I've never been one of
those people. You know the kind, the ones who wake up in the morning or lace up
in the evening and "go for a run."
I've always been
envious of my roommates, who can sneak in a jog with ease and carry on with
their day, as if they had done something casually simple like taking the trash
out. So, I made a vow to give running another chance. After all, the exercise
has been shown to make you happier, reduce your risk for disease and even increase longevity.
While group classes
and long walks will probably always be more my speed, I did find that I was
enjoying running more than I ever did in the past. However, that doesn't come
without a few hiccups. Below are a handful of struggles all new runners can
probably relate to.
Getting winded in the
first few minutes.
Probably one of the
most discouraging elements of getting into a running routine is realizing that
you're not as in shape as you thought you were. I continuously find myself
doing more walking or jogging than actual running. But just because you need
those intermittent breaks doesn't mean you aren't a runner. In fact, research
shows that walking intervals during your run can help you maintain your overall pace.
Two words: Sore.
Muscles.
The second-day pain is
real. If you're experiencing those achy muscles, try one of these post-run remedies.
Just make sure you're checking in with your body as you establish your routine.
A little soreness is OK, but if the pain is more intense you may have sustained
a running-related injury.
Feeling overwhelmed by
the copious amount of races.
Color runs, beer runs,
zombie runs, princess half marathons... the list is seriously endless. However,
there are some perks to picking a race. Signing up for one helps you set a goal
as you get into a routine, plus there's an opportunity to turn it into a social
event by participating with your friends.
If your goal is to
become a marathon runner (and props to you!), there are also some benefits
there: Research shows consistent long-distance running can improve
cardiovascular health and lower the risk for other organ disorders, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The jolting agony of
waking up at 6 a.m.
My sleepy brain is
constantly telling me my bed feels better than running (and often, the bed
wins). If you need a little extra motivation, try one of these hacks to help you jumpstart your morning workout.
The boredom.
Part of the reason I
never got into a routine in the first place was because the exercise itself
seemed extremely dull to me (the treadmill is my arch-nemesis). Once I
discovered more running-path options, I started to have more fun. However,
that's not to say that I don't get a little bored sometimes — and that's OK.
Note: If you still
just can't get excited by the process most of the time, you may want to try a
more entertaining workout option instead. Exercise should be engaging, not mind-numbing.
Trying to find your
perfect route.
Finding your favorite
place to run is like finding a good apartment: It feels elusive until one day
you hit the lottery. Whether you're into lush scenery or a skyline, it's
important to find the routes that work for you in order to make the exercise
entertaining.
The joy of picking out
new workout clothes.
Sleek tanks!
Compression pants! Neon shoes!
Running toward
(multiple) "finish lines."
If you've ever uttered
to yourself just one more pole, you're not alone. In fact, picking out an
arbitrary finish line on your run can improve your performance. Research shows
those who stare at a target in the distance go faster and feel less exertion
than those who don't concentrate on anything, The Atlantic reported.
Bargaining with
yourself on your run.
If you run five more
blocks, you can binge-watch Scandal when you get home, I tell myself. Chances
are I'd probably do it anyway — but at least it encourages me in the moment.
Creating a playlist
that will consistently keep you motivated.
No, a simple
music-streaming app won't do when your lungs are on fire and your legs feel
weak. You need that one specific song that will inspire you to keep going
(shout out to all my Shake It Off comrades). If you're looking for a playlist
to spice up your run, check out some of these.