Why you should get into running
The first day I went for a run, I tripped and fell down (don’t ask me how) and came back home with my hand and knee bleeding. Not that I had enjoyed the rest of my run - if you can even call it that. I had to walk the majority of the time and still felt like my lungs were on fire every time I got a bit faster. After that pleasant experience, I decided to never run again - why should I?
Fast- forward a couple of years, and my boyfriend (who is a professional athlete) had to run 5 km in 30 minutes as his “Recovery run” on his day off. Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? Me being my competitive self, I thought that I at least wanted to be able to run his “Recovery run” as well. And so my first running goal was born. I didn’t take it all too seriously and started by just running once a week (I was strength training like twice a week at the time, which I think helped too). I realized very quickly how easy it was to improve, even if it was just a few seconds every time. In the beginning, I was running 2-3 minutes and then walking for 2 minutes, which is what I recommend to every beginner. Don’t go so fast that you can’t enjoy it! Get some good shoes (if you can, seek advice in a store), some comfortable leggings and a good sports bra. Then make a playlist with all your favorite songs and just go for it! Don’t overcomplicate things in the beginning.
After about a year, I was finally able to run the 5 km in 30 minutes! Yay! In the running industry, this pace is not impressive at all, but that really couldn’t matter less. I was really proud and began to really look forward to my runs. The most important thing to keep the joy in running is to not compare yourself with anyone. Don’t focus on how fast anyone is running - this is you vs. you. It’s all about improving your own performance and health. The best thing about running is how much it has improved my mental health, especially running outside (not on the treadmill). When I am running, I can leave everything behind me, and I can clear my head. It sounds cliché, but just try it and you will see!
Just in case you aren’t convinced yet, here is a list of a few more reasons why you should start running:
Improves cardiovascular health
Enlarged vessels, therefore fewer migraines (a huge one for me!)
Lowers blood pressure
Boosts the immune system
Slows down aging!
Gives you more energy in your every day life
Helps with faster recovery
May help you to lose weight (if you are in a caloric deficit)
Improves concentration and confidence
Reduces stress (let’s be honest, we can all use this)
Anyway, I hope this post inspired you to put on your shoes and go for a little run. If you go, make sure to tag me!
