which is the self-defense system for the Israeli military. It is  is basically a melting pot of a large number of Martial Arts disciplines and is specially designed to be applicable to victims of unexpected attacks such as at an ATM, a car jacking, or in a parking lot..

Now, I was blessed with finding a gym that was not only reputable in the MMA training community with a high caliber of coaches, but was also a safe training environment for me both physically and spiritually. Most of my fellow trainees are former marines who are big and tough and they are rough with me because they want to make sure I will be able to escape an attack, should one ever occur. I understand that many of you who are reading this will not have such ready access to a “MMA” gym or would simply not consider entering one,  and that is fine. The scope of this article is self-defense; it is not “Every Girl Needs to Become a Pro Fighter”!

There are great options available to all of us.  Kickboxing classes at the YMCA and wrestling classes at the Gold’s Gym are just a start. L.A. Boxing franchises are popping up everywhere.  And if a live-gym is not for you, there are fabulous DVD’s to teach beginners to the most advanced athletes..   In Part 2 of this article, I will share some ideas on how to get started.  But before I do that, let me suggest you watch Miss Congeniality and begin practicing SING on your little brother.  (I’m only kidding about the brother part; a pillow will suffice!)

Sadly, the world has changed. Gone are the days of kids running around outside apart from the watching eye of a parent, and gone are the days of nearly guaranteed safety for teenage girls. Also gone is the luxury of complacency. As young women, we need to be able to intelligently defend ourselves if put in a circumstance that would require it. I am not advocating fighting or recklessly placing ourselves in danger, but I am advocating self defense training (whether basic or in depth) for girls everywhere. 


Natalie Torbert has been homeschooled (and loving it) since the fifth grade. She loves sports, almost to a fault, and maintains that the Redskins are going to win the Superbowl at least once in her lifetime.  Her favorite birthday present was tickets to see the Washing Capitals hockey team play (and win!) and her dream job is to be a color commentator for the UFC. She has trained MMA for the past 3 years and has an amateur record of three wins and one loss.

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Diary of a Newbie Runner: It Used To Be Torture

{by Ellery Sadler}

I’m scared of long runs. They scare me because they are long. And the farther you go the farther you have to come back. My sisters tell me that everyone feels somewhat like they are dying at the end of a long run. I believe them, I just happen to know for a fact I am much closer to the edge of the grave than anyone else. So I decided, instead of running on the road, I would run on our torturemill…I mean treadmill. (I have heard that treadmills were first used as a method of torture and I believe it and think about it every time I run on one.)

I slipped on my fabulous new shoes and began running.  Problem with treadmills: you never go anywhere. No matter if you run for ten minutes or sixty, you stay in exactly the same place the entire time. It’s really really boring. So I decided to chew gum. I had music blaring in my ears, legs churning, mouth chewing. Much more interesting.

Time ticked slowly by, after about 40 minutes I start to get really tired. I stare at my reflection in the window…but maybe the reflection is distorted. I look down at my shirt, dripping with sweat. Nope, the reflection is not distorted. I start to talk to myself. “You can do this.” “Just 20 more minutes.” “Go – go – go.” (My goal for that day was to run for an hour.) And I turn my music up and start tapping the air with my hands to the beat of my music, or at least, what I think might be the beat. I can’t tell the beat unless it is very pronounced, so normally I just tap the air to whatever timing seems good to me.

I pop a new piece of gum in and feel a surge of energy. This is good. I’m going to make it. And then my side starts to ache, my knees begin to get weak and feel like they are going to crumble, and my head aches. I stare at the clock on the treadmill with the intensity of one quickly moving towards insanity – that’s when you know you’ve almost reached the end of your run. I grab my iPod, flip to one of my favorite songs, turn the music even louder, chew faster and keep running.

And then…the ten minutes is up and I sink to the ground in a grateful heap. I reached my goal…and surpassed it, by two minutes. But wait there’s more – Amazon woman has told herself she will do 20 sit ups after her run, so she lays down to do them. But once I lay on the ground there is no reason I have to get up… in fact I’m not sure I can get up. I almost choke on my gum and do the 20 sit ups. Feeling victorious, I crawl to my knees, smile blandly at myself in the mirror and walk out for my reward – a handful of well-earned M&M’s. Thank goodness no one watches me while I run….they’d probably think I was crazy.  

Come to think of it, maybe I am. After all, that thing used to be used for torture. And I'm not convinced that that isn't what we are still using it for today.

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Running: Just Start

{Samantha Roose}

I can’t believe that just 4 years ago I couldn’t even run once around the track (once around the track is about a quarter of a mile)!  Literally, I would barely make it all the way around the track.  More often than not I would finish my one arduous lap almost in tears and wheezing uncontrollably.  Now, I can run 5, 6, 10 miles on an ordinary day—without wheezing or crying!

I’m here to encourage you.  You might be in the same place I was four years ago.  Skipping the game of tag with your friends and siblings because…“I mean what’s the point, I’m the slowest any ways and I can’t ever tag anyone except the itty-bitty ones,” you’re thinking.  “So I’ll just sit and read or play on the swings while you run around.”  And, while you’re doing your own thing, subconsciously you’re wishing you could join the fun and not always be left behind or laughed at. 

Okay, tag still isn’t my favorite game in the world but it sure is nice to have the confidence and ability to run and NOT be left behind.  So, if you’re where I was, don’t be discouraged.  I’ve been there too.  Besides, there’s always a beginning.  It’s not like you were born walking and running anyways.  You can do it.  Start simple.

Begin by putting sneakers on and going outside.  Pick a target distance, about 2-3miles.    Hang in there.  I’m not going to ask you to run all 2 miles.  Start by running.  Go as far as you can without killing yourself.  Then walk.  Walk until you regain your breath and feel strong enough to run again.  Repeat the cycle until you complete the total distance.  (The distance of walking and running combined should equal you goal distance.  In other words, your walking distance counts toward your target distance).

After you’ve done that 3-5 times, make your running sections a little bit longer and/or a little bit faster.  Do that 3-5 times and then see if you can do the whole distance without walking once!  I bet you can.  

If you don’t have a trail nearby or a path that you can exercise on find a track.  Jog once around the track then walk once around the track.  Repeat until you’ve reached your target distance (about 2mi).  After you’ve done that 3-5 times, make your recovery walks shorter (about a half track).  If you’re ready for more, up the distance you run (1 ½ track jog, ½ track recovery walk).  Now that you’ve done that workout 3-5 times try to run the entire distance.  You’ll be surprised. 

If you need some motivation consider getting a friend to exercise with you or sign up for a race (I would recommend a 5k for starters, which is about 3mi).   Not only does a friend help hold you accountable, because someone’s waiting for you at the track or on the trail but talking to a friend distracts you from the discomfort and provides great relational time!  Signing up for a race makes sure you actually train. 

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Run Long (And Love It!)

{by Rebecca Florio}

On September 10, I crossed the finish line of my first half-marathon. Even though I had trained for this moment all summer long, I could hardly believe it had come. Only six months ago I could barely squeak out three miles, and now I had just run 13.1 with an official time of 2:08.

It was a journey, to say the least. One I wasn’t sure if I would ever see the end of, but now I’m so glad I did not give up.  I learned so much along the way -- about perseverance, my limitations, and God’s strength in my weakness -- that was worth all the aching muscles. You can read my full recap of the race at my blog.

If I could go from virtually not running at all, to running thirteen miles at a time, I believe any one can! Trust me, I am no one special -- I just needed to overcome my fear of long runs. To my great surprise, my long runs became a highlight of my week! Here are eight simple tricks to increase increase mileage and learn to love it.

1. Start small. Don’t try to jump into seven mile run right away if you’ve never run more than three. Trying to reach an unattainable goal is just going to lead to frustration and burn-out. I like to focus on increasing running time rather than distance. So if right now you can run for twenty minutes, try to work up to twenty-five and then thirty and so on. Small changes really do add up! 

2. Go slow and steady! A huge part of running longer is learning to pace yourself. Think of your energy as a piggy bank. You don’t want to spend it all during the first ⅓ of your run, but you need to spread it out evenly so you can make it to the end. Keep to a breathable pace where you can hold small conversation.

3. Learn to fuel. If you want to run far, you’re going to need to give your body the energy it needs. 1-2 hours before you run, eat a carbohydrate-rich, low-fiber snack or meal (depending on how much you’ve eaten today or how long you expect to be running). Choose something you know your body digests well. This isn’t the time to try a new Chinese dish or spicy taco. Some of my favorite pre-run foods are banana with peanut butter (the potassium settles your stomach and the PB offers some staying power), banana toast, or a homemade trail mix of dry cereal, dried fruit (dates are great!), and almonds. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to digest -- there is nothing more unpleasant than having your breakfast sitting like a rock in your stomach. And of course on of the best parts about running is refueling :). After your long run, focus on protein to rebuild and repair your muscles. A huge fruit-yogurt-protein powder smoothie is my favorite post-race snack.

4. Cross-train. You can’t go on a long run every day. Your muscles need time to repair and rebuild and you need a break from pounding the pavement. When training for the half-marathon I averaged about four runs a week --  1-2 long runs (seven miles or more) and 2-3 shorter runs (anywhere from two to five miles). It’s a good idea to designate a few days a week for other types of exercise -- biking, hiking, walking, weights, abs, etc -- to target different muscles. The stronger your whole body is, the farther you’ll be able to run without pain.  

5. Go early! I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite excuses for running is “I don’t have time.” And it’s true. Running takes time. I’ve found that setting my alarm and setting out for a run first thing in the morning is much more effective than trying to squeeze out a block of time once my day has started. It’s also the best way to beat the heat of the sun! I’ve really grown to love morning runs for the energy they give me the rest of the day.  

6. Find a running buddy. I am so grateful for my sister Elizabeth who trained with me and for three other friends that met us every week for a long run. The motivation and company was invaluable.

7. Listen to a sermon/audio book. Use your running time wisely! Download a sermon, Bible audio, or recorded devotional to your playlist. Sometimes, I zone out once the eighth song starts playing, but I’ve found that a dynamic speaker or story keeps my attention off my heavy breathing and aching feet and gives me other things to think about. Win!  

8. Everyone has bad runs. The day before our half-marathon, I went for one last run. It was just going to be a quick and easy three miles, to release some pre-race jitters. Well, it was awful. First of all, the only time I had was 2:00pm, the hottest part of a very hot afternoon. I had been out all day and not eaten for hours (note to self: a pumpkin spice latte does not adequate fuel make). I got a side-stitch during the first mile and ended up having to walk up most of the hills. Bad runs are frustrating, but they do happen, for any number of reasons. The best thing we can do is not give up, but lace up our sneakers and head out again.

Thank God for the strength that He does give you and ask Him to help you not focus on your own weaknesses for on His grace. We can run for God’s glory!

“I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last?....If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.” 

- Chariots of Fire 

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