Are you a part of the club of the traditionally non- athletic, that seems to be going through what has been jokingly referred to as the running mid-life crisis? Then you must know what I mean when I say it’s the best kind of crisis one could hope for.
I started taking running seriously since my university days- about 8 years ago and I haven’t stopped since. Since then, I can’t count how many times people have asked me about my wellbeing, their concerned tone suggesting that something must be wrong for someone to put themselves through running for leisure and more so, long-distance running.
Notwithstanding the sheer physical effort and commitment required, running has become one of those things that I look forward to the most and I plan quite a bit of my life around it. For some, it may just be a way to check off getting physical activity done, and while there is no denying that is one of the reasons, it extends far beyond merely ticking a box for being active. While running confers many benefits on physical health such as improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles and aiding with weight management, it also has a significant impact on mental health.
When life becomes stressful and overwhelming, putting on workout clothes, lacing up a pair of running shoes and going for a run outdoors has become my go-to way to “clear my head” and refocus. While you can feel absolutely great after running, there is another level of bliss, a rare phenomenon, that some people experience. It’s that post-run feeling or “runner’s high” known to provide persons with a sense of complete euphoria, calmness and reduced anxiety. It has been long thought that this phenomenon was solely attributed to the release of endorphins. However, recent research suggests that this may actually be as a result of neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids as they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide a pleasurable sensation. The great thing is- anyone who runs can experience runner’s high- you don’t need to be a sprinter or a long-distance runner. Run at your own pace and join the club!
Now that you know there are so many great benefits associated with running, how do you actually start?
Running can be about the physical aspect, but it can also be so much more! It teaches you many life lessons, such as patience and the importance of being consistent. My journey with running involved trial and error for many years. The key learning that I’ve discovered —the hard way, through various injuries—is to not push too much when you’ve just begun your running journey.
As a beginner, it’s important to create a solid foundation and this means starting slow, painfully slow to the point where you’re wondering if this would even be considered running. Ideally, you should be able to have a full conversation when running at this pace. If you find yourself unable to do this, slow down!
When building endurance, you may also want to alternate between running and walking. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the duration of your running intervals. Eventually, you will find yourself being able to run continuously without even needing to walk in between. It can be easy to get caught up looking at other persons running and then experience a bout of guilt when you stop to walk for a bit. It took reframing my outlook and a very good running podcast to help me accept that this is okay! Not every run will be the same and it is important to listen to your body, always.
With running, once you begin to love it there is a desire to keep pushing your limits and even become obsessed to the point where overtraining occurs and this can be dangerous. Be mindful to incorporate rest days and balance running with other workouts, for example, strength training at least twice per week. Ensuring that you maintain the proper posture and form while running is also crucial for reducing your risk of injury.
Before even beginning a run—even though I have a love-hate relationship with this—it is always important to warm-up to prepare the body for the demand of the workout. Likewise, take some time to stretch after your run to help your body cool down.
With some of the basics covered, it’s time to begin your running journey! It’s supposed to be fun so make sure to celebrate the milestones as you reach them. Need motivation? Follow runners or content on social media that will inspire you. Create a running playlist and listen to music or even a podcast during your runs. Download an app and track your runs so you can monitor your progress. Running with a friend can also help keep you motivated. For me, I like to do my longer distances by myself, but I love to have company for shorter ones. It makes the run so much more enjoyable! You get the run done whilst simultaneously catching up with each other’s lives.
So, put on some comfortable clothing, lace up those sneakers, call a friend and get started today. Happy running!!!
