Do you work out because you love or hate your body? AND PACING RACES!

Being a pacer sounds awesome!!! I feel like my relationship with my body got better after I had a baby as well. I wanted to be healthy for her when I was pregnant, and I want to be healthy for her now. That doesn’t meant that emotional issues never arise, and I don’t have some negative feelings sometimes, but overall I exercise because it makes me feel good and I know it is good for my body :)

Right now I am more towards hating my body… 8 weeks post baby is just an awkward time. But once things tighten back up (

I think you would be such a good pacer! You’re always so upbeat on the blog, if you bring that great positive energy to your pace group it would be so helpful to the other runners! I ran with a pace group at my last half marathon for a few miles and it was really nice. I don’t love talking a lot when I run though so I eventually went off on my own, but the miles I did with the group was nice!

I really truly do love working out. It’s absolutely the best part of my day. I love challenging myself in new ways, watching my body transform and become strong. I must admit years ago before my “transformation” and weight loss I dreaded the thought of working out. It really is true that when you find something active you like it automatically becomes part of your life.

I paced a half marathon once. It was the most fun race I have ever done because I didn’t feel like I had to run it fast. I talked to a bunch of awesome ladies who were aiming for a 2:30 and finished below that.

You do get a cool shirt that says pacer, but I have to be careful where I wear it because I wore it to another race (a 5K/10K) once and someone on the course thought I was pacing that race (it has my local running store’s logo on the front and looks exactly like my ambassador shirt from the store minus the pacer writing on the back). And it’s a free race entry, really good way to use a race as your own long run for yourself and also help people meet a goal. You should do it.

I am somewhere on the middle of that spectrum… I definitely have those runs where I am venting stress or whatever’s going on in life, and sometimes I love my body, sometimes I hate it. Just depends on the day and how I feel, but no matter what happens going into the workout or run I usually feel pretty good about myself when I’m finished :).

you should TOTALLY be a pacer- I feel like everyone would want to run in your pace group because you would be so entertaining and motivating!!

I’m in awe of pacers. I chatted with one guy who had paced many races and he said one time he ended up with a bad calf cramp with 8 miles to go and he just had to suck it up (he didn’t tell anyone during the race since he didn’t want anyone worrying.). But even with that “scary” story, he loves it and will continue to do it. He just says you’ve got to pick a pace you feel very comfortable completing.

At some point in my life I’ve been A through D. Right now, I’m definitely more of a B. Probably because I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life (even after cranking out kids) so I’m very appreciative of what my body is capable of.

Definitely option B. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 on my 26th birthday. She passed away at age 58. Too, too young. Since then, my mindset has been about taking care of me and running/cycling/eating right (most of the time) is a huge part of that. Now I’m 50 and very in tune with my body even with major hormonal changes going on. My biggest problem has been elevated blood pressure – it’s always lowest after a run or ride, so I’m giving it what it craves.

Love your picture of Spikey! I started reading your blog about 2 months before Brooke was born – thanks for sharing her with us, she’s a doll!

I think you should pace. Think of it as a group run to meet new people. I bet it would be a good way to remind yourself why you love running.

I run because I love it so much, at one point I did it to be skinny and stay skinny because I was not a fan of my body. Then it became my therapy and helped me deal with my low body esteem. I started lifting about eight months ago because I knew my legs were weak from sitting all day long at work and it was affecting my running. Then I started to fall in love with lifting. I loved seeing myself get stronger and what I am capable of. I think runinng and working out is something I do to challenge myself and see what I can enhance not change.

Used to run because I felt like it would change something about my body. Now I run because I love the way I feel when I run…strong…capable…clear-minded. Able to tackle hard things.

I love running because it makes me stronger.

I definitely fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I used to not love my body, so I worked out to feel better and improve what I felt like needing improving. Now, I do it to stay sane, I do it because I love maintaining a healthy weight, I do it because it helps me sleep, and I do it because I know in the long run, this is a good habit that I’ve made. Great post!

Oh I think you should totally be a pacer! I am always fascinated by the pacer people because it has to be challenging to keep running with the sign at a consistent set pace….In terms of why I run, it’s definitely B and sometimes D but never A. I always liked my body and respected what I was born with, even when I was a chubby kid for a few years growing up.

I started working out because I SERIOUSLY disliked my body, But as I started running, I’ve progressed to loving it for being in shape and strong, and it isn’t about being skinny anymore, but rather the lengths I can stretch my body to physically as an athlete. I love that feeling.

If you would have asked me that question five years ago, the answer would have been A., but now I think it’s moved to C. I exercise because I know my body needs it, but I also like the fact that it makes my body look half way decent (and allows me to eat a little more chocolate…hehe).

I love running with pace groups during races so you should totally be a pacer. Plus you’re so positive all the time, so you’re perfect for the job!

Ummm…would love to have you try out your first pacing gig by pacing me to my BQ. It would be a comfy pace for you…beautiful Maine during the month of May!! Whaddya think ;-)

I used to hate my body as a teenager and for some weird reason I thought swimming for my high school team would be a good idea. I guess, in a way it turned out that way. I was forced to wear a suit in front of my peers and since I loved swimming so much I grew to be okay with feeling half-naked around the pool deck. I run know for the good it does my body and, more importantly, my mind.

I’ve never been a pacer. I don’t think I could do it. I need to be running much longer than I have been. My pace is always all over the place!

I think I am working out more recently to lose weight, but not so much because I dislike my body. I’d say it’s more like I am trying to take care of myself, and trying to love my body more. I need to drop 60lbs, so I wouldn’t say I completely love my body yet…but I am getting there.

I really needed this post!! Right now I am a mix between ABC and D but yet those are things I want not necessarily what I do everyday!!! I will get into these awesome routines of regular exercise and because of that I will eat better and my body will change in great ways. A long time ago I lost a lot of weight with eating well and less and exercise! As soon as a I got a real teaching job, I was stressed and tired and quit exercise and I’ve struggled with my weight ever since. It is so annoying though because I wish exercise was just a habit and routine…part of my daily schedule…I hate to make excuses but I get home stressed and tired and just sleepy.

I am getting married in June and my fiancé runs and works out everyday and lost 70lbs and just changed his lifestyle all around. He is so inspiring and we are taking a form running class together so we can start running together again (he is so much faster than me!)

How do you make daily exercise a habit?!!!!! Just force yourself to do it everyday? But then what if you get burnout or just unmotivated?!

You would think looking my best for myself (comfortable in my own skin!) and getting to run and hangout with my future husband would be enough to get me off the couch!

Come pace with RunYourRace pacers!! You would be amazing. Pacing has given me the opportunity to enjoy so many races without any of the stress and pressure. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone achieve a goal they’ve worked so hard for.

I think we all have those days where we don’t like the way we look or feel; for the most part though, I’m a B. I love my body (not everyday, but I do) and I run for ME. I like fruits and veggies.. and burgers.. and donuts. And, I’m healthy and happy and about to run my first marathon.

What shorts are you wearing? They look super cute! :)

And, what do you mean by “why are leaving this place”?! Did I miss something?!

I used to run to get skinnier. Now I eat hearty foods to get faster.

26.2 > any number the scale will ever show you!

I’m somewhere between C and D. I hope I can slowly lean more and more towards the b!

When I was in my early 20s, I definitely worked out because I disliked my body and wanted to make it ‘better’. Now that I’m almost 30, working out is all about the mental aspect for me. I love having the time to myself to clear my mind and relieve stress.

I agree with you…I’m definitely closer to B than I have ever been. After going through some exercise and eating issues you kind of figure out that the body you have is pretty rockin’ ;) Or at least I did. But I can’t say that the seasons of life don’t affect me sometimes. That’s a hard question to answer!

Pacer –> Until this fall, I never ran a race without trying to PR. I finally ran a half just to run it and it was my favorite race ever. And I loved my pacer. And now I want to be her. And you should be her too. With gummy bears and Starbursts because whenever I see spectators handing out those candies at races, I always think of YOU! Hahaha

Be a pacer! When I rely on pacers, they’re either (a) faster than the pace time, which pushes me, (b) slightly slower, which makes me feel fast because I eventually pass the pacer, or (c) just right, which is…just right. So you can’t lose…at least for runners like me. :)

Topic #1: I used to run to exercise – not out of dislike of my body; more like for health, but it was a chore: something I HAD to do. Then I started racing, loved it, and started running out of enjoyment and enjoyment of racing!
Topic #2: I haven’t officially paced, but I paced a friend in a race, and I really enjoyed it. I would say, though, it needs really good communication – like, “rules” when you start and know what your pacees expect. Overall, though, so much fun!

B) You want to give your body some good ol’ TLC because you love your body and want to treat it right by being healthy.

I have a masters in public health and there is a lot of research that shows people who exercise because they want to be healthy are better off physically and mentally than those who exercise to change the way they look!

This is my fav organization that talks about this kind of research: http://www.beautyredefined.net/lose-your-scale/

I started as A, being forever unhappy about my body.

And now I run everyday, and for the first time I can feel like B.

Love this post, makes me think of Kirstin Armstrong Blog, love her too.

I work out to stay healthy and because once you get to your 40’s, if you don’t work out, you have to pick things up off the floor to put them back in your clothing because, gravity. I don’t think that sounds too attractive. ;)

Seriously, I work out because I love the way it makes me feel. I sort of thrive on it.

Before having Harlow, when I had time to work out, I did it mostly because I wanted to streamline my body, but also because it made me feel like a badass. I was really into lifting, and nothing can make me feel tougher than lifting weights! Plus, I was also big into yoga, even looking into becoming an instructor right before I got pregnant, and that just made me feel amazing. I really miss it & it is one of my goals to get yoga back in my life in 2015!

I’m somewhere in the middle of the spectrum I think. Lately though I’ve found myself saying “I have to run X miles to become a better runner” versus “I have to run X amount of miles to get skinnier.” Body image is still something I struggle with, but it’s becoming a more manageable struggle as time goes on.

Really great post, and I love some of the comments you’ve gotten out of it.

I’m definitely changing from an A to a B, probably closer to a D right now.
I think getting older and having a daughter have helped a lot. I’m working on looking at and treating my body the way I want my daughter to look at and treat hers. That’s a little serious so I’m gonna through this in there-
Suddenly I’ve gone from being in “pretty good shape for 30-something” to being “in really good shape for 40” and I’m ok with that;-)

OK.. Ummm.. I NEED you to be my pacer for my next half in April. HOW FUN!

Deep down I am an A when it comes to working out. I realize that it is good for me and all that jazz, but honestly I am vain and do it to *try* and maintain a certain weight.
I have finally gotten to a place that I feel is realistic with my body image and where I want to be and what I can maintain. The crummy part is that I am not blessed with a body or metabolism that is very forgiving, it seems that if I even LOOK at junk food I gain weight, regardless of how much I work out, and being super short a few pounds is a big deal. It is a never ending battle for sure.

I think I’m both A & D at the moment. Right now I can’t run because of health problems which totally sucks. I definitely feel the only reason I do exercise is to lose weight and become healthier. I would love to get to a place where I exercise purely for myself and my happiness but I feel like in order to be in that place I have to love myself more than I do right now. I do feel like running has helped me overcome a lot of my body image issues and reminds me it’s more than just about losing weight, you get so much more from running!

Hey – I know I am late to the commenting party. I’ve been stuck in the hospital with my poor dad who fell and broke his leg on Christmas :( !

Anyway, I am a marathon pacer, so I wanted to chime in about it. I blogs about it a bit, and I am pacing the full distance for a marathon on February 22.

I got into it by running with a local track club. I naturally have a pretty consistent pace, and run negative splits for most of my races and training runs. I wasn’t even using a GPS watch when the club coach first approached me about pacing. I volunteered to pace training runs, and they gave me a GPS watch to keep things more exact. I paced groups of 10-20 runners for marathon training, at paces between 8:30 and 10:30 mins/mile.

After several months of that, I had the opportunity to “try out” for pro race pacing at the local RRCA 10k championships. I got a track club jersey and free race entry, and I was told to run perfect splits for a 47:00 finish. I hit my pace and got invited to pace a local marathon. I am still pacing training runs, and I have to attend 60% of all track club runs as an official pacer. In return, I get free entry to the marathon (duh) and all club sponsored races between now and then.

It’s a great way to meet runners, and it absolutely guarantees that you make all your training runs, rain or shine. I also love motivating other runners and cheering them on. I should also note that I never was “a runner” until adulthood. I was a USA and NCAA swimmer, but never competed seriously at running until this year.

I’ve thought about being a pacer. For better or worse, I run right at the same pace… always… I ran my first marathon a year ago, and my mile times really didn’t differ by more than 10-15 secs. But now I’m trying to improve times its not my favorite running “trait”. :) I still think about being a pacer in the future though!
Meanwhile I’m mostly in B), I have fibromyalgia (chronic pain and fatigue), and running helps so much with pain and my fatigue! Running is my time to recoup and gets me through my days- did I mention that running (and endorphins) is/are the best? And then the only way I do anything else- weight lifting, cross-training, etc is just to avoid injuries so that I can keep running.

I think being a pacer would be super scary but I can also see how inspiring it would be as well. I definitely am a C. I run to take care of my body but I also love the way running makes me feel.

A couple of thoughts-

Regarding working out: I generally get really sad for dogs that people don’t take on a walk. I’ve judged plenty of owners for being cruel to their poor puppies, keeping them locked up inside. Then I realized that’s what we do as humans to our poor selves. Now I try to take myself for a walk/run/something every day because otherwise I’m being truly inhumane.

Regarding pacing: definitely do it! I started pacing by pacing friends to goals in their marathons and half marathons. We actually have a program in our community to teach high school students to run marathons to help develop confidence, determination, and other great life skills. It’s kind of like Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, but with running. My advice it try pacing a friend first to see if you like it. Also, don’t pace a group too far off your own pace. I think ideal marathon pacing is around 20-35 min slower than your current fitness. If you get too much slower, you won’t realize when you are picking up pace in an uncomfortable way for your pace victims. Also, if you are going to pace, get used to building it into your training plans or you’ll lose your racing season. You need to be injury free to do a good job for the people relying on you.

I have never paced before but I think it would be so fun! I am going to put that on my running bucket list :)

Humm… I run for so many reasons.
I do love my body for the wonderful things it has given me – my kiddos, and the ability to feel strong.
When I don’t run I just feel off and cranky and blah.
I have definitely gone through periods when I haven’t been thrilled with my body, but in the back of my mind I know that running will make me fit and strong again.

I feel like I’m inbetween A and B as well, but think I’m closer to B than I have been in the past. I am pregnant right now and I’m definitely working out to stay healthy for my baby, and also for my sanity. I feel like I used to have “fat days” ALL.THE.TIME a several years ago…and to be honest a lot growing up as well. I realize that I do have somewhat of a distorted body image. Now those days happen a lot less frequently. I’ve learned to really love both lifting and running and love seeing what my body is capable of. My husband has also been a huge impact on my self confidence. He is such a positive person and I definitely feel like everytime he tells me I’m beautiful, it’s 100% genuine. :)

Thank you for this, you inspired me to answer this question on my own blog, lol. But in summary…….all of the above! :)
Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.blogspot.com

I’m B – it makes me feel strong and accomplished when I run. And I love what great things it’s doing for my body. My abs and thighs could certainly be more toned, but they get me where I need to be and I appreciate that every day!
Pacing would be a great experience. My husband has paced me for many races and I know the feeling of pride it gives him to help me reach my goals. Wow, I am so thankful for him doing it for me!!

Pacing is one is the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had! You bring people to their goal, and it is amazing to watch them succeed. You also feel like a rockstar, and that is a major plus.

This post got me thinking, big-time! So I ended up blogging my answer, instead of writing a million words about it in your comments section. :)

https://icurunner.wordpress.com/2015/01/11/what-does-it-really-mean-to-love-your-body/

I love the dialogue you’ve created here about body image, and why we exercise.

I just read his book on 50 Marathons in 50 Days and I loved it!! That’s when he ate a pizza while running a marathon ? Seriously, though, he’s the coolest man. I loved when he ran on a treadmill for a day on Regis and Kelly, and when he ran across the country. Most importantly, he did it for a charity, which is the best. Anywayy I loved reading more about him ?

Hello
. I loved when he ran on a treadmill for a day on Regis and Kelly, and when he ran across the country. Fintech FINMA