In an immature “lying in bed before sleep hoping to win the lottery” kind of way, I’ve had one consistent fantasy throughout my adult life: to be a runner. I wanted to be thin like a runner, I imagined my hair flowing behind me as I glided lightly on my feet, barely touching the ground, sprightly, lithe and energetic. It seemed like the very essence of athleticism, fitness and strength. In reality, running was so hard for me that I just couldn’t do it. And, honestly, I absolutely hated to run.
This life-long impossible fantasy challenge I’d imposed on myself was definitely a heavy burden to bear, but the flip side of this was the remote possibility of immense rewards. Over and over again, I’d take brief forays into the world of jogging: prepping the perfect running music mix before heading out to pound the pavement… or grass… or dirt. Unfortunately, sooner or later, shin splints intervened and my hacking lungs couldn’t hack it. Last year, I was pleasantly surprised to manage (slowly, with my feet barely lifting off the ground) ¾ of a mile, without stopping to dry heave. I then did a few sessions with a friend, topping out at 2 very slow, very rough 15- or 16-minute miles.
Today, something’s changed and I write about this, not quite on my Blackberry as I jog around the track, but on the sofa in my gym clothes, still feeling the headiness of oxygen and success. Today, after a slow three-month build-up, I managed, for the 3rd time in a week, 2 and half miles in less than half an hour… with energy to spare and a smile on my face. And throughout this process, I’ve watched the staff at the gym go from very concerned to proud, with several of them congratulating me for my efforts.
Although running circles in the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (let’s face it, it certainly wasn’t mine) it has strengthened me, given me confidence, helped me lose weight and most importantly, turned fantasy into reality. And, guess what? I LOVE it.
Tips for the really bad runner:
- Start slow. Run/walking is a great way to finish that first mile.
- Buy some supportive running shoes… and, yes, they’re expensive – I recommend Ragged Mountain Running Shop if you’re in Cville.
- Get some really strong beat-driven music to carry you when your legs barely can.
- If possible, run on a cushioned indoor track to help strengthen your joints. Short laps are easy and motivating.
- Just move your legs. Let your body do the rest.
- Stretch part-way through, if necessary.
- Smile. (I’m not kidding.)
3 comments:
Good job' Adj' ! keep on going.
If you want some advices :o) and even if you don't want them :o) xxx
For shoes : they are dead after one year (more or less) if you run 3/4 times a week. Buy new or go to the "buy a back/knee shop".
Then when you are able to manage more or less 40 minutes "slowly" which is your jog allure (80 to 85% of max heart rate). You can make the week funnier by doing a quicker BUT shorter session. Like 20 minutes faster. (after a good warm up). It makes the routine easier to follow.
I know that you are really young, but buy a 50$ cardio monitoring watch (no need for more expensive one). It will help you to know your training heart rates and learn about your own body. For ex I can run for hours at 150bpm, 1h at 160, etc etc. It's damn accurate.
Plan ahead. It's easier to kick your ass when you have a session plan and that your body wants to stay on the couch.
Last advice : STRETCH it will help you to recover faster and will grandly reduce muscle pain. It also help keeping muscle and body flexible.
If you want some read on running and x-training, the goldmine is http://www.volodalen.com/ (it's a french website).
Hope that you and Arnaud are ok and that you enjouyed your snowy winter !
ps : if you need some help with your program drop me an email
kiss!
-Raymond.
Thanks for the advice, R!!! I can't WAIT til I'm even half-way to this point!
Good job lovely,
I've been there, I seen it and I'm admirative of your progress.... Seriously
I completely relate to the hardship of running yet oh so tantalizing... So, you are quite an example, keep it up!!!
Love
V.
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