Running can be intimidating. Whether it’s the idea of starting out as a first time runner, or if you have already tried it out and know the difficulties first hand. Expectations are often set too high, and disappointment almost always ensues. Many beginner runners know how easy it is to be discouraged out of going for a run. Need some examples?
- I have a blister
- My stomach hurts
- It’s raining
- I’m tired
- Period
- Friends in town
- I’d rather eat ice cream
We’ve all been there. What people don’t tell you is that there are no set rules to running. Everyone has to find their own groove.
I used to think that if I didn’t manage to get my run in first thing in the morning, then I basically lost my opportunity that day. This is discouragement talking. I do not turn into a werewolf the second I see the moon, running at night is ok.
I used to think that if I didn’t have time for anything less than a 5k then I shouldn’t run at all. Again, discouragement talking. Twenty minutes of running is better then no minutes of running.
I used to think that running couldn’t be fun, that it was strictly for exercise and that it requires loads of self discipline, etc… Excuses.
Maybe you are just starting out and you can’t run for more than two minutes at a time. You might think to yourself “What’s the point”? But instead of comparing yourself to people who have been training for years and are running marathons, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday who didn’t bother even running in bursts of two minutes at a time. If that’s your groove, that’s ok. Everyone gets better.
What helped me get into my groove? I set myself a goal – running a marathon. That made it competitive for me, which made it fun. It made me excited to reach my goal every week. Another thing that made me love running is audiobooks. I love the fact that every time I go for a run I get to listen to a story at the same time. It passes the time and distracts me from any negative aspects of the run. Also, I made a rule that I can only listen to my favorite books when I’m running, so if I’m eager to hear the next chapter I have to put on my running shoes and earn it.
I learned that I am a morning person. I love the feeling of getting in a run first thing in the morning. I started spending more time with my Dad who became my official running buddy. I learned what I like and what I don’t like about running.
Running is individual. You can read all the information in the world and buy the fanciest shoes and gear, but at the end of the day the only thing to do is to do what feels right. Buy the shoes that feel comfiest, not the ones that come most recommended. Walk if you need to. Listen to a book. Make a special playlist. Give yourself rewards. Listen to your body.
The moment that I felt like a true runner was the moment that I stopped comparing myself to other people and started realizing the awesomeness of my own accomplishments.
You might think that running just isn’t your thing… but maybe you just haven’t figured out how to make it your thing.
Up to you.
