If you run, you are a runner.
Any speed, any style, any distance.
Any program, any purpose, any location.
Any age, any ability, any body.
During that run, you are a runner. Let go of whatever insecurities are holding you back. I promise, unless you live in a really small town, nobody’s watching you. Nobody’s judging you. Even if there are witnesses, it’s only for a passing moment. You’re on the move – they’re not. In your life, when you’ve seen runners, have you ever once thought: “oh, they’re just pretending?”
Of course not.
So do whatever you need to do to enjoy it – especially during the early runs. Make a good playlist. Fuel up with your favorite foods. And get a comfortable pair of shoes from a store dedicated to running supplies. You’re just figuring this out, so if that means alternating walking and running? Do that. If that means only running five minutes out and five minutes back home? Do that. In any case, keep a slow pace – between 9 and 12 minutes – for a set duration rather than a distance goal. The majority of your miles in the first month should be easy. The controlled timeframe helps to prevent overuse.
Oh – and find a pretty place to do it! If you don’t like the physical environment of your run, you’re not going to enjoy running. Remember: for now, you’re building form and a positive association.
Personally, the rocky hills and grassy knolls of Central Park are my Happy Place. It’s perfect. The outer loop is exactly 10K – my preferred distance. I’m surrounded by serious runners, beautiful dogs, and green. Nothing puts me at ease like the trees. Convenient, as it’s crucial to learn how to run relaxed – especially when you’re just learning your pace. Scan through the body, head to toe, and relax any tension you experience on the run. You’ll find it in your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your fists, and especially your face. All that extra tension is a waste of energy, calories which should be going to your legs! Run with soft eyes, a loose jaw, and smile when you feel like it. Just don’t grimace – this is your hobby, not your job. If it’s making you unhappy, do something else.
And finally, early on, there will be those days that you don’t want to run.
When that happens, try just getting changed into your running clothes. If you put ‘em on, sit around for a few minutes, and still don’t want to run? That’s fine. You don’t have to run. But 90% of the time, when I try this trick on myself, I end up going through with it. I don’t know what it is… But damn, it’s effective.
