When I tell people that I am a runner, the common replies I get are; "too difficult", "I hate feeling like I am dying all the time", "It's so boring". I did once think running was boring. I mean all you do is to put one foot in front of the other and repeat for 30 minutes at least.
How I started running was when I started going to a typical gym in 2014 I felt intimidated by other gym goers, so I was stuck on the treadmill where I felt safe. I felt like I was doing something but again, boredom set in. I did feel like "I am dying" for most of the time I was on it. I put my own music on; kept telling myself "just 3 songs, I got this!" One thing led to another and I've progressed from a run/walk 5km on the treadmill to being able to run outside on the pathways.
Running outside was way less boring; having to dodge weekend crowds at Botanic Gardens, having to sprint past traffic lights and slow down at neighbourhood streets - varying speeds made things more interesting. These variables almost became a challenge, a "game" to see how fast I could get from point A to point B. Suddenly listening to music on my iPhone had become a distraction rather than great company. I need to be aware of my surroundings and have a plan in order to get from point A to point B faster. A few weeks later, I started hearing sounds I never heard before - my breathing and the sound of pounding the pavement. I felt lighter carrying minimal gadgets; just my Garmin watch, Opal card and a 5 dollar note for that well-deserved coffee post run.
I started joining random running groups around the area and ran parkrun* every Saturday. Here I started running with friends regularly. We keep each other accountable, talking about shoes, nutrition strategies and training regimes. 2 years later, I ran my first marathon and have run 5 half marathons to date and am now a certified running coach. No headphones, no phones, nothing in my pocket. It's about me and what my body can do.
It's not a competition; it's about getting to know you. No matter how fast you run, what your body size is, how much experience you have. If you know how to put one foot in front of the other and do it as quickly as you can, you are a runner.
Incorporating running into your routine improves your cardiovascular fitness, to help you to perform better during your training sessions with your trainer to push through those challenging reps.
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
