I’ve blogged previously about my switch from an avid runner to a yoga lover. I confess I haven’t been doing much of either lately. However, with a new year I have answered the call of my yoga mat and made my way back to yoga classes. My well worn running shoes have also been taunting me as I walk past them each morning – so I am taking up the challenge, leveraging the new year momentum and pounding the early morning pavement once again.
Since it’s been a while since I laced up my runners I thought I would share some of my tips for starting on the running path.
1. Ditch the memories of your old exercise habits – good or bad. I tend to frame my exercise memories in two ways: either as horrible memories of P.E classes in the 9th grade where I couldn’t stand the idea of running 100m nevertheless 20km or as joyous memories of endorphin highs from Sunday afternoon long runs in my mid 20s. Neither of the memories are motivating, one fills me with dread, the other scares me into thinking that I can’t ever reach that level of fitness fabulousness again. Better to start afresh: make some new memories.
2. Plan your runs & don’t overdo it. I want to be out there running 12 kms on my first day. But I know that’s not possible. Better to start at 2km (or run for a minute, walk for a minute and build up from there). And book it in. Diarise it, schedule it, make it happen!
3. Find a friend. I am a bit of a lone runner – I treat it as a meditation tool, time to clear my mind and focus only on my breathing. But I enjoy scheduling a once a week run with a friend/family member/my husband. There’s no better motivation than knowing that someone else is waiting to hit the track with you.
4. Do some reading. We’re fans of chi running here at Sweet Lime and I also love reading other bloggers who chat about their running trials and tribulations (I especially love this post at Zen Habits). It’s inspiring to read about what other runners are up to & get some info on how to deal with injuries.
5. And while we’re on the topic of injuries. Don’t let them discourage you. There are lots of resources out there to help you (personal trainers, physios, medical professionals) –sometimes all you need is to adjust your running style, get a massage or take a break.
6. Bask in getting your mojo back! Speaking from personal experience there is not a lot that makes me feel as alive as running. The rush of reaching your goal kms and watching your fitness improve is well worth the pain.
And more important than anything, be proud of yourself for just showing up. Because that's a pretty good place to start.
Good on ya for getting back into it! I have never been a runner, couldn't even jog a couple hundred metres, but in December we decided to start, now I can jog 3 - 4 km without stopping. Crazy to think that you can increase your fitness in that sort of period.
ReplyDeleteThe best trick someone taught me is to keep jogging when puffed, just slow down to a walking pace or on the spot until you get your breath back! Runkeeper is super motivational too as it keeps track if how far you have gone and announces it over your music.
Totally agree with it being meditation like- I love zoning out with my music while jogging outside, but I do like having company for the walk back to the car to talk about all the ideas that have popped into my head :)
Great post Jas! I'm a keen runner myself and can relate to these running peaks and troughs you describe. I haven't been running a lot lately, but have just started up again this week actually and I really like your idea of creating new goals rather than chasing some crazy unattainable goal xx
ReplyDeleteJaz - That's a really good tip & I haven't heard of runkeeper but going to look into it right now! I've been looking for something to keep track of how far I've run.
ReplyDeleteRach - congrats on starting up again! I'm determined to get back into regular running. Let me know how you go as well, you can help keep me motivated :)
jas x
Great post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour first tip is great - and sooooo true - I am always doing this! Must focus on the now instead.
ReplyDeleteOn the injury front though, while they shouldn't discourage you, they are certainly worth taking notice of. Try to keep going with a niggle and it could end up being something a lot more serious that can stop you running for months! I have learnt (sadly from experience) to listen to my body more and my ego less. And this goes for life in general too. ;)
Wish I could be your running buddy, Jas. One day it will be you, me and Central Park!
xox
Sara - I'm glad you liked it! xx
ReplyDeleteEm - You're right about the injuries. It's so important to do something early on & not ignore them (I find myself looking at other runners sometimes and thinking 'how are they managing that without injuries' instead of focusing on listening to my own body - yoga has really helped with that though). And I agree - one day we will be running in central park together! While the boys drink beer and watch sport somewhere :) xx
jas x
I've just started back into running again after a very long break ... I have to work hard to be patient with myself, but I'm getting better at it! :)
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