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Running can be a love-hate relationship for many people. Some may even find it utterly boring and 100% unenjoyable. Admittedly, no matter what I or anyone else says, it is not for everyone, I get it. But let me tell you, once you learn to love running, it’s the ultimate high.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the pavement and pushing yourself to new limits. With a little time, consistency, and the right mindset, you too can learn to love running and make it a part of your regular routine.
Why Running is Worth Loving
Before we get into the tips on how to learn to love running, let’s first talk about why it’s worth loving in the first place. Running is one of the simplest and most efficient forms of exercise. All you need is a pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothes, and you’re ready to go. It’s also a great form of cardio, which is important for maintaining a healthy heart and lungs.
But the benefits of running go beyond just physical health. Running is also great for mental health. Studies have shown that running can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even help with depression. It’s also a great way to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
Overcoming the Hurdles
Now that we’ve established why running is worth loving, let’s talk about some of the common hurdles that people face when trying to learn to love running. One of the biggest hurdles is simply getting started.
It can be intimidating to start a new exercise routine, especially if you’re not in great shape. But remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Just take it one step at a time and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Another hurdle is boredom. Running can be repetitive and monotonous, which can make it hard to stay motivated. But there are ways to make it more interesting.
One way is to vary your route. Instead of running the same route every day, try running somewhere new. You can also try running with a friend or listening to music or a podcast to make the time fly by.
Like creating new synapses in the brain, if you truly want to learn to love running, you gotta mix things up every once in a while.
Starting Slow
When you’re first starting out, it’s important to take things slow. You don’t want to dive in headfirst and burn out quickly. Don’t be that person that starts a marathon in an all-out sprint. It never ends well.
Instead, focus on finding a comfortable pace that allows you to hold a conversation with a friend. Many beginner runners make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard, too fast, which can lead to injury or burnout.
Read More: Is Running Bad For Your Knees?
One way to start slow is to begin with a walk-run program. This can be as simple as starting with a 5-minute walk, followed by a 5-minute jog, and repeating this cycle for a set amount of time.
As your fitness improves, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend jogging and decrease the amount of time you spend walking. This approach allows you to build up your endurance and strength gradually, reducing the risk of injury.
Another way to start slow is by focusing on the time rather than the distance. Instead of trying to run a certain distance, set a time goal for yourself. For example, set a goal to run for 15 minutes non-stop. Once you can comfortably run for 15 minutes, increase the time to 20 minutes, and so on.
Finding the Right Music
Music can be a powerful motivator when it comes to running. The right playlist can help to distract you from the effort you’re putting in and keep you going for longer. But not all music is created equal. The best running music is upbeat, with a tempo of around 180 beats per minute (BPM). This is the average tempo of most running music and it syncs perfectly with the rhythm of your footfalls.
If the thought of running only brings about feelings of dread, consider this study’s conclusion:
Participants appeared to sustain higher running speed while listening to music without consciously feeling this higher intensity than during the no-music condition.
National Library of Medicine
When building your running playlist, look for songs that are upbeat and motivating. Some popular choices include “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, and “Stronger” by Kanye West. But don’t be afraid to experiment and find the songs that work best for you.
Setting Small Goals
A big part of learning to love running is setting yourself achievable goals. Starting with small goals and working your way up to bigger ones will help you stay motivated and consistent. Setting realistic goals will also help you build confidence in your abilities as a runner.
One way to set goals is by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, if your ultimate goal is to run a half marathon, you can set intermediate goals such as running a 5K, a 10K and then a 13.1K. Each time you reach a goal, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and it will keep you motivated to continue training.
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Another way to set goals is by focusing on time or distance. For example, you could set a goal to run for 30 minutes without stopping, or to run a certain distance, such as 3 miles. It’s important to remember that everyone’s fitness level is different, so what might be a realistic goal for one person may not be for another.
Exploring New Routes
Running the same route over and over again can get boring. To keep things interesting, try exploring new routes. Not only will this add variety to your runs, but it will also keep your mind engaged and make the time fly by.
There are many ways to find new routes. One way is to use a running app like Strava or MapMyRun. These apps allow you to track your runs, share your routes with friends, and discover new routes in your area.
Join a Running Group
For the uninitiated runner, the saying “misery loves company” couldn’t be more true. If you have the desires to start, but still having a hard time committing yourself to running, finding to other people to do it with might be the key.
Joining a running group can be a great way to stay motivated and consistent. Running with others can help you push yourself harder and make the experience more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll have people to hold you accountable if you miss a training session.
There are many different types of running groups, such as casual running groups, competitive running groups, and even virtual running groups. Joining a running group can also be a great way to meet new people who share your passion for running.
Invest in Good Running Gear
Another way to learn to love running is by investing in good running gear. The right pair of running shoes, for example, can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and performance. Wearing the right clothes can also help you stay comfortable and motivated.
It’s important to note that good running gear doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find good quality running shoes and clothes at affordable prices.
So until you’ve developed that love for running, perhaps hold off on that Amazon haul.
Learn To Love Running: Final Thoughts
Learning to love running takes time and patience. It’s important to be consistent, set realistic goals, invest in good gear, and most importantly, have fun.
With these tips in mind, anyone can learn to love running and improve their health and fitness.
Remember, as the great Carl Lewis (9-time Olympic Gold winner) once said, “You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” So, lace up those shoes, hit the pavement and see how far you can go!
Editor-In-Chief at Recovatech. Dr. Ben is a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic with over 10 years of clinical experience. He specializes in structural and neurological imbalances with an emphasis on functional movement patterns, exercise performance, and muscle recovery. He has been the team chiropractor for professional baseball and soccer organizations, as well as collegiate athletes. In his personal life, he’s always been driven when it comes to athletics and personal performance.