Learning to love running (again) + running tips

While I’ve already shared my quarantine survival guide and what has made the past four months easier, one thing that has been a non-negotiable has been a solid fitness routine. When lockdown first began, and gyms closed for the foreseeable, I quickly embraced the ‘I would if I could’ attitude and settled for a week on the couch, indulging in quarantine baking and everything Netflix has to offer. Heavily relying on my weekly yoga, barre and weights classes to keep me active before lockdown, it felt like an easy way to take some time off.

After one week I was in a proper state, stressed with anxiety that loved to rear it’s face when I felt my happiest (or sleepiest). After trying the majority of free classes on offer, I finally paid for a subscription to Tone It Up. J and I got into a habit of daily workouts, setting aside 30 minutes a day to do a weights, HIIT or booty-focussed session.

Despite doing some satisfying bootcamp-style workouts, I still felt as though I was missing cardio. Once the restrictions on the amount of time allowed outdoors were loosened in London, I had several false starts for getting back to running. I have a terrible habit of ‘learning to love’ running then getting to a place where I love it, hitting my goal and dropping the habit completely. I wanted to change that.

Today, if you shoved me out the door with my trainers, phone and favourite Kelly Clarkson playlist, I could likely run 5 km before hitting the ground like a corpse and refusing to move for the remainder of the day. The truth is, I’ve never been a natural runner. The route to my first 5k was a rough one and saw me yelling at J (the kind, naturally-athletic volunteer) to “just leave me behind” because I hated it so badly.

Running has always been a rollercoaster of emotions for me and after successfully running my first 5 km, I quickly added distance to my routes. I eventually hit 10 km and marked one of my proudest moments when I crossed the finish line in my hometown’s oceanside race just two weeks before I moved to Chicago. While I’ll never be one to lead these races, I do enjoy the challenge – no matter how uncomfortable – for my short-legged, asthmatic body.

A couple of weeks ago I downloaded the Couch to 10K app and started back on week one, day one. While this isn’t yet a challenge for me, I’m looking to reset my relationship with running, working on my pace and breathing techniques while building my endurance. Currently on week three, I’m thoroughly enjoying my three-days-a-week running routine, hitting the pavement with my favourite podcasts and playlists in my ears. If you also want to learn to love running, below are some of my top tips.

Tips for reuniting with running

• Drop expectations (it’s good to benchmark against your previous stats but also remember how long it took you to reach that point)
• Wear comfortable trainers and kit. I always wear a long sleeve while running and find high-waisted leggings the most comfortable.
• Don’t forget your SPF (regardless of the weather). Often I run really early in the morning so the sun doesn’t feel so harsh but I always lather on a protective layer of SPF on my face and lips.
• Breathe! I subscribe to the hold-your-breath-for-as-long-as-possible-while-running club. This (obviously) limits oxygen intake and seriously hinders your overall running experience (and performance!). Don’t be afraid to take deep breaths.
• Set small, achievable goals at first. This is why I love the Couch to 10k app, each session sees my time spent running increase so I gradually add more distance on, leaving me feeling accomplished and motivated after each session.
• Running is just as much of a mental workout as a physical one. Distract your mind by focussing on other things. For me, that’s admiring the beautiful flowers on my route, planning my dinner for that evening or going over my mental to-do list.
• For days when I just don’t want to do it, I tell myself I only have to go outside for 15 minutes max. Typically, once I’m out, the hard work is done, and I end up completing my entire workout. There will be days when 15 minutes is my ultimate max and I’m back inside in less time than it took to get ready (and that’s okay too!).

In terms of goals, my initial goal is to comfortably run 5 km in less than 30 minutes while breathing and moving efficiently. Once I’ve achieved that, I’ll look at extending my distance. To be completely transparent, I just don’t see myself enjoying 10 km routes anymore. I may attempt it for a challenge every so often, but I think my true running sweet spot is the 7 km mark (which naturally makes this my overall goal).

While my love/hate relationship with running often errs on the side of hate, I can’t deny how good it feels once it’s over. Plus, with the right music, trainers and route, an outdoor run, alone, can be just the thing to clear your head and improve your mood.