Have you ever noticed how kids run everywhere? It seems that as soon as a baby learns to walk, they want to RUN. Then, unless sports make you run, we seem to slow down in our teen years; and I certainly don’t know any adults that run no matter where they go or what they are doing! My point is that for such a “natural” movement, finding momentum to start running again after a break, or even starting to run for the first time since you were twelve, can be HARD.
I love running enough that I was planning on running the BMO Vancouver International ½ Marathon this year. I hadn’t run any races in the past few years, but was excited to have something to train for. I also signed up with my husband and some friends to ride the Prospera Valley Granfondo 90km cycling race. Unfortunately, everything got cancelled.
I still stuck with my running training group, though. That is, until my calf and knee told me to take a break. (Remember to always listen to your body!) I am so proud of everyone who managed to push on, and finish a virtual version of the race. I am also a teeny tiny bit jealous, because now I’ve lost my momentum.
Here is a funny thing about momentum: it all starts with one small movement. That movement leads to another, and another, until you are (literally!) running along smoothly. Sometimes, you just need a gentle push in the right direction. I’ve got some ideas that just might nudge you back into your sneakers.
Your Nudge to Get Moving
Since the pandemic, I have noticed a HUGE increase in the people I see running and walking in the neighbourhood. If running is beyond you right now, why not walk? I ran into my former running partner the other day while I was running, and she was walking. She told me that she has been walking 10km most days, and is loving it. My youngest daughter has also taken up walking with a friend, up to 17km at a time! It is all about getting outside and moving your body.
If you want to start running or walking, but it feels really hard and overwhelming, I have some tips that will help.
8 Tips to Start Running Again
- Walk. Don’t even bother with running for a few times out! Enjoy the scenery, find a route that you like, feel the pavement beneath your feet, and above all – listen to what you feel in your body.
- Do Walk/Run Intervals. When you are ready to try running, add in short runs. Slowly build up the length of your run intervals, and decrease the amount you walk.
- Warm Up. Always give you body and muscles a chance to warm up. Walk for a few minutes before you ease into the run.
- Alternate Days. Take a run one day and walk the next.
- Make a Date with a Friend. Meeting someone to run with adds a level of accountability, as well as something to look forward to!
- Find Different Routes. When you get tired of the same-old run, look for different neighbourhoods, trails, or dyke systems. I’ve discovered so many new routes within my own neighbourhood, it’s amazing.
- Track Your Runs. Through apps like Run Keeper or Strava (my favourite), you can track your runs. You can follow your friends, and see your improvements as you go. Even a fitness tracker can motivate you!
- Join a Club. There are walking, hiking, and running clubs, both in-person and virtual. You can learn trail running, do a couch to 10km challenge, or participate in ½ marathon clinics and more. A club or program will help you make the most of your training, and help you learn to run properly to avoid injury. It is also great to find a group that has similar goals as you, so you can support one another.
An Invitation to Join My Running Club
B.Pilates & Fitness is partnering with Coach E. (Eric Muller) of the Sole Experience Running Company to bring you a 10 week online program that provides you with everything you need to start running or up your running game:
- Running tips
- Drills
- Stretching
- Foam rolling
- Warm ups
- Pilates
- Strength training
- AND a Running Program.
The Club is launching in mid-June, complete with a discussion page, a private Facebook Group, and a community of supporters. *Registration Link to Come Soon!
The Sole Experience running company is also starting up their own ½ marathon training again this month, where I will be a run-leader.
So – what are you waiting for? Let’s start running again – together.