How I learned to love running as a former hater
Running never came naturally to me. So, like many people, I ended up avoiding it at all costs. My body felt uncomfortable when I ran. My breath felt out of control, and on top of that, I was slow. I went as far as gaslighting myself into believing I had asthma to justify my disdain for running. So, to put it simply, when I got into running, I was really starting from square one.
My journey with running began when I begrudgingly let my Dad bully me into joining the indoor track and field team my freshman year of high school. I was dragged to Fleet Feet, my local running supplies store, and was cluelessly fitted for my first pair of running shoes. I walked into my first practice, petrified, but was instantly stunned by the way I was welcomed into the program. I immediately came clean to my coaches that I was, as a matter of fact, “really slow.”
I showed up to practice every day, and I quickly noticed improvement. By the end of my freshman season, I was even able to run a sub 7:30 mile, which was a drastic improvement from my first timed mile of the season, 8:33.
What I learned from getting into running my freshman year went far beyond just learning to be a more competent runner. I learned how hard work can pay off. I was able to gain confidence in my ability to work hard because I was able to see tangible evidence of the work I was putting in through the improvement in my running times.
Another lesson I learned when getting into running was one that my coach told me. He said, “there’s no such thing as a bad run as long as you’re running.” This helped me to continue pushing myself because I was able to remind myself that progress isn’t linear and all that matters is giving it your all. We are always being pushed to be the best at everything, so being reminded of this really clicked with me. Trying something new, such as getting into running, isn’t about being the best, but just trying your best. Crossing the finish line, no matter if you’re the first person to cross it or the last (like I was many times) is an accomplishment in and of itself. Four years later these words still stick with me, even beyond running, because it’s truly important to remind ourselves that as long as we are trying our best, that’s all that we can ask of ourselves. And, that’s really what that message means to me.
As I write this now, deep in my running competition retirement, I can confirm I always remained one of the slowest members on the track team. But, that didn’t matter because I didn’t let that define my relationship with running. I love running, despite how embarrassingly bad my form may still be, because it gives me a way to clear my head and do something for myself, and I am able to appreciate running for that.
There’s no magic secret to start enjoying running, it takes a while. But I will give you some of my best tips for getting into running. Always stop to take a break at stoplights, run while chewing gum (trust me it works) and above all, have a good attitude and acknowledge all you can do is try your best.