There are two types of people in the world: those who naturally love running, and those who have to learn how to love running.
I am definitely in the second group.
I never considered myself a runner until about two years ago. I’d worked out here and there throughout high school and college, but I’d never been really consistent. I went through running phases, where I might run a little bit for a couple of weeks and then give it up or move on to something else. Or I’d get into a good routine of going to the gym a few times a week, and then I’d get overwhelmed with other responsibilities and give up on working out all together.
But in January 2016, I made a commitment to myself to be healthier and to develop a consistent workout routine.
It was hard. There were times when I was tired, when I had too many other things to do, or the weather was cold/windy/rainy or any combination of the three. But I’d made a commitment, so I’d lace up my shoes and put on my workout clothes and do it anyway.
Eventually I came to love running, and I got really good at it. I decided to train for a sub-two hour half marathon, and for the first time in my life I considered myself a runner.
But it definitely did not happen over night. I could write a novel about everything running has taught me, but here are just a few things I learned about starting to run and motivating myself to get out and do it (in no particular order):
1. Running is not enjoyable if you are not in shape.
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The truth hurts, and so does running if you aren’t used to it. Unfortunately if you aren’t used to working out, running is not something you can just start doing and be really good at. In fact, running is something you might have to do a lot of for it to become enjoyable.
Once your heart gets used to working harder and your legs get used to running further, running will become less painful and more enjoyable. It’s not something that happens over night, but the more you do it, the better you will get at it.
I think this is where a lot of people struggle with running. If it doesn’t immediately come easily to them, they decide they are no longer interested. I definitely felt this way about it. I would get so tired. I’d be winded, and my legs would be on fire, and all I could think about was going inside and getting a drink of water. But eventually your body adapts and gets stronger, and you can more easily run distances that used to challenge you, or hills that used to slow you down.
2. Running takes practice, and you have to commit to it.
If you want to get good at running, you can’t just do it a few times a month, or every other Tuesday, or when you’re perfectly well-rested and your favorite socks are clean and it’s sunny and 72. You have to commit more time to it than that. Exactly how much time you commit is a personal decision.
When I first started, I would try to go four or five times a week. It didn’t always happen, but it usually did and it was a good goal. I was also a busy nursing student at this time, so I’d get lots of steps in walking across campus and at the hospital.
3. Running comes step by step, mile by mile, and run by run.
If you’re just starting out with running, it’s easy to compare yourself to other better, faster runners. But you shouldn’t, because everyone has to start out somewhere. If you’re struggling with running, take it one step at a time–literally one step at a time. Put one foot in front of the other and focus on that. If you’re starting out on a long run, take it one mile at a time. If you’re training for a marathon, take it one run at a time. Nothing comes effortlessly or all at once.
This makes me think of a quote one of my nursing school professors once told us in class when we got overwhelmed. “Nursing school is like trying to eat an elephant. All you can do is eat one bite at a time.”
Becoming a runner is kind of the same thing. Okay maybe that’s a weird analogy, but it’s true. Sometimes you can’t think about how far you have ahead of you, so just take it one step or one mile or one run at a time.
4. A pair of good shoes makes ALL the difference.
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Some people say that running is a cheap sport because you don’t need anything to do it, but runners would tell you that you can easily spend a fortune on running gear. I can see both sides of this argument, and I’d say if you’re going to invest any money in running upfront, spend it on a good pair of shoes.
Being in a pair of shoes that fits your feet and supports them well can make a world of difference in your ability to run. I recommend going to a running or sporting goods store and having a professional help you find the pair of shoes that is best for you and your needs.
Don’t pick a pair because you like the way they look or because they’re in a great color or because you have another pair of shoes you like that’s the same brand. Try on multiple pairs and walk around in them. Ask questions. Find something that fits your feet well and is in your budget.
5. Run happy, run sad, run tired, run excited, run stressed, run brokenhearted. Just run. (Unless you are injured. Then you shouldn’t run at all.)
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There are a million excuses not to run, but find excuses to do it anyway. Once I got in shape, running became therapeutic for me. It was something I’d do to cope with whatever was going on in my life. Lots of studying to do? Go for a run. Frustrated with someone? Go for a run. Spending another day trying to mend my broken heart? Go for a run. Deal with the overwhelming stress of having people’s lives in my hands as a future nurse? Go for a run.
Sometimes I’d choose not to think about anything and just focus on my music, my breathing, and my running. Other times I’d use the solitude to think things over in my mind. On occasion I’d run with a friend and enjoy their company. But I never regretted a single run. Even when it was hard to get out of bed, or it was hot/cold/humid/windy/miserable outside, I was always glad I did it.
On the other hand, if you are injured, or if there is even a possibility that you are injured, you should rest! Running on an injury or potential injury is a recipe for disaster. Even if it’s going to mess up your training plan or ruin your day/week/month, it is always best to take some time off.
6. Hills can be terrible but they will make you a better runner.
This one doesn’t require much explanation. If you have access to hills, force yourself to run them. Running uphill makes you faster and stronger, plus you look hardcore for anyone who might see you as they drive by.
Hill repeats are also beneficial. Whenever I was feeling really ambitious, I’d sprint uphill and then walk back down, sprint back up and walk back down, and repeat that a few times or until I couldn’t breathe anymore, whichever came first.
7. Track your progress.
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Few things feel better than running your fastest mile, or running further than you’ve ever gone before (see above), or even just beating your time from last week. Don’t obsess over distance and time and pace (at least not at the beginning) but track your progress and take pride in your improvements.
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In this photo, I’d just finished my first six-mile run EVER. I had never in my whole life run six consecutive miles, and I was so proud of my accomplishment. It felt amazing to be able to say I could do that. Once you start being able to run a little further and a little faster, it is so motivating to look back and see how far you’ve come. It’s also exciting to see the physical changes in your body.
8. Eat better —> feel better —> run better
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Wash, rinse, repeat. This is a cycle I found I fell into once I started running. If I ate nutritious foods that fueled my body, I would physically feel better and subsequently have a better run. After I finished a run, I’d crave healthier foods. I’m not saying that running will turn you into the world’s healthiest eater, but if you are working out frequently enough you’ll notice the difference that eating nutritious foods can make.
I will always remember a time I ate Panda Express on a Friday night for dinner. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The next morning, I went for my usual Saturday morning long run. It started off okay, but a couple of miles into it, I just felt gross, and by the end, I was literally sweating fried rice and orange chicken. Sometimes you’ll regret what you ate when you start to feel it during your run.
9. Some days are just better than others.
For a long time I felt like each time I went for a run, I had to do something better than I’d done the previous time. Whether I ran slightly faster, or slightly further, or up more hills, or in worse weather, I felt like I had to improve each and every time I went for a run. When that wasn’t obtainable, I’d feel bad about my efforts or convince myself I wasn’t going to ever get better at running. Frankly, improving every single time you go for a run is unrealistic and should never be anyone’s goal.
Some days you will have good runs, and some days you simply won’t. That’s okay. The fact that you are getting out and running is a good thing!