Running: “You forget what happens, on the way when you get there.”

 

Was just reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, thought I’ll throw in one of the great quotes.

Do we really not remember the journey once we reach the destination? Maybe sometimes. Right now I’m thinking of a destination, which I can recall STEP by STEP, literally.

It’s a destination of “becoming a RUNNER”. (or a JOGGER.)

Like any goal attained, it is sweet. Like any struggle, it wasn’t easy, but once you get through it, it feels that much more rewarding.

So, I’m not necessarily the athletic type, nor was I blessed with the type of “skinny” genes to boast about. Some may hate me for being slim but I assure you, my weight is directly proportional to my efforts of keeping it where I want it. I’ve had my moments of pigging out and when that happens, there really are no miracles, my size 6 slowly tightens into a … SITUATION where skirts are worn most comfortably.

I wish I were a diet person. That I could stay committed to a diet and be content on 1,000 or so calories a day. But I love food, good food, gourmet food; I’m even a carnivore…)

That being said, watching what I eat is not enough any more to keep same size wardrobe. (Still, having some designer brands help to get through the fat days, if you know what I mean). Few years ago, I could see what was inevitable so … I turned to running.

The point is … that I’ve always hated running. I could never picture myself jogging on a street like so many people in LA. I was more of a timed exercise gal, staring at the time elapsed/TIME REMAINING display on an elliptical or a bike, pretending to be immersed in the sweat expulsion but really praying and waiting until the chore was finally over.

To ENJOY RUNNING? You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re using your whole body, legs sore, arms sore and the worst you’re OUT OF BREATH almost immediately!

I tried running once in College, my roommate was on a track team. I thought I’ll see what all the fuss is about. I got on a treadmill and the thing rolled me backwards, ejecting me off the runway before I even got a chance to move my feet. LOL.  Not a good start.

But a decade later I gave it a shot again, and I have to admit it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. So here are some tips on how to pick up running as a sport/hobby and love it:

1. Music: Absolutely essential at the beginning and on all days you’d rather be eating, shopping, reading, doing anything but … exercising. My secret to running was Pod Runner. Website with free interval training programs for 5K, 8K and 10K. Each “K” challenge requires you to run at least 3 times a week, 10 different tracks, expecting it will take 10 weeks before you get your stamina up to par for 5K, 8K, 10K race. Now, the company also came out with an IPhone app that allows you to customize BPM (beats per minute) per track and skip the intros. Pretty cool.

   Running program like Pod Runner is great because it paces you, starts out slowly to build endurance and stamina, gives you enough breaks in the beginning that when it’s time to switch to running mode again, you are ready, looking forward … to the beat.

2. Water. Hydration is a must. Just like running until you reach the end of the block …  running until the next water break is a good means to an end. And water tastes more fabulously with each K.
3. Competition. This makes me laugh all the time, I’ll be jogging at my happy pace and I happen to pass someone (or the other way around), and then we both start running faster. Whether you are a competitive person or not (but isn’t everyone competitive?), running with others will challenge and motivate you to outrun your opponent.
4. Injuries. Be mindful of injuries. Pushing yourself is wonderful but pushing too hard defeats the purpose. If you feel pain use your common sense. It’s better to stop and take a break, than to aggravate a knee injury and worst-case scenario be forced into surgery.
5. Motivation. Keep up the motivation. Sign up for a marathon like 5K in your area. Most marathons are dedicated to a charitable cause and really are a fun event. Also, keep track of your miles to remind yourself how far you’ve come.