20 Tips from a Reluctant Runner
Written by Shoshana Pritzker Thursday, 29 July 2010 15:13
20 Tips from a Reluctant Runner
By Noreen Wainwright
OK, the truth is that I started running by default. Apart from a sponsored 10-mile affair when I was a teenager, running has never been the exercise for me. Seriously now, I actually hated running; the breathlessness, the sweating, the boredom. Have you ever asked yourself if it is possible to be in agony, and bored at the same time? Yes, it is— try running. But I am not, by nature, averse to exercise— quite the opposite— I do not feel right, physically or mentally, if I am not doing some form of exercise.
Then came the time when I just couldn’t manage to get into my normal spinning class (yes, spinning— that’s a whole other story). It was around Christmas, and with all the eating, lazing about and drinking that comes with that time of year, I was desperate. Right, I said to myself, Come on— you’ve got to do something! The season and the weather: dark, snow, ice, were all against me— but undaunted, off I set, about a 100 metres down the road. You can imagine the rest: acute stitch, gasping and groaning. But, sort of by accident, running, to my amazement, became a very important part of my life. These are some of the things I have learned.
1. Don’t worry about the snazzy, trendy clothes. One of the big advantages about going for a run is that can you avoid that tedious, competitive dressing thing that goes on at exercise classes and at the gym. Just wear what is comfortable, and which will wash and dry easily.
2. On the other hand, shoes are really important. Like the complete novice I was, I just wore a pair of trainers. This really does play havoc with your feet and knees. I was advised to go to a special shop and get measured up. Considering the pounding they get, and the time they last, the shoes are actually inexpensive. I know there are runners out there who have no time at all for this measuring up, but it seems to have served me well.
3. Establish a pattern and stick to it. I have learned this the hard way. I get up; dress in my running gear, have a couple of mugs of tea and a biscuit— then set off for my run. I know if I postpone it until later, I will not go. You will find the time that best fits into your life.
4. The rhythm is crucial. Now this sounds really weird, but some sort of beat really helps you to run. I play this strange counting game in my head— I know, odd. Other people have to have their music. There is something very soothing about the repetitive routine of running. That is why the next tip might help motivate you.
5. Running is ace for helping with anxiety, stress or worry. It forces you to calm down, and channels that adrenaline which might otherwise cause you all sorts of problems.
6. Should you run on your own, or with a friend? That’s a personal question, and probably depends on how you start. I normally run alone, but have run with someone, and found it disconcerting, probably because I wasn’t used to it. Talking can be quite difficult (along with those things like… er… breathing). However, for many runners the presence of a running partner is crucial.
7. Have you got a specific goal? I never had; as far as I was concerned, running was a stop-gap for a few weeks until I resumed my spinning class. This was about four years ago, incidentally— and I haven’t been to spinning since. However, most half-marathon, and marathon runners once stood where you stand now. Something must have clicked after a certain amount of time of running. Either the urge to compete, to fund-raise, or just push themselves must have kicked in. Me? Well I do go a bit further than that first morning. But, as yet, I haven’t dared anything “public.”
8. In a very natural way, you become attuned to the subtle changes of the seasons, and of course to many local people’s habits. I live in the countryside, and now just smile at the running, (sorry) commentary I get from the neighbors. You know, like, “You’re getting fit/faster/slower,” or “I really admire you/you must be mad/I’d run too, but I have no time.”
9. You will learn which types of weather you can and cannot run in. I don’t really mind the rain, within reason. Icy conditions are impossible, and the heat I try to avoid, by going early. Windy weather is very tough and probably the most exhilarating conditions of all are those fresh, tingly, cold autumn days.
10. Try to avoid slowing down to a walk when you feel tired. It is easier to get going again if you just slow the run right down to a very gentle jog.
11. Build up your distance really steadily. If you go out on the first day and attempt to run a couple of miles, you might well put yourself off, telling yourself you are never going to do anything as ridiculous as running— ever again. Just tell yourself you will go to the next telegraph pole, tree, or whatever, the next time. Of course, if you are a gadget-lover, you will equip yourself with a pedometer or other measuring device.
12. Running time is thinking time, but this often sneaks up and surprises you. Don’t set out determined to think about a specific problem— it is better to “freewheel”— you often find yourself reaching home with a new plan or course of action all mapped out.
13. On the days I don’t go running (I have two “rest-days” a week), I am honestly telling you, I feel just as hungry and ready for my lunch as I do on the running days. It was a while before I noticed this interesting phenomenon. This may be of interest to dieters.
14. Should you carry water? This is a matter of personal preference, of course, and dehydration must be avoided. I find it best to drink plenty of water at other times throughout the day, as the thought of drinking while I’m actually running doesn’t really appeal.
15. It is best to have eaten something, or had your tea/coffee with sugar, if you run in the morning. You don’t want to feel light-headed because of a drop in your blood sugar. Running after too much to eat though, is obviously not a good idea.
16. The way running makes you feel does vary. Some days it really is a breeze and you amaze yourself at how easy this has become. But there are those days when it does seem a struggle. There often seems no good reason for this; you don’t feel unwell, or even particularly tired. Don’t give up; you’ll be fine tomorrow.
17. If you think of yourself as a bit of a free spirit and don’t really fancy the thought of someone else “pushing” or coaching you, running is one of the best forms of exercise. It really is your own thing. You can go as often, as far and as fast/slow as you want.
18. One of the best feelings you can have is when you get out of the shower after a run. You feel clean, invigorated and somehow physically relaxed. This feeling is a powerful motivator to go again tomorrow.
19. Running will cure a mild hangover; it blows away the cobwebs more effectively than anything else. However, don’t run if your hangover is more severe— it really is not a good idea.
20. We’ve mentioned shoes and clothes. But, one of the most important tips I had when I first started running was to get a couple of good sport bras.
When you have been running for a while, something happens to you. You get bitten, and almost imperceptibly, your run becomes crucial to the way you feel. It becomes a part of your routine, but more than that, running makes you feel calmer, your mind clearer, and your body fitter. What more incentive do you need to get those shoes out?