How Running Changed My Life
Feb 21, 2024
Running is more than just a physical activity. It is a way of life that teaches valuable lessons, challenges you to overcome obstacles, and improves your well-being. In this blog post, I will share how running has positively impacted my life and how you can start your running journey.
The Benefits of Running
Running has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, mental well-being, and muscle strength. Running can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and boost your mood. Running can also help you lose weight, tone your muscles, and enhance your brain function.
Running has helped me achieve all these benefits and more. I am in better shape, more confident, and more productive than ever. Running has also given me a sense of accomplishment, as I have completed several marathons and other races.
How to Start Running
If you are new to running, you might wonder how to start. The good news is that running is accessible to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. All you need is some motivation, some gear, and some guidance.
The first thing you need to start running is motivation. You need to have a clear goal: improve your health, lose weight, or run a race. Having a goal will keep you focused and motivated throughout your journey.
The second thing you need to start running is gear. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy equipment but need some essentials. The most important thing is a pair of proper running shoes that suit your foot type. You also need comfortable clothing appropriate for your climate to enjoy your run.
Some accessories that can enhance your running experience are a watch, a hydration belt, or a music player.
The third thing you need to start running is guidance. You must follow a plan to gradually increase your distance and speed while allowing for adequate recovery. An excellent way to start is by doing intervals of walking and running and then gradually increasing the running time and decreasing the walking time. You can also join a running group, hire a coach, or use an app to guide you.
To get my coaching help, click here.
My Running Journey
I started running over 20 years ago, thanks to my roommate, a great school runner. He asked me to run with him and taught me lessons about running. He showed me how to warm up, pace myself, and enjoy the process. Before I knew it, we were signing up for a marathon, my first.
Running a marathon was one of my life's most challenging and rewarding experiences. I learned how to train hard, how to overcome pain, and how to persevere. I also learned how to celebrate my achievements, appreciate my supporters, and inspire others.
Since then, I have run regularly, at least three times a week. I also do other activities on the other days, such as cycling, swimming, or yoga. Running has become a part of my lifestyle, and I can’t imagine living without it.
The Challenges of Running
Running is not always easy. There are times when I struggle, when I feel tired, when I get injured, or when I lose motivation. Running is hard, but that’s what makes it rewarding.
Running has taught me how to cope with difficulties, adapt to changing circumstances, and grow from my failures. Running has also taught me how to be humble, how to be grateful, and how to be optimistic.
Running does get easier over time, but it never gets boring. There is always something new to learn, new to try, or new to achieve. Running is a journey that never ends.
The Importance of Recovery
Running is not only about running. It is also about resting, recovering, and taking care of yourself. Running puts a lot of stress on your body, and you need to allow it to heal and recover.
One of the most important things to do after running is to stretch. Stretching helps relax muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent injuries. I always stretch after every run, focusing on my calves, hamstrings, quads, and hips.
Another critical thing to do after running is to hydrate. Hydration helps to replenish your fluids, electrolytes, and energy. I always drink water or a sports drink after every run and eat a snack containing carbohydrates and protein.
Recovery also involves taking rest days, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Rest days allow your body to repair and adapt, sleep enhances your recovery and performance, and diet fuels your running and health.
How Often Should I Run?
Your running frequency depends on your goals, fitness level, and schedule. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but a general guideline is to run at least three times a week. This will help you maintain fitness, improve endurance, and prevent injuries.
However, you can also run more or less depending on your needs and preferences. Some runners like to run daily, while others prefer to run every other day or follow a specific training plan. The key is to listen to your body, balance your intensity and duration, and avoid overtraining.
I run thrice weekly, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. I vary my distance and speed depending on how I feel and what I’m training for. I also cross-train on the other days, doing activities like cycling, swimming, or yoga.
What Should My Weekly Mileage Be?
Your weekly mileage is the total distance you run in a week. It is an important factor to consider when planning your training, as it affects your performance, recovery, and injury risk. Your weekly mileage should be based on your goals, fitness level, and experience.
An excellent way to determine your weekly mileage is to start with a baseline and gradually increase it by 10% weekly. For example, if you run 15 kilometres a week, you can increase it to 16.5 kilometres the next week, and so on. This will help you build endurance, improve efficiency, and prevent injuries.
However, you should also be flexible and adjust your weekly mileage according to your feedback and progress. If you feel tired, sore, or injured, reduce your weekly mileage or take a break. If you feel strong, energetic, and confident, you can increase your weekly mileage or add some speed work.
I count my weekly mileage in kilometres, and I aim for 15-20 kilometres a week when I’m not training for a race. When I’m training for a race, I increase my weekly mileage gradually and taper off 1-2 weeks before the race. This helps me prepare for the race distance and peak at the right time.
Should I Run Every Day?
Running daily is a personal choice that depends on your goals, fitness level, and preferences. Some runners enjoy running daily, as it helps them stay consistent, motivated, and happy. Other runners prefer rest days, as it helps them recover, prevent injuries, and avoid burnout.
There is no right or wrong answer as long as you listen to your body, balance your intensity and duration, and vary your workouts. Running every day can be beneficial, but it can also be risky. Running daily can improve your fitness, endurance, and mood, but it can also cause fatigue, overuse injuries, and boredom.
I have run every day in the past, but I have also learned to listen to my body and take rest days when I need them. I have experienced shin splints, a common running injury, and learned how to prevent and treat them. I have also learned to enjoy running without making it an obsession or a chore.
Conclusion
Running has changed my life in many ways. It has improved my physical and mental health, taught me valuable lessons, and given me joy and satisfaction. Running is not just a hobby; it is a passion.
If you are interested in running, I encourage you to try it. You don’t need to be fast, fit, or experienced. You need to be willing, curious, and persistent. Running will reward you in ways you can’t imagine.
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post. If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you. Happy running! 🏃♀️📝
To get my coaching help, click here.
