You know the dreaded feeling of going for a run? The time you thought it was a good idea.
At one point we’ve all been there; that moment right before you go for a run and you’re all pumped-up. So, you begin to give yourself that previously rehearsed speech. You know what I’m talking about… It goes a little something like this:
“I sooooo got this! I’m about to go smash this run, it’s no big deal! Piece of cake! Let’s go!”
You hit the streets and it starts off as a breeze! I mean, we both know you’re just walking at first… you have to warm up, right? A couple minutes in and it’s too easy, so it’s time to run. Remember, we’re still in the pumped-up phase.
We start jogging, then look around and think to ourselves, “What a beautiful day for a run.”
And slowly but surely, not even a mile in, our lungs and chest feel like the burning ring of fire. Our legs feel weak and our bodies are screaming for us to stop. And in that moment, you remember why you never run.
Running is most definitely not the easiest or most fun thing to do. So then why do we run, or why do we attempt to run?
Fitness goals? Build up endurance? Training for a marathon? Just because?
Whatever the reason, don’t let those painful running experiences prevent you from getting back out there and running again! People ask me all the time why I choose to run, because their experiences with running were awful.
To be honest, when I began running, it was that same dreaded, awful experience. However, I made the decision to not let those experiences stop me from becoming a great runner.
Running can be thrilling and challenging. It can test your limits and force you to build inner strength. The secret to becoming a conditioned runner, is to fall in love with the process.
Let’s talk through some tips on how to go from a beginner, to being a seasoned and conditioned runner!
1. Start off slow.
You don’t want to begin with such high hopes of busting out five to 10-miles in one day. Set yourself a small goal, like one to two miles. Do walking, jogging and running intervals. You need to condition your body and your lungs in order to strengthen them.
2. Enjoy the small accomplishments.
Once you have your small goals, then work for greater ones. The thing that excites me the most about running is when I’m done! When I reach the end, I know I hit another accomplishment, and this empowers me to keep going and keep working for my next goal. Never get bummed if you didn’t reach the goal you had. Try again next time. It’s not a quick process.
3. Keep track of your progress.
This is the best tool to help you see how far you’ve come! There are many apps to track your running. Utilize them because these apps make all the difference when trying to keep on pace with your running goals.
4. Understand the process.
It is completely normal for running to be hard. When our bodies aren’t conditioned for cardiovascular exercises, we will feel pain and it will be difficult. The more you work at it, the easier it gets, and your body will become used to the concept of running. Soon, one to two-mile runs won’t even feel like a workout. Within months, you can go from a beginner to busting out five straight miles like no big deal.
5. Fall in love with the process.
You have to love what you’re doing, or why do it? Quitting comes from not enjoying the things you do. When you learn to love the way running challenges you, you’ll realize how to overcome each obstacle. Don’t think of tough challenges as a defeat, think of them as exciting ways to grow and become better! Every time you accomplish your goals, that’s another amazing day in your books.
