From Blogger to Runner to Coach
Run Away from Zombies
Hi, I’m Rebekah Hamrick and I write Run Away from Zombies to help new runners transition from excited, curious, and a little scared to experienced, limit-pushing, and successful.
I started the blog in 2014 for people who are unsure if they should call themselves a runner and unsure if running requires a natural talent or if it’s conquerable with a little persistence.
My running journey started in that exact place.
Now I’m a long distance runner. While I still have no natural talent, I’ve been rewarded abundantly for the time I’ve put into this thing we call ‘running’. I’d love to help you do the same.
1
Run or Get Bit
Running Away from Zombies
In middle school, I got shin splits every time I ran. In high school, my PE teacher would yell if I took a walking break during a run. She thought I was being rebellious. In reality, I couldn’t run a mile.
I eventually began the motto, “I only run if an angry bear is chasing me. And it must be angry, mind you.”
But as I got older, I began to notice other people running while I was out walking. Running voluntarily. Running happily. They were getting a better workout than me. Maybe they knew something I didn’t know.
2
The Ol’ College Try
Couch to 5K
In 2007, the summer after my freshman year in college, I found the “Couch to 5K” program. I learned that you can start out slow. You can start out taking walking breaks every 60 seconds. I learned that some people take to running naturally and that others require a little training. I required a little training.
But boy, was it awesome, the first time I ran 30 minutes without stopping.
I’d like to say that I’ve been running ever since. But it really took a few start-stops along the way. Most years I didn’t run.
3
Get in serious shape
Outdoor running
In September of 2013, I found myself lethargic, overweight, and overeating. My doctor gently informed me that I was prehypertensive, medically overweight, and cholesterol and other numbers were high. I wanted to change my lifestyle, but I felt overwhelmed. I decided to continue to ignore exercise. I re-established a drug regimen for my hypothyroidism. Then I calorie restricted to lose weight. I made little steps, because it was evident I was not going to change it all at once.
And those little steps counted.
By January 2014, my thyroid hormone levels were normal and I had lost 20 lbs. I felt ready to tackle exercise again. Running a marathon felt like such a huge, scary feat, but I wanted to try again. I registered for a November 2014 marathon and started this blog.
4
Get in serious shape
Crossfit training
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