LifecanbetoffI am very much a beginner runner. I started running shortly after joining the gym last September. Thinking that with the addition of running, it would help improve my fitness levels and help with my sessions at the gym. There are of course other ways to exercise without going to the gym and this post proves you don’t need equipment to workout at home.
Admittedly, I’m not a consistent runner, with old injuries plaguing me almost each time I hit the pavement, so I’m definitely not a 3 times a week runner. But, I do try and get one in whenever I’m feeling motivated to.
Whenever I do run, I get a lot of joy out of it. As a beginner runner I continually learn ways to improve my form, which in turn, makes my runs more enjoyable.
Why is running different for me now?
I’ve tried running many times before. In school I was much more a sprinter and hated cross country running or any long distance. Even in my twenties I would try running and never enjoyed it.
What’s different now I’m in my mid thirties? I’m certainly a lot less fit than I was the previous times I’ve ran, and a lot heavier! But why have I managed to be more consistent than I ever had been before?
Someone suggested to me that maybe because I have a job that requires responsibility that running is my stress release.
I’ve wondered if its because I have a new drive to become fitter and lose weight. Perhaps its a combination of the two!
I never in my life thought I’d be the person that would get up early to go out running, and that I would actually enjoy it!
What do I enjoy about running?
Let’s be honest, despite running on and off since last year, I am still a beginner runner. My pace isn’t fast and my runs are still a mixture of walking and running.
My latest run was my fastest 5k, I’m not going to win any medals and I’m not entering any races, but it was a huge achievement and I was so happy. I spent more of it running than I did walking and that was a big deal!
What I enjoy about running though is the freedom of it, getting outside and watching my fitness levels improve.
Being outside, no matter the weather, dressed in my favourite running gear (see gift guide for a fitness fanatic for my faves) and feeling the freedom it brings, is what gives me the most enjoyment.
What have I learned in my short running journey?
Pace
When I first started running, I ran too fast. It was doing me no good so recently I slowed down my pace and have found I can sustain the slower pace for longer distances.
It also helps keep the injuries at bay as I’m not pushing myself.
Having the right footwear
This is an absolute must! I’ve not had a gait assessment done but I’ve discovered on my own, that having the right running trainers for the different surfaces I run on is hugely important.
I’d like to get a proper gait assessment done. But I’ve invested in some trail trainers which have helped with the more rugged terrain.
I run better on the road surfaces in cushioned trainers but of course these aren’t ideal for the tracks so I have to think my routes ahead depending on my footwear!
I think of trainers as tyres like on a car. They are what keep me on the road and its important they are decent and in good condition!
Motivation
I get my motivation from Strava. I don’t pay for the full version of the app, but seeing my improvements in the data is a huge motivation for me.
Motivation also comes from seeing my physical differences. Although not massive at the moment, running during lockdown has helped keep the extra calories I’ve eaten from heading straight to my thighs! It’s also helped with some of the boredom that early lockdown provided!
For that, I am grateful and motivated!
I’ve tried using Couch 2 5k but didn’t find the method worked for me, so I’ve gone it alone and finding I’m making much better improvement. I still use the interval training method which is gradually building my stability.
Walking helps!
During lockdown I’ve walked a massive amount. In June I completed a Half Wye virtual challenge which I did as a mixture of walking and running.
A whole 67 miles.
In July, I set myself a bigger challenge and have embarked on the Race at your Pace 100 mile challenge (I have just under 10 miles to go and 5 days to do it in). Also, having the additional motivation of a shiny medal helps keep me moving!
But, all this walking has done wonders for my fitness and strength, which in turn has helped my running stamina.
What else have I learned?
- I would get better times if I stayed off my phone
- Listening to a good soundtrack is really important
- Hills still kill me
- I have some incredible walking and running routes where I live
- I’m quite competitive, either with others or my own personal bests!
- The brighter the running gear, the more confident I feel.
- Stretch! Before and after your run. Keep moving to stop yourself from ceasing up!
- Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. It’s not a competition and no one is judging you for taking a break to recuperate.
- Cow shit is really slippery. No, seriously!
Continuing the journey
The important thing for me now is to remain consistent and continue to build my strength so that those running stints become longer, the walking stints shortly and eventually being able to consistently run a 5k.
Would I like to one day increase on 5k? Maybe, but baby running steps!
Are you a runner? What are your tips? Or perhaps you prefer to workout at home?
Peace out!
Jangles
Beginner Runner
