It is a total ‘set-up’ photo, but I was pretty stuffed!
I used to run quite a bit and did a few 5/10k races until a back injury put an end to any ideas of a half-marathon. This time I’m taking it a bit more g-r-a-d-u-a-l, and if I just manage a few short races here and there I will be happy…..although I do have a teeny dream of running a marathon before I reach 50…..
Anyway, I just wanted to comment on how many other sewing bloggers go running! Tasia runs, Shannon runs, Melissa runs – and even better makes her own running gear! Sarai has just run a half-marathon, and I’m sure I remember Karen and Peter and kbenco mentioning running at some stage. And I know that there are tons more of you that I can’t pinpoint right now in my Olympomania!
Maybe many of us run because sewing is a sedentary hobby and we need to get out and pound the pavement to make up for it! Or maybe it is because sewing can be frustrating and a good run can sweep those irritating frustrations aside. Or maybe we just run to maintain our weight so we still fit into our lovingly crafted garments! If you’re a runner, what is it that keeps you tying your laces and heading out the door?
And next question – do you blog about it? I’ve just started following a few inspirational running blogs, and would enjoy following someone I already ‘know’, so please leave a link in the comments if you blog or have recommendations! (And this is where I shyly admit I started my own running blog the other day so I could record my progress without boring you here!)
So, do you sew and run too? Tell me about it because I’d genuinely love to know, and I’m sure other sewing runners will too!
I gotta go now because the women’s triathlon is starting soon and I’m so excited I don’t want to miss a single moment – go Andrea, Kate and Nicky! I hope you can repeat what our rowers did!
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| http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/rowing/7411177/Bond-and-Murray-Drysdale-win-gold |
pattern scissors cloth 
That is fabulous – I have just started running again after a long break. I'm in the 2nd week of the couch to 5k programme so am still very much a beginner. I will definitely be following your new blog. Good luck!
PS – I'm running to lose weight and gain energy. After a stressful couple of years of earthquakes which has ended in a move to Oz, I'm keen to break the cycle of eating away my stress and hope to replace it with exercising away my stress 🙂
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I love your new running blog and left a wee comment there.
I will be blogging soon regarding my new lifestyle of a runner– YES! I'm finally a runner!
The photo's cute!
My favorite shoes are Skechers. Leave my Skechers alone, and get out of our way… Here we come!
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I am a beginner runner. Unlike Melinda, I lost a lot of weight after the earthquakes but also took up sewing. One ended up cancelling out the other and I have since gained weight (could also be all the wine I consumed to reduce the stress as well lol) Anyho, after a lifetime of avoiding exercise, other than walking, I have decided to give this running lark a go. Who knows I could get to like it, but at this stage I have my doubts!
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I sew, and I run. Although I am not serious about getting into the big leagues of either hobby.
I do plan on sewing my own running gear next year, when my old running gear will be just about dead. But I'm not looking at anything nearly as modern as Melissa of Fehr Trade. Instead, I'm thinking a cotton (piqué?) running skirt with shorts underneath, or some late 30s style pleated shorts (to do away with the double layers of a skirt and shorts). I feel like such a “bad runner” when people talk gear, but honestly… I just want to run. I don't care if the wind slows me down, or if my heart rate reaches such and such point and if I ran a bit slower today, and I don't do synthetic fabrics. 🙂
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Well I wouldn't call myself a runner, though I am do the couch to 5kg app. I am up to week 4 for the second time. The first time I had to stop due to a broken toe! But I will never be a runner, just want to be fit. I also go to gym, zumba etc.
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Yea NZ kicking Oz @$$ this Olympics XD Also, have you tried Vibrams?
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Mm, I used to do a lot more exercise before I moved to NZ from the UK six months ago. I've just joined a gym again, but it's so hard!! I've done a few 5k in the UK, but so far haven't ventured outside for my running here in Wellington. I need to find a flat bit first! 🙂 Plus somehow the sewing machine downstairs always calls first! 🙂
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I crossfit and sew. And I've been thinking of sewing myself some outfits for crossfit and merging the two completely unrelated hobbies in a post. Exercise keeps your brain fresh and makes lots of room for sewing ideas.
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Yep I am a runner :O) and sew.
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I took up running in Texas and completed quite a few races. I've tried to continue my training in London without success. I start and stop a training program all.the.time. But I won't give up! I'm hoping it will stick one day. One of my favorite running blogs to read is Determined to be Fit. She's quite inspirational!
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I try to go running at the gym a couple of times a week (but considering giving up the membership to just run outside). I run because it's the kind of exercise that my body seems to suit doing, because I don't want to outgrow my clothes, and because it feels good afterwards. Hmmm and I was doing weights too last year and intend to start that again.
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I am definitely not a runner, but I am an avid walker. In the summer I walk 4-5 miles with a friend every morning. It gets more challenging during the school year (I'm a teacher), but I still try to put in a 3-4 mile walk after school at least 4 days a week. I don't feel as bad spending the rest of the afternoon in my sewing room if I started off the day with a nice, long, fast walk! 🙂
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I just finished a couch to 5K program (just ran my first 5k in June!). I was a soccer player in high school so running is not totally foreign to me, but I'm not used to just doing distance running. I'm trying to keep up with it now. There is a 10K group that starts in December, which is a long way away at this point. I'd like to join that group so in the meantime I'm signing up for a couple of 5k's in the fall to keep me motivated. I bought new shoes earlier but the most important running purchase I made was a pair of inserts for my shoes- high arch. They make all the difference. I will definitely check out your running blog!
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While I am a terrible runner (I tried it for a while and never really came to appreciate it), I am quite addicted to home work out programs ie: almost anything from Beachbody, specifically Turbofire, Chalene Extreme and Les Mills Pump. I have a similar photo of total exhaustion I took of myself on my basement floor after trying Insanity. I wish I was better at running but it just kills my knees. I'm looking into barefoot running, as I started doing my cardio workouts barefoot to see if it would help my knees and it totally does. There is one running blog I follow: http://ihaverun.blogspot.ca/
I feel like utter poo if I don't work out, and I'm up to 5 days a week for about 30-55 min each day, 3 days weights and two cardio. I was hesitant to start lifting, but it's now one of my favorite things to to (I know… wierd.)
I love your blog. You make beautiful things and always share great tips and tricks, so thank you!
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I run and sew! I'm not a very good runner , but I ran my first half marathon last year and I'm thinking maybe — just MAYBE — I might try the whole marathon next May. Watching the Olympics is doing wonders for my athletic resolve. I will definitely check out your running blog!
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Yay for running! I'm a huge fan of running; I've been obsessed for most of my life. I've run five marathons and one ultramarathon. If your body can handle it, I definitely recommend it. The runner's high from long endurance events is just fabulous.
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I am a seamstress first, and a recent runner (though, when do you call yourself a runner?). Like several other people I've started the Couch to 5k, and I'm on week 2 again, after some major stuff distracted me earlier in the year. I'm aiming to finish the 5k program by October, and hoping to be able to do a 10k close after the New Year and maybe a half marathon at the end of March. Yes, those are lofty goals, so it's probably best that I'm a total newbie not knowing whether this will be attainable at all!
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I am/was a runner and a sewer- just sold my half marathon ticket as I have done some lasting damage to my feet from running over the years. I am now desperately trying to find an alternative form of exercise that I can fit into the day.
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I can totally understand you needing to get away. I hope you're settled now and I'm sure the running will help – keep it up!
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Thanks Kelley, I look forward to reading your blog too!
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I started enjoying it more as I got fitter!
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I've noticed the trend for running skirts – that certainly wasn't around when I used to run before!
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If you run, you're a runner in my opinion Vicki! I don't think you have to be an elite athlete to be a runner, just keen!
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You can be sure once Andrea Hewitt slipped back to fifth in the triathlon last night, I started cheering for my Aussie cousin!
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Ha, flat areas in Wellington are few and far between!
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I am truly excited for you and your new running adventure. I think I run because it is an escape that leaves me feeling really good when I am finished. It's a time when I can be alone, think, pray, or just veg out to music. It's ME time. When finished with a run, I am left with an all over sense of well-being. I think I love the mental benefits more than the health benefits! I am a short distance runner, 3-6 miles at a time, tops. I have never had a desire to run a marathon, but I love the short 5K races. Speaking of which, I haven't run any races this year. Oh my, the year is half over, and I'd really like to do a couple races before it's gone. So, I should start training for one! I'll pop over and check out your new blog! I have a feeling you will make it to your marathon goal, and I will be cheering you on!
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Enjoy your running!! I do! I have done 2 marathons and quite a few half marathons. I am very slow runner, very slow sewer, but love both. (-:
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I sew (well, I did, then had a long work-related break and am now searching for my lost sewing mojo!). I would really like to run (I think that would help with the sewing issue – I've put on weight, and don't know how to sew for the figure I don't really like!).
Can you suggest a good way of starting to run? A query, too – what is the difference between running and jogging?.
Love your blog – you're an artist with the needle and pattern!
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I am a poor runner! Never last longer than 20 minutes! But I love walking…fast and found a great sport called h.e.a.t. Program. I love it because it's high impact yet not as frustrating for me. I wish I could run longer and enjoy it
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I'm a fast walker too!
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I was a compulsive runner in my twenties to the point of not having periods for almost 3 years. Now I am much older, focused on more all around exercise, and not compulsive about it. I love the fact that my job can be very physical in a good way and am glad I have that opportunity. I find it critical at my age to stay active or the pounds can pile on before you know it. And I do want to be healthy at this stage of my life, not giving up or giving in.
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There's a trend? Cool! =D I might not actually have to sew something, then (oh, who am I kidding – as if I'll find anything non-synthetic). I've mainly been thinking about running skirts because I really hate how revealing most running clothes are. I don't need the neighbouring farmers watching my bum jiggle and see the outline of my thong from their tractors…
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i'm another sewing runner 🙂
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I run too 🙂 But I haven't mentioned it in my bog. I only just started and have just finished the Couch to 5K program, I can't believe I can run for 5kms non-stop! I was always one of those “I don't do running” kind of girls but now I love it 🙂 And I have some workout gear planned, but it is a bit down my sewing list.
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Yup, another runner here. Although I've only just started out (about 5 weeks ago, before then I was a fan of non-impact, more aggressive style exercising like boxing and weight-lifting) I'm starting to really like it. I've even bought that fabulous ooh la legging pattern so I can copy Melissa's super cool running pants 🙂
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I started running this year. I did an 8km fun run and was so proud of myself 🙂 (Won't mention the terrible time though lol)
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Congrats on running. I'm a sewer who cycles and runs on occassions.
You're clever to have a separate running blog. I do the same for my recipes.
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Good job on the running! ILikeLike
Congratulations on being able to run again. I know it's awful when an injury stops what you love doing. The same thing happened to me when I injured my hip and back and could no longer do Ashtanga Yoga to the extent I had before. Gutted!
Re running: I don't “run”, but I run and walk in intervals almost every night around the village, with my dog. What I found incredible is how quickly my stamina increased. At first I could run for about a minute before I felt I would expire! Within a short time I could run for about half an hour, with a few walked yards in between.
Doesn't it feel great to get moving again! I'll follow your progress on your dedicated blog.
(By the way, cycling is my thing that gets me moving, and which I enjoy. It's one of the loves of my life and it doesn't hurt my back, knees or hips!)
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Woohoo! Join us, it's so much fun in the running and sewing club! 🙂 I keep strict rules with fehrtrade.com, and I only write about stuff that's sewing related, so running really only features in it when I'm sewing something for my running! I'm following your other site now, too. Do you know spikesandheels.com? It's one of my favourite female running sites, run by a friend of mine.
I'm currently training for *gasp* my first marathon in October (Amsterdam) and if you'd asked me even ask late as April this year, I'd have said I had no desire to run one. Now it's Monday and I'm already giddy with excitement to go an extra bridge farther on Saturdays run (oh and I spent $100 stocking up on Shot Bloks earlier today, ha).
Oh, if you fancy a quick but very useful running accessory, try my arm pocket tutorial, it's great for lycra scraps: http://www.fehrtrade.com/gallery/614/running-arm-band-pocket-with-tutorial
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Great picture! I have toyed with the idea of running more regularly, because as other's mentioned it's such a mind getaway. I really love circuit-training and mixing intense cardio with strength so running only happens once in awhile. Either way, it's so nice to have fitness challenges and passions… I spend so much time in my head and on my butt that it keeps me motivated in different ways. (I have a “secret” gardening blog, and I always wonder how many sewing bloggers do that, too!)
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Yes, I run. Rather erratically these days, though. I'm doing a lot of cycling and walking right now, so if I'm lucky I fit in two runs a week – neither of which are particularly long distance. I don't beat myself up about this. I'm squeezing as much exercise as I can into a week, and whether it's cycling, walking or running doesn't really matter. Well done! The hardest part is the first part, when it comes to running. Good trainers are the most important investment, in my opinion. I also have custom made orthotics which are brilliant.
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I run too. I started 10 years ago when I realised being a stay at home mum involved eating lots of biscuits with other mums….
I have an ungainly, duck-like style and was never any good at it whilst at school but I've got three marathons under my belt now, including the Beachy Head.
Here are some tips:
1 Don't be afraid to walk/run. It's a great fat burner because of variations in heart rate
2.Everything you need to know is on http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/
3.If you want company, go to http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ It's a free weekly 5km and no one will mind if you finish last. And it's almost worldwide…
4. If you're worried about teenagers and psychos shouting discouraging comments, try running early in the morning … they're all be asleep or too dopey to notice you…
5. If you make it through winter, you might just be a lifelong convert!
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Sherry~ This has nothing to do with your most recent post, but I am hoping you can help me. Since you are a pattern maker and a designer, I know you will know the answer to this question. What makes a neckline pull/fall to the back? I noticed Amanda had the same problem with the same pattern(M6163) over on Amanda's Adventures of Sewing. I would so much appreciate your help. I don't have a clue. Laura Smith
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Nikki, living on one of the few hills in London, I feel your pain! I've been getting into running over the last 6 months (from zero fitness), and have resisted the idea of traveling somewhere else to go for a run (seems like a big time-suck, when the whole point is to do exercise that doesn't mess with other more important things, like sewing!). Instead I've focusing on doing short run routes with a good balance between hills and downhills. I can happily report that the plus side of hill running is that you DEFINITELY get fitter faster! In fact, apparently there are people who travel to our area just so they can run up hills (still think its madness…)
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I run. Started up a couple years ago and I head out 2 times a week with co-workers during lunch break. I don't race but I'm ok with that. The running is good. It feels good to move and be active. Running also helps to keep me level headed and relaxed. I am a much better everything because of it.
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A friend of mine sent me to check out this post of yours, as I am a knitter (although I occasionally sew, mostly quilts) who took up running a few years ago to avoid my butt spreading out, if you know what I mean 😉 It started out as a counter-measure for sitting for hours knitting, but also a 'holy crap I'm turning 30. I must get fit before it's too late' moment. I began with a beginner running program, and (afer initial fitness hurdles) enjoyed it so much I continued, although tend to ebb and flow a bit. Did the Auckland quarter marathon last year, but haven't signed up for this year's one. The most I've run is 15km (once). At the moment (after a hiatus due to medication causing joint pain) I am building back up to 10km. Maybe one day I'll attempt the half marathon, although if I'm honest, the harbour bridge kinda freaks me out… Currently trying to find fellow runners in the Auckland area that may be keen to meet up for runs (mornings) or perhaps give trail running a go. I'll be keeping an eye on your progress 😉 Good luck!
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Nope! I am not runner! I tried, but I don´t like really!
But I do other sports!%))
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Good job on the running! It seems the more you run the more addictive it becomes! I just completed my second half marathon yesterday and now have my eyes set on the Auckland half. I'm new to the blogging world and have recently started my own blog. I'll be sure to check out your running blog and follow your progress.
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