A couple years ago if you asked me my thoughts on running I’d say I hate it. Like I really didn’t like running. I felt like I was dying the whole time. I’d start a run, it would feel like an eternity, my cheeks would be bright red, my legs numb, feet sore, and heart pounding, I’d look down at my apple watch, 1km. At a 13 minute pace. So ya, running wasn’t always my thing, but I say always cause now I’m completely obsessed.
Some time between 2 years ago and now something changed and I became hooked with running. Now I look forward to my runs, the fresh air runs in the forest, running the seawall with the ocean glistening right in front of you, or even just those days where it’s too rainy or the cold, the good ol’ treadmill runs.
The feeling I get after running is insane. I feel so accomplished and so tired but it’s a good tired. Like I really did something in my day. But the main event is around the middle of the good run, when you feel on top of the world, you feel like your running clouds, and nothing can stop you. The runner’s high.
When I started running I honestly thought the whole runner’s high thing was fake. Like common? Really? How can you get that feeling from running? Running the worst! These are all the thoughts I had before I got runners high but once you experience it it keeps you hooked and wanting to run longer. I guess it’s just the huge endorphin release and all the dopamine from exercise running through your body. But it sure is a good feeling that either sets your day up for success or if you’re having a not so good day, can turn your whole day around.
The hardest part about starting a run is getting and just going, so if you can just tell yourself get out there and run for 5 minutes I can also guarantee you will be out there for more than 5 minutes and if not, you can pat yourself on the back for even getting out there!
Once you get into the habit try running for 30 seconds and then walking for 30 seconds and see how far you can go. Then step it up a notch and see if you can do 1km running, 1km walking. Running is a sport that anyone can do. Practice makes perfect and I promise you if you stick with it, you can become a runner in no time.