This is a question I’ve been asked several times in the last few days, and I thought others might be wanting to ask the same question. If you’ve been wondering how to start running, here is my experience and the lessons I’ve learned.
For years, and I mean years, I couldn’t run a mile without stopping. I did not enjoy it. It was hard and boring. Then, after seeing the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment several friends received from running races, I decided to find out if there was really something to it. And, I was turning 30 the following year and thought it would be a cool goal to run a half-marathon the year I crossed into old age 
So, I started training.
I struggled in the beginning, but I plugged along to cover the distance I had set by running/walking, running/walking, with a little more running each day. But there was something different this time. This time, even though it was hard, I continued to try. Until this point in my life, most physical activities I attempted came easily to me. That’s why I had given up on running in the past. I’d just move on to something I could accomplish easier and be successful. I had to become OK with not mastering something quickly. I had to be OK with failing on a given day when I went out to run. I had to be OK not running as far or as long as I had the day before and then trying it again the next day.
I also had to start listening to my body and what I felt and experienced on a good or bad day running. This was something I hadn’t done previously. Before, I tried to run, it was hard, my body didn’t respond well, so I quit trying to run. However, this time, I discovered that I could run better if I ran early in the day. I figured out that I stayed mentally tougher if my route was a loop and not an out-and-back. I had a goal and a purpose this time. And, then, as I began to realize these things and began reaching my mini-goals – running a mile without stopping, then a 5k, then 5 miles – I’d never run 5 miles before in my life! – something began to change. I began to enjoy my runs. I looked forward to them. I looked forward to seeing how my body would perform and what I would accomplish that day. But I also began to enjoy the time to think, listen to my playlists, or mentally check out as I ran. It became a huge emotional break in addition to the benefit to my body. It also became motivating to put into my body (food & drink) things that would nourish it and help my body to perform when I ran.
An unexpected benefit of running that fascinated me was the social aspect. As I started to talk to others about my new endeavor, I found others who wanted to start, or who were already proficient runners. They shared their knowledge and excitement with me. Also, we started running together! Wow! I’d never thought about that benefit of running. It was a wonderful time to talk – catching up with an old friend or starting new relationships. It broke up the monotony that I would sometimes feel with running. And, the best part was having a buddy to help hold me accountable when there were days that I just didn’t feel like getting off the couch! As I got further into training for the half marathon, it was key. Here are just a few of those runs with those buddies!
1st Half Marathon – in the rain!
Nashville Country Music Half Marathon with Mom and Lyn, 2 weeks before our wedding!
Now, 5 years later, 4 half-marathons and multiple 5/10ks completed, running is an integral part of my life. It is the workout that provides a complete physical workout and mental revitalization.
This is my experience and what motivates me to run. However, you may have different motivating factors that work best for you! My counseling sessions help you identify what can help you to get out there and try it!
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