Author: Amber French
My husband can run. he is fast, he can trail run, road run, train for marathons and pick it back up (like riding a bike) when he hasn’t run in months. It is very annoying.
I run, sometimes. I have trained fairly diligently, raced quite a few times and watched my endurance increase with every run. I can logically put in the mileage to meet my predetermined goals, but the running itself never seems to get easier. Sure I am not as out of breath, I can go further and further each week, but mentally the running never gets easier.
I truly believe if you don’t run (and become comfortable with it) as a child it becomes somewhat of a handicap later in life. I absolutely know it has nothing to do with weight and body fat percentage. I have watched MANY overweight men and women become great runners with great Personal Bests and killer distances.
I feel myself enjoy running more when I run regularly and I am aware of routes I enjoy and which I loathe. I used to hate hills, but now I love them (mainly because EVERYONE is slow on a hill!!)
But after years of running solo, in packs, with and without a goal. There are a few things I have learned and believe to be true.
Here is what I know:
I know that running only is not good for you. it is a strenuous exercise that should be paired with a lot of stretching and other activities that give your muscles time to repair. it is actually hard on the face on your neck and skin (especially if you run in extreme temps)
You can do it wrong (very wrong) get the guidance of a well-established running group, if you aren’t a natural).
If you don’t stretch you are screwed……
You can’t run well and safely without a strong core (front and back)
Shoes Matter….a lot. Invest in your self and know your feet. You can learn more about your posture through your feet at places like Northwich Physio or any other foot doctor/physio therapist close to your location.
Don’t run through an injury
Walk breaks increase your mileage, your overall distance and your joy
Walk breaks do not ruin your run, they count
Anyone can run
Children should run everywhere. They already do it (we train them to slow down and be more careful)
A weak bladder can make you run faster
Don’t always increase your mileage
Just Run…it will be ok
Here is what I believe:
Nothing gives you the sense of freedom like running.
Running alone is therapeutic
Running in a pack can solve the problems of the world (If you’re in Canada, check out www.runningroom.com for group runs – they offer a lot of free ones for beginners too!)
Running can mend a broken heart
Running feeds your soul
Listen to your heart when you run, there is some good stuff in there
Gauge your distance on how many questions you need answered that day
Running is the best way to discover a new neighbourhood
Running strengthens friendships
Just Run…it will be ok
If you have a runner in your family learn from them don’t compare yourself to them. In fact don’t compare yourself to anyone (including yourself) every run is different every time you run it. Don’t forget to be thankful you have a common interest.
If you don’t have an amazing athlete sitting on your couch find a running buddy, who knows the two of you may change the world one km at a time.
Just Run,
Amber
About the Author: Amber has been in the fitness and recreation game for over 15 years (not including school!!). She made fitness her life because as the age old saying goes, study and teach what it is you need to learn. In other words, she’s battles with some weight issues for many years and wants to share what she has learned along the way.
You can follow her @TheVeganHouse
Leave a Reply