5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running
For the longest time I have been immensely averse to running. The mere mention of the word “jogging” made me cringe. How could people possibly spend their time running? There must be a better way to stay physically active! What is this “runner’s high” I keep hearing about? It must be a myth. Yes, I have run Bloomsday twice but I don’t recall enjoying any of it. Time has not rose tinted those memories. Then an unlikely chain of events quickly unfolded, the stars aligned perfectly, and I found myself in the river valley partaking in this sport of sorts. Which has lead me to the creation of this post. One of which I wish I had to guide me through my journey. But my loss is your gain! Here are 5 things I wish I knew when I started running.
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How This Came to Be
First of all, how could this have happened? It all started when I switched to an Android phone since being an Apple user since 2008. I was majorly changing up many facets of my life and the switch to the Samsung GS8 was just the beginning. While adjusting to the new-to-me operating system, I discovered the Samsung Health app and it’s guided workouts… that’s when I went for my first run in the Spring of 2017. Yes, an app is what magically convinced me to try running. Now I’m nearly 9 months in and still learning as I go.
IT’S HARD
The first few times are the worst. So bad, in fact, that it’s enough to get you to quit. Your legs feel like jello, it’s hard to find a pace that feels right, and if you don’t stretch well, you’re in for a world of pain. The best way to keep on track is to find an app that guides you through it. Without the app, I probably wouldn’t have continued to run.
Finding an app that works for you is essential. The thing I love about this one is that you can pick your level of workout and a guide will help you throughout the entire run. From letting you know whether you’re running to slow or too fast depending on the workout to randomly saying encouraging things like “smile if you can” or “you’re one workout closer to your fitness goals.” It sounds incredibly cheesy but when you’re coming up to that 8th km, an encouraging word is greatly appreciated.
In addition to helping with running cadence, the also logs my progress and gives me milestone awards for best kept pace, longest distance, etc. Having hard evidence and statistics on my achievements makes the process much more tangible for me. Plus it gives you a weekly summary of all your physical activity. I could probably talk about this app at length because I am so infatuated with it but that could be a whole post on its own. I also use Strava because I’m not a one app kind of gal and it connects me with local runners!
STAY HYDRATED
I made the mistake of going for a run without a water bottle. By the time I realized it was a terrible mistake, I was already across the river and nowhere near home. I would suggest two options:
1. Make note of working water fountains on your route or
2. Invest in a lightweight water bottle.
The first option is dicey and I can’t say that public fountains are reliable in every city. I always opt for my tried and true Lululemon Purist Cycling Water Bottle. My original one I left on a ferry this summer and it was devastating. Fortunately, I have a sweetie pie man friend who wanted to support my new found hobby so much so that he surprised me with this one. I will never lose it again. Bonus tip: the water bottle can double as a weight should you decided to stop along your route to do some toning exercises.
HAVING THE RIGHT GEAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Not all accessories are created equal and this statement couldn’t be more true than with athletic gear. I have a few favourites that have made a world of a difference to my level of comfort when working out in the wilderness. We’ve already discussed my water bottle preferences and I assure you I’m just as specific about the other accessories I own. Let’s start from the top down:
Essential Accessories For Running
HAIR TIES
Hair ties can make or break your experience. Too tight and you have a headache. Too loose and your hair is flying all over. I prefer the which miraculously don’t leave a hideous indent line. For more processed hair, I would suggest going with a silky hair tie as it will be gentler on weaker hair. My absolute favourite are .
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses are an essential all year round, in my opinion. Nothing is more bright than sunlight reflected off snow, you cannot convince me otherwise. I have found that the are the best sunglasses in terms of being lightweight and not moving all over my face while being active. Nothing is worse than a heavy frame bouncing on the bridge of your nose.
SUPPORTIVE SHOES
Supportive shoes can help you run even further. I am obsessed with my Lululemon x APL Techloom Phantom Shoe it’s like a little foot glove with everything tucked in. They’re lightweight and have hidden laces so you’ll never find yourself tripping on them! Since posting, the collab has ended but APL still sells the . And Lululemon has since launched their own shoe has a very similar look to it.
INDESTRUCTIBLE PHONE CASE
Indestructible phone case for your butter fingers when you’re skipping a song on your playlist. The are easily the best I’ve ever used. They have saved me from destroying yet another screen. I cannot risk having to experience that devastation again!
BLUETOOTH EARBUDS
Bluetooth Earbuds allow you to run without having a cord smacking against your chest. I was using the wireless which have since been discontinued. They were decent. However, I’ve since switched to completely cordless earphones. Specifically the which I much prefer. Whenever I’m out running in the river valley, I only keep one ear bud in (for safety reasons). It’s much easier when the earphone isn’t corded.
COMFORTABLE LEGGINGS
Comfortable leggings will change the way you run. There are two pairs of leggings I have come across that fit the bill. First off is . They’re lightweight and moisture-wicking. Most importantly though, they don’t ride up or fall down. Bonus: they have side pockets for your phone and keys! The second pair I love but are slightly less functional. The are the softest fabric. They feel like wearing leggings made out of a baby blanket. But they don’t have side pockets.
IT’S REWARDING
For the first time since I was in elementary school I was actually able to enjoy the seasons changing and experience it in an immersive way. Running in the spring with all the fragrant freshly blossoming trees. In the summer when everything is vibrantly green. In the fall with that unmistakable scent of decaying leaves. And of course the less liked season: winter, when the snow muffles sound and the trees are naked, revealing the surrounding landscape. I felt as though I was truly in tune with the changes happening within and around me. Running can feel meditative at a point too, it’s amazing how clearing of your thoughts it can be. It allows me to exercise while indulging in forest bathing.
IT GETS EASIER!
This is the part everyone wants to hear. It does get easier! Until this year, I hadn’t run since I was 17. Despite that seemingly enormous hurdle, I was able to get into a groove where I was impressing myself with my stamina. I’m at a point where I have admittedly joined the cult and enjoy going for runs. The secret to getting good is consistency and forcing yourself to go even when you don’t want to. Each time I have been hesitant and have pushed myself, I am always grateful when the run is complete. Our bodies can do amazing things if we just give them the chance and work with them at a reasonable pace. I may not run Bloomsday again but at least I’m one run closer to being a better runner in general!
OUTFIT DETAILS
HAT Nowhere Fast corduroy 5 panel – c/o
SUNGLASSES – c/o
JACKET H&M – c/o
TOP
LEGGINGS
SHOES . – c/o
BOTTLE Lululemon Purist Cycling Water Bottle
5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED RUNNING
And those are the 5 things I wish I knew when I started running! I’m sure there are more but these were the ones that truly stood out to me. Like anything else, consistency is key. The more you make something a habit, the more it becomes second nature to do. On days I’m not feeling it, I’ll go for a walk and whenever my music hits the chorus, I’ll run for the length of that. It’s a sneaky way to negotiate with my brain to get some running in when I just cannot.
If anyone has an running tips, I would love to hear them too! 🙂
photographs – cc ruth + sandy joe karpetz
Being outside is so invigorating! Seeing these photos makes me want to go for a run!
I know! I’m working on getting my winter run happening now!