I love running! There
are few things that make me feel better than hitting the pavement and putting
in a few miles. Running helps me feel balanced and sane. It is one of the few things
I can do without really having to think.
Running is a big part of how I managed stress and kept my
sanity over the past couple of years, but it is something that I haven’t been
doing very long. I wasn’t a runner growing up. In fact, I only started running
because I wanted to do a triathlon. It was on my to-do list, and it is hard to
finish one if you don’t run. My best friend and I decided to do a super-sprint
during the summer of 2005.
Looking back, I can see that was the first step in moving my
life in a new direction. Participating in various races has been a big part of
my life over the past five years. Since that first triathlon, I have done a
couple of longer triathlons, a few 5ks and two half-marathons. Next up on my
list is a marathon, but more about that another day.
A
number of my friends have asked me how I started or said that they never could
run a 5k/10k/half-marathon/etc. The thing is, if I can do it, anyone can. All
you need is little time and patience. The patience is often the hardest part
for me. I have put together a few tips from my experience to help those who are
starting out:
- Start with realistic goals and expectations – Running is hard, especially when you are just starting out. If you expect to get off your couch and start running 7-minute miles, you are setting yourself up for failure. Think about where you are and where you would like to be and set your goals from there. Remember that everyone progresses at their own rate.
- Focus on baby steps – When I first started running, I was slow. Realistically, I still am slow, but each time I try and cut a few seconds or run a little longer than I did the last time. I track my distance, time and intervals and look for improvements over time. Once you have been at it a while, you will be amazed at your progress.
- It’s okay to walk – I am a big fan of the run/walk training method. Jeff Galloway is a personal hero. As I have gotten stronger, I increase the ratio of running to walking in my training. I also think this method makes it easier to break down larger goals.
- Change your perceptions about what is possible – This was probably the most important thing for me. When I first started running, I couldn’t imagine running 3 miles let alone 13; however, as I kept pushing my distance I kept achieving things I never imagined. I don’t know if running changed my perceptions or changing my perceptions helped change my running, but it worked.
