Find the Momentum to Start Running Again (or for the first time)

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

1. 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.  
2. 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.
3. Warm Up. Always give you body and muscles a chance to warm up. Walk for a few minutes before you ease into the run.
4. Alternate Days. Take a run one day and walk the next.
5. Make a Date with a Friend. Meeting someone to run with adds a level of accountability, as well as something to look forward to! 
6. 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. 
7. 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! 
8. 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.