I never thought I’d call myself a runner. One day I was signed up for a exercise class and a train blocked my route, I was going to be too late. All ready to get pumped up I ended up at a park and put one foot in front of the other. I hated it. I felt like I looked silly, there was weird pain after and I got tired so quickly I was embarrassed. 

Then, as I do I got fixated. How do people do this? And enjoy it???? So, I started asking runners and here’s the helpful things they shared along with my discoveries! 

Ease into it.

I ended up doing intervals of walking and running for the first while, even to remember I can always just change it to a nice walk. Then I started to look around more, find podcasts and playlists and find the joys in it! 

Use resources.

Back when I had benefits I went to a athletic therapist who taught me stretches, made a plan around learning to run and noticed how I was running and walking in a way that hurt me. Now, I used free tools like YouTube stretches, Nike run club app and bugging people for tips. 

Listen to your body and brain.

It’s easy to over do running and hurt yourself. I have trouble easing off when injured or just too tired/sore but when I do listen and rest I heal faster and my future runs are better for it. 

Find mindfulness.

I wouldn’t keep running if it felt like I HAD to, if I was looking to change my body to fit some weird standard or as a punishment or strict routine. I run because I feel good afterwards and more and more during. Noticing my feet hit the ground, chances to do breathe work, seeing beauty on trails and feeling in my body when challenged. THAT keeps me coming back. Sometimes it releases everything and I get to have a good cry. 

This is all about running…. And not about running (a line I stole from the Nike run app).

So, I’m trying to take these lessons to life too. Easing into things, accept support, listening to my own needs/wants, and being present… most importantly finding joy into things that turn into routine. I workout regular because I get to cultivate fun, connection to myself. (And others) and feel better for it.