What Running Has Taught Me - Forward Motion
I've started running again, and it's taught me so much.
1. Start all over again
Whether it's been a month since you last ran or a year, you have to start all over again. Effort is required either way.
2. Listen to your body
Your body is going to make it hard for you, especially if you've had an injury or two or haven't been able to move much. In that case, walking is a safer bet. There is no shame in starting there.
3. Everyone runs differently
Someone may jog. Someone may sprint for a bit and then slow down. Someone may run steadily from beginning to end. There is no one recipe for a runner.
4. People may judge you
People who pass you may judge you, especially if your stride seems awkward or you're running a bit too slowly. Just ignore it and move on.
I've had quite a few middle aged men cheer me on during my lone runs. Many may have good intentions, but some definitely are just trying to make me feel awkward. They're not cheering me on. They're cheering their inner bully.
Never mind, I say. Ignore it and move on.
5. Your old gait may take time to return
Your gait may seem strange to you when you start running after a long break. You may remember yourself moving faster and with more style. All that will probably come back.
You're only the next run away from finding out when. That's what I tell myself.
6. Start small
Start with a small goal. Stick to it, again and again. Consistency wins over sudden bursts of enthusiasm.
7. You don't have to tell anyone your goals
Your goals keep evolving. Getting through each run can be your next goal. And that's okay.
8. You may not like running at first
You may not really like running in the beginning, and that's alright. Give it ten runs. If you still don't like it, you can reconsider.
9. Running can change how you look and feel
Nothing makes you feel leaner and fitter quite like running. And sometimes the changes you notice in your body are not even the ones you were looking for.
10. Anyone can be a runner
Heavy people can and do run. There are also plenty of thin people who hate running.
Your body type does not decide whether you are a runner. Running does.
11. Think about the next step
Your next step is all that matters during a run.
The effort your body is making is remarkable. Firstly, because the body has to move. Secondly, because your brain keeps signalling that you should stop. It's uncomfortable, it's tiring, and there is always that little voice asking, Why are you doing this?
Over time, you learn to recognise that not every signal to stop means you actually need to stop. Sometimes it's simply your mind looking for relief from the effort.
But you also have to learn to listen when the signal is important. Pain that feels wrong, an injury making itself known, dizziness or anything that tells you that your body needs you to stop should not be ignored.
Running teaches you, slowly, to tell the difference between I don't want to do this anymore and I shouldn't do this anymore.
And once you learn that difference, you can keep going when it's simply difficult, and stop when your body genuinely needs you to.
12. Some days, just showing up is enough
You don't always need to run farther than the previous day or run faster.
There are days when your body just won't cooperate. I think simply putting on those shoes and attempting a run makes you a winner.
13. Walking and running still count
Many people walk and run alternately. If that's where you are right now, that's alright too.
14. You don't need a running buddy
You can run with a buddy, but you don't necessarily need one. Sometimes running alone gives you a completely different kind of freedom.
15. Movement changes things
Being active can lift your mood.
Just this morning, a headache I had disappeared after a 5 km walk outdoors.
Sometimes, that's reason enough to put on your shoes.
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What an insight !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this positive vibe 💕
Thank you for your lovely comment Lilith 💕💕💕
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