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Last month marked my four -year Runiversary. Four years ago, I was out for my daily walk, and I decided (after much phone prodding from my sister), to see if I could run to the end of the block. I made it, but it required a few moments of gasping and trying to stuff my lungs back into my chest. I was mortified when I realized that I had become what I was pretty sure I would never be: the lost-her-mojo middle-aged-woman who preferred sturdy walking shoes and had a paunch that suggested more than a few over-loaded plates.
I told my sister I couldn’t do it, I had almost died running down the block. She suggested I slow down. I said, “how much slower could I possibly go?” Turns out, not exactly a crawl, but a wog–a half jog, half walk. But by employing the wogging technique, I was able to go a little farther. I bought a pair of running shoes. Every day I ran a little farther and made a game of running to the next driveway and the next after that before I paused to stuff my lungs back in. Pretty soon, I was running thirty minutes. Then I started tracking miles.
I was afraid to sign up for a race because of a fear I would come in last. My sister said, “join a group.” Well goodness, I was just as scared to do that. I knew I would be so slow that I would hold everyone up. I knew I was too old and too big to hang with a group of real runners. But I went. Imagine my surprise to discover a lot of people like me, who had come to the sport later in life, and who just wanted to try. Some of them belonged to bike groups with the same idea–just get on a bike and try. Some of them went to yoga, like me, and couldn’t touch their toes without bending their knees either. And, like me, they all felt better about eating a burger and fries after running a few miles. Hooray! I had found my peeps!
In the last eight months I have run two half marathons. I am not very fast, but I have built up the endurance to go the distance. I always take pictures of myself at these races and make everyone on Facebook look at me. I talk a lot about the burgers I am going to eat after the race, because that’s what it’s all about–eating burgers and fries completely guilt-free. People responded to those posts and talked about what they do for fitness: running, biking, walking, swimming, zumba, chasing kids. I realized that I like to talk about the fitness thing, and so do others. So, I set up a new page, Running for Burgers. It’s a place to hang out for support and inspiration for our health goals, no matter what those goals might be. Each month, I am going to choose someone who has made it to their burger for a special treat from me: a Running for Burgers victory charm and one of my signed books. I hope you will join us.
Have you ever tried something you were certain you couldn’t do and discovered you could do it? What is your activity of choice? If you were running right now, what treat would you be running for? Have you stopped by Running for Burgers yet?
49 Comments on “Guilt-free Burgers”
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I would be walking for books, I went for a walk with New Guy today (after this morning’s coughing til I puke session – great fun I don’t highly recommend it) into town and because I didn’t need to take any Advil since my back didn’t start hurting I rewarded myself with a couple of books from our version of Walmart here in Toowoomba. It was fabulous in that I found the second book of Catherine Spangler’s series and a book by Lisa Cach.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 4:24 am.
Books are a great treat!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:23 am.
I’m not into running (can do it, but don’t like so) and my favorite activities incluce skiing and horseback riding. Alas, the latter has become impossible after an injury, and now we won’t ski any longer as well, as my sister nearly dropped dead doing it. She had a blackout due to ? (the doctors at the hospital ruled out heart failure and other worse scenario’s) but I’m sure she’ll never trust herself to get on ski’s again. And while we do everything together, I won’t ski anymore either.
So now we stick to walking and cycling.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:06 am.
Nickie, walking and cycling are the best. I want to ride bikes, too, but I have this fear that I will get far away and have some mechanical failure.
BTW, Running for Burgers is for everyone!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:24 am.
I don’t dare ride bikes, last time I rode one I ran into a tree. I am weirdly uncoordinated at times.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:44 am.
I guess riding bikes is quite natural for us, as we live in a flat country (most of the parts. We gots bikes when we could just walk, and soon learned to ride them without help.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:15 am.
I think it is fabulous that you do as well as you do with the running thing. I am not a runner. The joints just don’t like it but I do walk. Back in September, I started taking an exercise class. I stuck with it till I got my new Explorer so had to give it up due to car payments
I have continued on with some ladies in the neighborhood walking. They walk every day and I join them 3 mornings a week (I work the other 2). Funny thing is, I am the tallest of the group with the longest legs but I have trouble keeping up. Just baffles the mind!
I have done one 5K that was hosted here in my neighborhood too. I came in almost last and walked pretty much the whole thing but I was proud of myself that I was actually able to do it. That was back around Christmas so I think if I were to try again, maybe I would finish with a better time now since I am walking so much more.
On that note, I need to go finish getting the munchkin ready to be off to school and me ready to go walking
By the way, the kitchen is looking great minus that half wall! Saw the most recent photo this morning.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:21 am.
Thanks Jen. I think it’s going to look great.
You should come join Running for Burgers. It’s all about fitness, no matter how you do it.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:25 am.
Yes I’ve liked Running For Burgers hoping to find my inspiration. I went to my favorite hiking spa last month hoping to find my inspiration. Seeing a trend?
I did discover that I could lose weight. Lost 75 lbs 10 years ago. Then I started jogging which made me hungry and then I started making poor choices. It’s not the jogging’s fault – it was my way to liberal reward system and discovering the voodoo spell of milkshakes.
Love your new scene and hope to find some inspiration there.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:08 am.
Fresh, you and I should not hang out. There is danger there, as I could be talking in to any spa trip and any reward. So glad you are finding inspiration on the new page!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:26 am.
I exercise for chocolate chip cookies. I figured out a long time ago that if I wanted to eat my little treats, I was going to have to do something to counteract them. I was never a runner (too hard on my feet), but I’ve been exercising 3-5 times a week for 25 years now. These days I’m into hiking and spinning. The only way I’ve been able to keep it up this long is by never allowing myself any excuse to miss a workout. Now that I’m older, I’m grateful that I’ve stuck to the exercise habit because I’m convinced it’s the reason that I’m rarely sick, and usually have lots of energy. Plus, I’m still eating those cookies!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:16 am.
Jen, come and join us! I feel the same way about exercise. I’ve always done it, and as I get older, I have less complaints than a lot of friends. My parents were always active, too, and both are very healthy. They both say that’s why they’ve made it so long without any trouble.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:27 am.
Running is also something I never thought I could do, was actually told I should not do because I once had a slipped disc, did it anyway, loved it and am still doing it. (Back’s fine. knock wood)
I run on a treadmill and thought I was doing great until I went running with some friends outside and DIED. Totally different animal. You rock to do that everyday!
I am always running for that extra glass of wine (or two). Throw in a burger as well. Why not?
Just “liked” Running for Burgers. Great idea!!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:34 am.
Thanks, Lori! I have also Run for Wine. I have discovered I’ll run for just about anything. But not brussel sprouts
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:28 am.
I run for milkshakes and brownies. I used to run everyday. Not long distances, but I would run for a 20-30 minute stretch and then do other exersices like crunches and squats for 30 minutes. It got me into the best shape I had been in since my early 20′s, but then I had a second baby, and my workouts became extra sleep time. I have just started getting back into the grove by walking 3 times a day and doing some light workouts after. At the end of the week, if I have stayed on track I reward myself. My big problem is I reward myself too much… lol.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:43 am.
Amy, I hope you will join us too. There are a lot of people who have joined who are getting back into the groove, too.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:30 am.
What a great idea! Not that I’m going to run or anything crazy like that.
I stopped by Running for Burgers earlier this week, as a matter of fact, which as close to running as I’m going to get.
But, seriously, this is just so cool, Julia. It’s like you found a new person inside yourself. I love that.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:16 am.
Claudia, somehow I knew you would not be a convert, LOL
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:31 am.
But I love watching your conversion! I’m a cheerleader.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:43 am.
Cool, Julia. I just visited the site.
Running is impossible at the moment, but I love Zumba, yoga, hiking. I am beginning to love weight training, though it has taken nearly a year. I’m still not thin, but boy am I strong!
What I think about: donuts. Sometimes pasta.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:17 am.
Uh-oh. Barbara said donuts. I change my vote. I’ll run for donuts. I’ll do about anything for donuts.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:20 am.
Barbara, I abhor weight training. I go through fits and spurts. I’ll do it for awhile, then hate it. Then try and convince myself yoga is doing the trick when I know its not. I think I am going to have to get back on the band wagon.
You could join Running for Burgers and goad me into it
.
Donuts! Yes, donuts!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:32 am.
The cycling started when I bought a bike. I thought I was cookin with gas when I rode 6 miles. Then I started riding more and challenged myself.. again I was totally impressed with myself (justifiably) then I learned about century rides. 100 miles in one day. eek! I decided to sign up for a half century and trained for it.. and finished it. Then decided I would do a century. I have completed 6 of them, and helped coach others from beginner to finish line with Team in Training.
Then I hurt my back and that came to an end for a while.. so I walked and signed up for the 3-Day walk for breast cancer. I finished and turned my feet into giant layered blisters.
I decided to try a half marathon.. mostly walking with some running thrown in to make sure I made the cut-off times.
Running is my giant road block. I have done a little – I remember crying when I (very slowly) ran my first mile without stopping… but I did not continue and keep it up after that. Bad me.
I love Running for Burgers and I love the inspiration you are sharing with others.
I run for wine, brownies, burgers.. or whatever sound yummy at the time (one training ride I did had me craving apples (?!) so I inhaled a couple apples after and they were goooood. I have also ridden for pizza.. and perhaps a martini or three
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:23 am.
Great challenges, Sheridan. And I have run for pizza, too. I am starting to realize that there isn’t any food group I have refused.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:27 pm.
I don’t think that I’ve ever tried something I couldn’t do. I am very stubborn, so usually if it is said that I can’t do it-I do it until I get it right. Unfortunately due to being very athletic (and competitive) when I was young I did a lot of damage to my body. That and my job is very physically demanding, so my activity of choice is reclining in my chair! Ok, seriously. I choose to walk. If I could choose a treat it would be ice cream sandwiches! I have not stopped by Running for Burgers yet, but I will. I think that is an awesome thing you are doing, Julia! You should be proud of yourself.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:47 am.
Thanks Kelly! I am a big fan of walking, too. I do it on the days I don’t run.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:28 pm.
You are my wogging heroine, Julia! I’ve started going for walks again in the morning. Who knows, I may eventually be persuaded to wog a few steps.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:57 am.
You should like the page so we can tempt you with prizes, Suzanne.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:29 pm.
Activity of choice is dance–always has been. I love to do it, so you don’t realize what a good work out you’re getting.
Never really liked running so much. I guess because it seems too much like real work… LOL
I have not been on FB much lately because we have all been running around like crazy at home, but I will check it out this weekend.
Congrats to you, Julia! You are awesome for taking this head-on and conquering it. Go get ‘em, girl!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:57 am.
Thanks Julie! It’s become a lot of fun in a weird way. I liken it to writing. I hate running while I am doing it, but I am so happy I have once I’m done.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:30 pm.
If I were running right now I would run for the sheer joy of it….and chocolate of course:)
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:46 pm.
Chocolate tempts many many people, doesn’t it?
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:30 pm.
This is so neat, Julia! And I SO need to join running for burgers. Had a number of tests run because I was feeling run down and had aching joints 24/7. They tested me for all of the scary stuff and I got the all clear. So the doctor basically says “You’re overweight, 53 years old, and you work on concrete floors all day. LOSE WEIGHT!”
Sounds easy, right? But after working on those concrete floors all day the only exercise I get is walking from or to the car, cleaning dog runs and hauling groceries in and out of the house.
So, now I have to find something I can do at this weight and then gradually work my way up. I only run when being chased!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:27 pm.
Why don’t you start with long slow walks? Whatever you choose, I hope you will join us.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:31 pm.
swimming is my activity of choice. Running and biking is a lot harder around here because of all the hills. Big ones. No one much bikes unless they drive to some flat area, and they are hard to find. Same for running. Walking is the activity of choice here, and those hills make it more of a work out than normal. Without hill I can walk for miles and miles. With hills I am winded and my legs feel like lead after one.
I would run for pasta. In fact, I would run marathons just for the carbo loading you do the day before
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm.
Yeah, Barb, donuts too. You are I are carbo soul mates
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:16 pm.
I have a rule. I will sign up for races and I will train for them. But I will not run hilly races. You can’t make me. (Not you, Madeline. But “them”)
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:26 pm.
Wow. Running in public… I’m wildly impressed. I started doing Pilates. After giving up on many different exercise routines, I frankly thought there was no way I’d stick with this one, either. But I’ve grown to sort of, kind of like it, even though I’m not convinced I look any more graceful now than I did when I started.
I heard on NPR yesterday that running fast is not better for you than running slow. A lady wrote a book about it, so it must be true.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:34 pm.
my brother in law says LSD is the only way to do it (long slow distance. He thinks he is really funny). This is good news for me because that’s the only way I can run.
Susan, I did Pilates several years ago when there was a studio very close to me. I love the way it makes you feel when you’re done. Limber!!
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:48 pm.
Limber? What is limber? Oh, you mean the way I felt when I was fifteen.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 4:02 pm.
I’ve lots of friends who run, and it’s something that I’ve tried. It doesn’t work for me because I’ve asthma, and it’s kind of boring. But I love to cross train, especially with interval training. It’s something different all the time -a little weightlifting, jumproping, lunges, even a little sprinting, walking, and it’s different every day. I think it’s the variety that keeps me coming back to it. I’d like to get back to yoga and lap swimming because I’ve found them both very relaxing in the past. The plus with lap swimming is that it builds lung capacity just like running, but doesn’t trigger any asthma attacks.
Of course, I walk my kids to school most of the time. It’s one mile downhill to the school, and one mile up a VERY steep hill to home. When we first started walking, they’d complain about it, until I told them that if they couldn’t stop complaining, we’d be walking home, too. My quads look much better now than they did at the beginning of the school year.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 4:12 pm.
Now talk about a lung-heaver: swimming. I used to be such a great swimmer, too! But the last few times I’ve tried to swim laps I have no stamina.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 5:24 pm.
Happy Runiversary! Great blog about exercise and how it starts with just one step, one day… I am jealous that you can run marathons and write such wonderful books.
Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:34 pm.
Thanks, Jennifer!
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:43 am.
If i could run it would be for chocolate. Unfortunately my knees and I don’t agree on exercising. I just had my second knee surgery and had been told not to run or jog since it is too hard on the joints. Oh well. I think I’m going to have to buy a walking tape or maybe a dance tape that isn’t too hard on the joints if I want any kind of exercise anymore.
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 12:12 am.
Or an elliptical, Parniam. They are so easy on the joints
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:44 am.
Sensible walking shoes. That’s me. They are usually runners. I can always pretend I run. I’ve been known to go on a “milk” run. Equate milk with wine there.
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 3:34 am.
Mary, you didn’t need to explain (coming from someone who has been on many milk runs herself, LOL)
Posted on May 12, 2012 at 9:44 am.
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Posted on October 30, 2012 at 1:58 am.