May 11, 2012
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Life is for participating
A little more than forty years ago the longest women’s running event was 1500 meters. It was commonly believed that women couldn’t run long distances because it would harm their reproductive abilities, their uterus would literally fall out and their hymens would break. It was believed that running led to infertility and caused miscarriages.
The first woman wasn’t allowed to enter the Boston Marathon until 1972. This was after years of women running unofficially in the marathon and being scorned and abused for disgracing the event. Now, 53% of the people crossing the marathon finish lines are women. Last year 7 million women completed marathons.
Women are especially adept at ultra running. (30+ miles). Women are lighter and have a higher pain threshold than men, which might not make them faster or stronger but more persistent. I recently read about Ann Trason, who completed the grueling 100 mile Leadville, CO trail race in 13:47:42. She had the Tarahumara tribe (a tribe of legendary ultra runners) calling her La Brujeria (The witch) for the challenge she gave them.
I’m not sure I ever wish to run a 100 mile race at 10,000+ feet in elevation, but I know I want to follow their lead and use my body to the best of my ability. I have started tracking my miles in March, and have 183 to date. That is also walking and hiking, but it’s a good start.
I saw an article about women’s motivation for running, and it included things like:
1. Calorie burn
2. Inexpensive equipment
3. Time – workout/calorie burn efficiency
I am sure those things are true, and probably why I started running 8 years ago. But the reasons I continue to run has little to do with working out and calorie burn. I run to:
1. Find “me time” – No matter what is going on with kids, spouses, work, money, family – when I am running I am focused on me. No phone calls, no to do lists, just my footsteps and progress.
2. Meditation – Most of my perplexing questions and nagging problems are solved in the solitude of the road or trail.
3. Anti everything – There is no better way for me to stave off depression, anxiety, worry than to hit it hard. An hour or 90 minutes running offers me peace that lasts throughout the day.
4. Health – No, not just weight loss. I feel physically better when I run. I feel strong, powerful, in control of my body, my breath, my footsteps. I feel my heart and can control how strongly it beats by controlling how fast and hard I run.
5. Explore – I have seen more beauty and natural wonders when I am out on the trail than I could ever find on a road trip or watching the discovery channel. Seeing coyotes in the morning fields and streams come and go through the seasons has meant more to me than any cruise or vacation I have ever taken. I like to incorporate running in new places when we do travel so I can explore more in my own way.
6. Joy – I have never experienced elation like I have when I beat a PR, or run my longest run, or just have one of those magical days where everything flows together naturally. I feel joy physically, mentally, and spiritually – whereas in other areas of my life I can experience one form of joy or another, but never all together.
I know running isn’t for everyone, but I hope everyone finds their own happy place that offers them what I have found on the trail.
Comments (53)
I wish we had more parks around here for me to do that in. I honestly think I could really love running or jogging if I had peace and quiet and wasn’t worried about everyone watching me. There’s just something about that. I drive out to the parks here every now and then to jog, but generally, I just use my elliptical. Speaking of which…I need to get on that…after I finish cleaning. D: lol
the joys of living in Colorado! The jogging trail views here in Jersey would consist of Mob burial sites, waste dumps, and police tape lol
@Xbeautifully_broken_downX - I know exactly how you feel! I was always so paranoid about people seeing me out there – plodding away, huffing and puffing and shaking in all the wrong places! That held me back for a long time, until one magical day I realized I was having fun despite my paranoia! Nobody has a perfect body or running form (ok, some people do, but not most of us) but the confidence that comes from doing it anyway bleeds into every other aspect of life. I do understand though, I still haven’t run with the trail runners group here because they are so much faster, thinner and in better shape than me. Don’t let your image of yourself hold you back though, and just do what you love. That DOES NOT include cleaning!
@grim_truth - Haha! I don’t think I would enjoy that type of exploration, either! Running on trails was one of my biggest reasons for moving to CO, there are few places like it! Come on out anytime – we have room for you!
Yes life is for living and for being an active contributor to your own peace of mind and physical health.
I walk up the road and sit and on a log and meditate on the pond full of amazing creatures. The pond helps me to clear my mind of stress and all of the things that float through my mind. Meditation to me is simply to clear the mind and to allow something peaceful to flow through and slow down the thought process-like giving the mind a refreshing power nap.
Exercise for me consists of a nice slow walk up the old logging roads with my camera enjoying the beauty around me. At 64 years old I am not to interested in gyms and pools but m more drawn to the out doors and the beauty around me.
@BoulderChristina - Awww! Thank you! I am definitely working past it! Just something that, I guess gets better with time? One day, I’m sure I’ll just not notice and it won’t be a big deal anymore.
@Grannys_Place - It sounds like you have found your happy place. At 37, I am also not interested in gyms or pools, but nature and beauty around me.
I am glad you take your camera with you, I always love seeing the world through your photos.
@Xbeautifully_broken_downX - You’re right, it does take time. I can’t wait for that day when you quit thinking about how you look out there and just start loving what you see. It will happen if you want it to, just put one foot in front of the other.
Well written, entertaining, informative, and another reason you should be a top blog. I don’t understand. You did send your donation to the selection committee, didn’t you? REC’d.
@we_deny_everything - haha, thank you for that! I don’t think I will ever break into top blogs, but I don’t think I am missing much. I doubt many Xangans want to read about running, anyway! I forgot to send my donation in, but I will remember before my next post!
Yay for runnig, I using it right now to control my anxiety, it’s true I feel a lot more in control and happy when I run, I run 2 hours everyday, 1 hour in a nearby park every morning and 1 hour – 90 minutes on the machine every night…it’s a different kind of energy what you get when you run, I dance on regular basis but there’s nothing more relaxin than running…helps me stay away from smokes
@xXxlovelylollipop - Amen to that! It definitely helps to not smoke, and progress happens much faster. Good for you for all the time you put in, I don’t spend that much time usually. I hate running on treadmills – hate it. All the reasons I have to run are gone on that stupid machine. My sister will only run on treadmills though, she likes the control of speed and to track her progress. We are different types of runners
@BoulderChristina - I don’t like it much either, I rather to run outside but I live in a very dangerous city so I can’t go outside during night and I don’t have time to do more in the day, usually run from 8-9 pm after I put Zara in bed.
@xXxlovelylollipop - That’s true, I forgot where you lived. When I had small kids I ran on the treadmill at night, too. I think maybe that’s why I hate it so much now, I remember feeling so stuck. Keep me posted on your progress!
@BoulderChristina - 4 days free of smoke ^-^ still going crazy during nights, specially miss the one before going to bed but xanga keeps me distracted
@BoulderChristina - ty so very much:):)
@xXxlovelylollipop - Yay! I am on day 10, so I feel you. It can’t hurt forever, can it?
I would run, but last time I did my uterus fell out and I broke my hymen.
Seriously, I used to run in school, and I would let coffee be my motivational reward. (gotta have the mud) The runner’s high is truly a sweet rush…..These days I just rely on sex with @we_deny_everything
Of course, he will deny this as well.
running is not jor me i think
perhaps walking is
it’s not really the tiredness or stamina, rather my feet tend to be in a very painful state when i run, for some reason..
perhaps my stand of never buy a shoe that cost more than 25 bucks have something to do with it, but that is simply a life choice i’m not willing to compromise
haha
@Kellsbella - I am so sorry to hear about your hymen and uterus! I am glad sexing @we_deny_everything offers the same rush – I appreciated your recent (protected) post about it that included pictures! I don’t see how he could deny that…
@maniacsicko - Who cares if it is running, walking or biking, as long as it offers the same kind of fun
You should try it barefoot sometime, I hear that’s best anyway and you can’t beat the price!
@BoulderChristina - barefoot? i know i’m a caveman and all, but barefoot is… well, if it is indoor then it would be okay..
Cardio definitely helps alleviate depression and sadness. It raises your endorphin levels. Anyway, some inspiring stuff. Sometimes I wish I could run, but I’m too out of shape and I just hate running.
@maniacsicko - Actually, barefoot is the way to go. (Or minimal shoes) Running barefoot creates the perfect form and causes less foot, back and knee pain that any expensive shoe you could buy!
@crazy2love - There’s no such thing as too old or out of shape, but if you hate running don’t do it! I could never waste time on things I hate!
OH MAN, so that’s where my mother in law got her crazy ideas! She told me that women shouldn’t run or lift weights because it messes with their reproductive organs. I was like O_o.
Personally, I dislike running (although the occasional sprint is okay, when I feel like it), but I know what you mean. I get that calm and exhiliration when I’m lifting weights, or hiking, swimming, or roller blading. None of which I’ve done recently besides lifting… I need to get out soon!
I always love your trail-themed posts. 
I had no idea that woman were not allowed to run the Boston Marathon until so recently. I used to get a lot out of running, now running gets a lot out of me. I think running is very good, but can be hard on the body, bones, and joints which is why I don’t do it anymore.
@WaitingToShrug - Thanks! Yeah, we are lucky we live in an era where our reproductive abilities aren’t all we are made for! I wouldn’t run a step if I hated it, so I understand why people don’t do it. I hate lifting weights, so I get it. The most important thing is finding something that makes us feel good.
@BoulderChristina - Barefoot is the bomb. I use the Vibrams for lifting and walking around the neighborhood, and sometimes, shopping. They’re so nice.
@heckels - It can be hard on us, I agree. I hope you found other things to do that you still get a lot out of. Nice to see you again!
@WaitingToShrug - I agree!
@BoulderChristina - I was so shocked… I mean, I read on exercise a lot, and pregnancy, and all the stuff says that being fit is good for your breeding capacities… so I just nodded and now they don’t say anything when Mike starts bragging on my shoulder press. Which, the wicked guy, he does just to niggle at them. LOL.
@WaitingToShrug - I should give weights another shot, you are inspiring. I have always been such a wimp at upper body stuff that I get self conscious around all the bad asses!
It is actually harder to get pregnant and go full term when you are overweight. I am not saying running or working out will make you thin, but fit and overweight is more likely to get pregnant than overweight alone. Our mothers.. sometimes I think it is hard for them to let go of old thinking.
Cool info, wish I could run but I have a bad knee. The story of the first woman in a marathon is really inspiring, especially when the male runners gathered around to protect her from being booted. good post =D
@ShimmerBodyCream - She was a brave lady. I have a bum knee, too, for almost 2 weeks now. My stupid dog took me out, and I hope I can get back to it soon.
other than the scenery (which i get through hiking) I get the same benefits mental and physical by way of swimming. I like to do three 1500 meter swims a week. there is just something relaxing about being in sync that long
@ShimmerBodyCream - yep you need to swim it is very easy on legs
Great list! I run for similar reasons. One more to add is that I get to meet new people if I participate in races and/or marathons.
a health blog!
@trunthepaige - I’ve been working on my swimming!
@Sheegwa - Nice! I don’t do races, but have decided to sign up for a couple to have a goal to work for.
@DivaJyoti - More like an escape blog! But in healthy ways, of course.
Beautifully said. Inspiring discourse. Thank you for sharing.
“Seeing coyotes in the morning fields and streams come and go through the
seasons has meant more to me than any cruise or vacation I have ever
taken”
AMEN SISTER! There really is nothing like being out in the bush or on the trail. What you described here just sounds beautiful and magestic as hell. I’m stoked it’s spring and I can get back into my passions. Some day I’ll get to the point where I can feel it’s possible throughout all the seasons but for now I am weak willed
1-6 = <3 I often have to remind myself that it’s hardly about fitness, the calorie burning and all that is just an added bonus. When I focus on the fitness aspect I lose a lot of motivation, it’s about one step at a time.
I love reading your blog. I do I do.
@mariachi661 - Thank you!
@specialxplaces - Ahh, thanks! I agree, when it is about fitness, calories, working out it just feels like work. I am too lazy to do that kind of work, it has to be fun!
I’m not a naturally good runner – even in my younger and more fit days, the best I ever did was a 13 minute two miles. but only once. I have a long torso for my legs, and have lots of upper body muscle.
but I’m good at cross-country running/hiking. wish I lived some place like where you do.
Great post very interesting! Didn’t know women couldn’t run in marathons
@cdedodgethis - Thanks! I am grateful they discovered our uterus’s (uteri?) wouldn’t fall out!
@plantinthewindow - That is why I moved here! Sometime you will have to come visit
@BoulderChristina - okay. I will!
My fiancee’s best friend is Colombia’s best female ultramarathoner, and one of the top handful in the world. She ran the big Morocco race a couple of times, and would have won the women’s event (and beaten all but 20-30 of the men) if she hadn’t gotten lost one year. Amazing stamina.
@Roadkill_Spatula – Awesome! That’s someone I’d love to spend time with to talk about that stuff!