So you want to be a runner, hey? Well let me tell you, it takes more than heading down to your local Running Room store and picking up a pair of Nikes.
Or does it? The running community used to consist of the elite runners, people who would rather run than eat. Times have changed. Look at the increase in the number of people who have run Marathons, road races, and the now ever so popular ‘fun runs’. Anyone can run, all it takes it putting one foot in front of the other and the courage to take the first step. You don’t need high end running gear head to toe – but you do need a proper pair of running shoes. Just ask my not so bright friend who ran 10 miles in 15 year old sneakers, and now can not run to this day – 7 years later. Go see a pediatrician and have a proper assessment. They will recommend the type of running shoe best for you. This is not an area for you to cheap out on. Trust me when I say the kid at Sports Check is not qualified to select the proper running shoe for you.
Join a class, ask a friend – just get out there and do your best. If you have never run before, I can almost guarantee that you feel like you are dying. Start small: 1k; once around the block; it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you make a start.
Once you get some miles under your belt, you will soon realize that while from your cozy couch – running looks to be a physical sport, there’s more to it than that. It is a very physical sport but the mental aspect of running plays a major role. When your lungs are burning and your legs are aching – the little voice in your head will tell you to stop. You need to learn how to tell that little voice to keep quiet and just keep going. There is nothing wrong with 10 and 1s (where you run 10 minutes and walk 1) but you have to push past your comfort zone to improve. Your ability to control that voice will carry you up over hills and along distances that you never thought possible. You can do it, it’s in you – get out there!
Now what if you have been running for a while and have slipped. Your running is not what is used to be. You’ve had an injury and you don’t want to go through that again. Unfortunately, the answer is the same – tell that little voice to keep quiet and get moving.
Kayjai and I have been running together on and off now for a couple of years. I have known no one who runs with more heart and determination. She is an excellent runner.
She just needs to remember that she once led the way, and could again.
Get out there my friends. Do not let the cold and the rain deter you. You’re not made of sugar, you won’t melt. Just remember, if it was easy – everyone would do it.
As the poster says in my youngest daughters rehab clinic says:
“Just because something is difficult, does not mean that you should not try – it means that you should try harder”