My college roommate used to take me running with her, and I would huff and puff alongside her as we made our way around our neighborhood. We still joke about the day I finally broke down and told her, without any reservation, that I HATED running and never wanted to do so again.
Over the years I still made attempts, because it still seemed like a good way to exercise. But it felt nearly impossible to run more than a mile. Eventually, I always quit.
Last year, my husband started getting back into running again. I was several months postpartum at that point, and I started feeling a little envious of how much running seemed to boost his mood and help him get in shape. I decided to give it another try.
Fast forward months later, and I’ve run further than I ever thought I could. I can now comfortably run a few miles at a time, and have run a couple races. I’m part of a supportive group of women runners. And I love running. Or at least, I love how I feel when I’ve been running. It makes me feel good physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.
Are you looking to expand your comfort zone this year when it comes to exercise?
It’s exciting to try something new. But if you want to make it last and you don’t want to get hurt, there are ways to go about it that will help.
Start small.
I’m naturally competitive, even with myself, and I ran a 5k within a few weeks. And my knees almost completely gave out. I just wasn’t ready for that kind of distance. For weeks after starting, even with all that momentum, I had to sit it out or risk further injury.
Before you start, do your homework. Find a training plan and stick to it. There are so many apps and resources available online to help get you started. It’s so crucial not to go too far too fast and end up worse off than when you started.
Do what is sustainable for you. And embrace your pace! It’s okay to be a novice. It’s okay to be in a season of learning and experimenting. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, and celebrate every small step forward.
Get the right gear.
One of the reasons I blew out my knees in the first few weeks? (Other than overextending myself.) I didn’t have the right shoes. To go in to a store, get fitted, and find something supportive made all the difference.
Trust the experts on this one. Get advice on what shoes, weights, equipment, etc will be the best fit for your body type. Go into stores and get fitted. This area has so many excellent places to get professional advice.
Have a support network.
If you’re like me and you tend to quit fast when something isn’t going your way, then get people involved who not only know you, but are familiar with the exercise you’re going after. Work out together, hold each other accountable to a training plan, sign up for events together.
For me, running with someone else presents the interesting challenge of having to adjust to someone else’s pace, and to figure out how to talk and engage while running. It’s also safer to be with someone when you exercise outdoors, and it gives you added motivation to keep going.
Set a measurable goal.
One of my very first goals was to run a 5k race. It was something I’d never done before, it gave me a deadline to train for, and it was a fun way to not only achieve the goal but also celebrate it right there at the race.
Maybe your goal will be a certain number of days or reps, a distance, or a specific event like a race. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something achievable (again, embrace your pace!) and that you take the time to celebrate it afterwards before moving on to another goal.
Focus on the joy ahead of you.
I’ll be honest, running sounds a whole lot less appealing early in the morning. What gets me out of bed is considering how I want to feel after my run. I know I’ll feel accomplished, have more energy, and be in a better physical, mental and emotional place once I’ve run. There’s joy ahead, even if not right in the moment.
It’s similar when it comes to pursuing long-term goals and sticking with your new exercise plan. Remember why you started. Maybe you are working to improve your fitness, attempt something new, or add to your everyday wellness. Maybe you want to be able to better keep up with your kids, accomplish something you’re proud of, or try something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Whatever your reason, keep that in mind when the going gets tough.
How about you?
What new goals do you have for this year? What is helpful for you as you’ve tried different workout routines? What inspires you to keep going? What tips would you give someone else?
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Read more of Jenn’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
