How long have you been running?

This Fat Girl Runs · 23-07-2014 10:31am #1

Me, I hit my one year runniversary yesterday, went for a run to celebrate!

Made me wonder, how long everyone else has been running. Months? Years? Decades?!

RayCun · 23-07-2014 10:32am

coming up to five years this autumn

rodge68 · 23-07-2014 10:45am

11 months, Not very fast, not very far but loving it at the age of 46 !

23-07-2014 10:49am

About 5 years now. It has changed a lot in that time, starting off with the can I do 5k/can I do 10k in the first couple of years, to can I do a half marathon, to doing a marathon, then injury meant I avoided roads and went on mountains, and now it's longer distance trail runs.

Laois_Man · 23-07-2014 10:53am

2 years since late June

When I started on that Thursday evening, on June 28 2012, I was initially focusing on keeping it up for one week. Never thought I'd be here more than 2 years later, still at it. It has changed my life!

vitani · 23-07-2014 11:17am

Just over 18 months. Started December 30, 2012 as an early New Year's Resolution

ultrapercy · 23-07-2014 12:05pm

Im running 20 years this September but its 18 since I ran my first race The Dublin Marathon 96. The running scene has changed a lot in that time. Things that runners now take for granted didnt exist in 94 eg gels, technical fiber clothing, gps watches, i pods(I used to run with a walkman the size and weight of a concrete block) foam rollers, the internet.etc etc. The racing scene is completely different too, in my area there were about 5 races in the year, now its common to have 2 races a day on summer weekends. Like every walk of life most of the changes have been positive and natural progress but on the other hand some things have been lost and I think the sport of Athletics is failing to capitalise on the boom in recreational running. Thats a topic for debate in another thread tho so I wont derail.

pconn062 · 23-07-2014 12:12pm

ultrapercy wrote: »

Im running 20 years this September but its 18 since I ran my first race The Dublin Marathon 96. The running scene has changed a lot in that time. Things that runners now take for granted didnt exist in 94 eg gels, technical fiber clothing, gps watches, i pods(I used to run with a walkman the size and weight of a concrete block) foam rollers, the internet.etc etc. The racing scene is completely different too, in my area there were about 5 races in the year, now its common to have 2 races a day on summer weekends. Like every walk of life most of the changes have been positive and natural progress but on the other hand some things have been lost and I think the sport of Athletics is failing to capitalise on the boom in recreational running. Thats a topic for debate in another thread tho so I wont derail.

Fancy starting a thread on that topic? I think it would be a great one to discuss.

On topic, I started running when I was 10 years old and ran with Dunleer AC until I was 13 and got distracted by music and teenager things. Started again 5 years ago when I was 21 and rejoined Dunleer 3 years ago, and enjoying (almost) every moment since then.

Cabaal · 23-07-2014 12:26pm

Started running in Feb 2010, enjoying almost every min of it since

HelenAnne · 23-07-2014 12:50pm

Signed up for Mini Marathon in spring 2010 (and ran it as my first race in June 2010); didn't do much in 2010. Joined Fit 4 Life section of Raheny Shamrock in Feb 2011, and have been running regularly since then.

Ososlo · 23-07-2014 1:13pm

2011 November: Started Couch 2 5k. Ran about 30 miles that year.
2012: Forcefully held myself back from tackling DCM and just got the miles in and a few half marathons. Ran 800 miles.
2013: Did a few halves and shorter races and a very comfortable DCM and ran 1,700 miles.
2014: Nearly at 1000 miles for the year and focusing on 5 and 10ks.
Enjoying every moment and it's changed my life too. Wish I'd discovered earlier.

Chivito550 · 23-07-2014 1:27pm

No real background in the sport as a youngster, except an annual bash at the West Leinster Schools from 2000-2003, doing the walk to get the day off school. Managed to medal twice and went to Leinsters, with 5th being my best.

Started doing some road races/ fun runs in early 2008, so about 6 and a half years ago now. However I don't feel comfortable counting this period of my life as running as I didn't know what I was doing, didn't train properly, and with the exception of the crossing the finish line bit, didn't particularly enjoy it.

It's a month shy of 3 years since I properly put the head down and focused on 400m, so I guess I have been running 3 years.

rainbow kirby · 23-07-2014 1:28pm

Started Couch to 5k just over 6 years ago - needed to lose weight after kicking my World of Warcraft addiction!

thewolf_ie · 23-07-2014 1:51pm

2 years this August.

overpronator · 23-07-2014 1:56pm

Just about hit my 2 years anniversary, doesn't seem like it :eek:

Duanington · 23-07-2014 2:07pm

coming up to 3 years but realistically its more like 2 years this month ( the first year was very start stop)

ecoli · 23-07-2014 2:42pm

ultrapercy wrote: »

Im running 20 years this September but its 18 since I ran my first race The Dublin Marathon 96.

And here was me thinking I was the only nutter around here who never got sense and "lived" life at some stage

.

Running 17 years since roughly May. Started as a hurdler however back then at around 11 or 12 you were in between hurdle heights so a year out of hurdling made me realise I didn't have the flat speed needed so I tried my hand at distance and been with it ever since (along with a bit of multi eventing and dabbling now and then)

To this day still loving every minute of it.

Like percy remember growing up and being told that "x loop is 8 miles" and you took their word for it no garmins or worry of pace just simply don't let the older people in the group drop you for as long as you could manage.

yaboya1 · 23-07-2014 2:51pm

4 years next Wednesday with a 14 month gap between October 2011 and January 2013. Only really training properly since last December though (2013).

rom · 23-07-2014 2:52pm

4 years this summer. Didn't enjoy the first year and half as I ran each run hard. Got a lot of guidance since improved as a result. Have had ups and downs but will be a runner for life.

BobMc · 23-07-2014 2:56pm

4 years this past April,
started out couch to 5k on treadmill, got the bug, havent looked back,
where once a 10k was a big deal to be well prepared for now I'd knock one out after my dinner on a weeknight

Tom Joad · 23-07-2014 2:58pm

Ran very badly when I was a youngster- my Dad trained the local Athletics club and I resented and hated running. It was in my teenage years :rolleyes:

Started running again 5 years ago to get fit for playing ball as I'd gone to pot after giving up GAA. Running properly nearly 3 years and off the smokes nearly 2 1/2 years. Wish I'd started back years ago.

This Fat Girl Runs · 23-07-2014 3:09pm

BobMc wrote: »

4 years this past April,
started out couch to 5k on treadmill, got the bug, havent looked back,
where once a 10k was a big deal to be well prepared for now I'd knock one out after my dinner on a weeknight

Awesome! Hoping to be where you are at someday! 10k is still a big challenge for me

I can do 5k in 40mins, but struggle with the longer 9/10k distances.

BobMc · 23-07-2014 3:39pm

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Awesome! Hoping to be where you are at someday! 10k is still a big challenge for me I can do 5k in 40mins, but struggle with the longer 9/10k distances.

All comes in good time, my first year was a real killer, ya have to keep at it and allways small steps up

Galadriel · 23-07-2014 4:15pm

3 months :eek:

Started the couch to 5k, I'm up to 20min runs at the moment but the hot weather is definitely slowing me down, I hope to catch this 'bug' soon that I hear runners talking about. I guess it just takes time, I am very unfit so to be able to run 20min is an achievement I suppose!

whelzer · 23-07-2014 4:46pm

Almost 6 months of "outside" running, up till then I was able to do about 5k on a threadmil.

So far this year I've done about 8 races including two!! last week Liberties 6K and the Fingal 10K. Loving every minute of it. Long term aim is to get faster eg 45 min 10K (and to look a bit like a runner)...

Race series 10mile and half marathon to come!

willowthewisp · 23-07-2014 5:21pm

Since I left the house....

Windorah · 23-07-2014 11:41pm

I am running about 10 years now. I took it up to impress a boy (he liked sporty girls apparently!). Needless to say he wasn't impressed but I was hooked.

I love getting my runners on, iPod in and out the door. No plan, no time frame, just for the pure love of running!!

Mint Sauce · 24-07-2014 12:02am

End of 2010/start of 2011. Since then there has been 3 5ks, several 8ks/10ks/10miles, 3 Warriors Runs, 3 Half Marathons, and 1 Full Marathon. In just over a few weeks running my First Adventure Race, the Gaelforce West, Warriors Run No4 hopefully a week later, and all being well, Half Marathon No4 in September.

Krusty_Clown · 24-07-2014 9:35am

2007 gave up smoking. Ran my first 10k: 52 mins. Ran half marathon: 1:52.
2008 Picked up a Garmin. Ran my second half marathon, first marathon: 3:25
...
..
.
2014 Lost count of marathons. Garmin has tracked 16,445.14 miles of running. Permanently tired. Struggle going up the stairs. Still miss the cigarettes. Happier and healthier.

Gringo78 · 24-07-2014 10:07am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Struggle going up the stairs.

Is that the drink or the running?

Do you now have a faster beer mile than your 2007 self mile PB?

MisterDrak · 24-07-2014 10:20am

Started running when I turned 40, in 2006, ran DCM that year with longest training run before it at 10 miles.

Not much in 2007 and 2008 bar the DCM race series. Took things a bit more seriously in 2009 and 2010.

Set all of my PB's last year from 5K to the marathon...

Probably going to run until I cant anymore, or I'm 6 foot under !!!

The Muppet · 24-07-2014 10:32am

Started Couch to 5k at the end of january 2013. Another late convert, I was 48 then, I wish I'd have started about 20 year ago . My motivation was health related and have to say its the best think I've ever done for so may reasons , I absolutely love it. I usually run 5 days each week and from anywhere 3 to 5 miles each run. Planning on upping the distance in time but want to have a solid base to work on.

Before I started I used to see people out running in the rain and think they were lunatics, now I love running in the rain , I don't know if that means I was wrong about them being lunatics or if I am now one myself.

Krusty_Clown · 24-07-2014 10:43am

Gringo78 wrote: »

Is that the drink or the running?

Do you now have a faster beer mile than your 2007 self mile PB?

I'd have to go back and dig-up my notes (in 2007 I used a Polar watch/strap). Here's my first recorded Garmin training run though. A rather impressive 5k in 23:25. So my beer mile is slower than my first recorded Garmin running mile!

RunningFree 2014 · 24-07-2014 10:52am

I started running around New Years with the aim of being able to complete the Operation Transformation run and haven't looked back since! I did that run and several others and have my sights set on the Dublin Series 10 mile and Half Marathon now. I was never sporty or athletic before this so its been a huge lifestyle change and probably one of the best decisions I have ever made!

kchsligo · 24-07-2014 11:14am

Proper running started when I did DCM back in 1996 after a three month training program. On and off for quite a few years before picking it back up again.
Have now completed 4 marathons with my most recent being my best.
Love the feeling of getting out running, even in conditions that make most of the people I know think I'm a bit soft in the head.

Woden · 24-07-2014 11:35am

Started the C25K in Aug 2012 to aid weight loss with dieting.

Did my first Parkrun Oct 2012 in 30:35. My first 10k in Jan 2013, Half in April 2013 and DCM last year at which point I'd lost just over 5 stone.

I should get over a 1000 miles for the year this week and weight has been fairly stable since October.

jebuz · 24-07-2014 12:15pm

Jan 2011 - started running 3-5 miles 3/4 times a week. Target was to stop messin around and get fit once and for all
April 2011 - first proper 10k (44mins)
June 2011 - first half marathon (1:36)
Oct 2012 - first marathon (2:59), joined club
March 2013 - 2nd marathon, went travelling for 9 months but still ran a bit
2014 - straight back into it with 3rd marathon, manically obsessed

so 3+ years really

Billy Mills · 24-07-2014 12:41pm

1992-1998 had a half decent High School/ College running career.

Stress fracture hell for a year.

Quit running and gained 25 lbs (until 2011)

Started back 3 years ago and just now starting to come back into the kind of shape I want. Giving up the sport for 13 years was idiotic to say the least!

claralara · 24-07-2014 3:40pm

It's in my nature and education to take a precedent, amend it to suit the circumstances and charge an extortionate amount for the pleasure :cool:

Late 2009 Tried to ease off being pretty fond of the 3rd and 4th level education lifestyle of (ahem!) studying during the day and consuming death defying concoctions of alcohol and durty burgers during the night. Ran my first 10k: 63 mins. Ran half marathon: 2:04.

2011 Picked up a Garmin. Ran my second half marathon, first marathon: 4:28 in Connemara.

2013 Trained under the guidance of a great :rolleyes: and with an indescribable OCD problem to break the 3 hour marathon barrier in DCM: 2:57.

2014 Haven't yet lost count of marathons - 11. Garmin has tracked many miles of running - cannot be exact as I'm not THAT much of a nerd. Sometimes tired and struggle going up the stairs after the first couple of 20 milers in a marathon training program and every single club session. Do not miss the college lifestyle at all but wouldn't trade the memories for the world. Happier and healthier. Not in the slightest bit more mature.

roseybear · 24-07-2014 3:49pm

Started when the local club started in 1997 - I was 7 yrs old. Up until then I was a spectator in the buggy/side of the track. 2014 and still going but not so much with the original group.

jake1970 · 24-07-2014 5:42pm

started running august 2012 and loved it from the off.

2500 miles later and still loving it.

Finnt · 24-07-2014 8:36pm

That's serious going claralara going from 4:28 to sub 3 in 2 years, fair play.

PVincent · 24-07-2014 8:59pm

Started as a kid in Community Games and then a bit of Cross country in secondary school. Got injured training for 1981 marathon as a 19 yr old but ran the 1982 dublin marathon ( hit the wall at Fairview and don't remember much about the last 3miles ) . Then other sports (rugby and hockey) until I retired from team sport and began training for the New York marathon in 2003. And it's been a joy ever since . Berlin this September and then just have to do Boston to complete the Marathon majors.

lewlew · 24-07-2014 9:28pm

Galadriel wrote: »

3 months :eek:

Started the couch to 5k, I'm up to 20min runs at the moment but the hot weather is definitely slowing me down, I hope to catch this 'bug' soon that I hear runners talking about. I guess it just takes time, I am very unfit so to be able to run 20min is an achievement I suppose!

Oh I feel exactly the same. I was up to 25 mins on the C25k. I went on holiday am back a couple of week's now. I got right back in and was able to run no problem. But since this hot spell I am really struggling. The running bug only kicked in for me when I was able to run for 20 mins. I am bit disheartened at the mo as I have to walk at intervals in this hot weather. I just cant handle running but dont want to loose where I've got too!

Krusty_Clown · 24-07-2014 9:30pm

PVincent wrote: »

then just have to do Boston to complete the Marathon majors.

Including Tokyo? :eek:

Ruu · 24-07-2014 9:33pm

November 2009 was my first 5k run out of the blue. Since then multiple marathons, 50ks, 50 milers (and an 100 mile attempt this year). Great release, would be lost without running.

This Fat Girl Runs · 24-07-2014 9:38pm

Just gotta say, I love reading all your stories about how you started running. It's really inspiring to see how far people have come and how determined everyone is.

Keep it coming!

FITZA · 24-07-2014 10:10pm

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Just gotta say, I love reading all your stories about how you started running. It's really inspiring to see how far people have come and how determined everyone is. Keep it coming!

An oldie here:D Started running in 1974, under 10 - BLOE then not AAI. Was never very good but was dragged along to 'make up the team' for various competitions through my teens and 20s. Started doing 10ks in my 20s and loved them...again not particularly good at them. Continued running through my 30s and most of my 40s but didn't compete much in anything (mostly to keep weight in check:D). In April 2012 did a local 10k and have been running and training for 10ks since. My 10k time in 2012 was around 57mins, my best - April 2014 (and don't think I will better it) is 46.08 in the K Club 10k:), my first run in the over 50 category!!. Once I introduced tempo runs, LSRs and intervals into my training my times came down. I hope to continue running and enjoying it for a long time...if the body allows it:D

Murph_D · 24-07-2014 10:26pm

Took it up in summer 2011, aged 50, during a transitional period when a new work environment presented a good opportunity to quit the smokes. There was a gym available so started on the treadmill to help with the withdrawal symptoms. In 2012 I started running outside and did first 5k event. After doing the Frank Duffy 10 mile that August I thought I might be able to manage a marathon and did it in 4:02 with lots of help from the mentored novice thread that year. Second DCM last year in 3:46; training now for Berlin. I enjoy the training and try to do six or seven races a year, as well as regular parkruns. I really enjoy participating in races. I'm no speedster, I'm a pack runner. When I started I hoped to finish anywhere in the first 50 percent of finishers, now I'm slowly moving up and am usually somewhere around the 25-30 percent mark, depending on the event - not that anyone's counting!

RayCun · 24-07-2014 10:35pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Including Tokyo? :eek:

the real majors

24-07-2014 10:42pm

4 months this Sunday. Started a running class (similar to couch to 5k) on 27th March.

The night before last I ran 12kilometres.

Last night I stood at the boathouse at the end of Bray promenade and remembered that last year, I was unable to run from there to the Sea Life centre - a distance of around 600 metres.

I'm now completely addicted and have the Warrior's run in Sligo, and the Dublin half marathon coming up over the next two months

How long have you been running?

Comments