The beauty of running is that it can be done anywhere and by anyone who’s willing to put one foot in front of the other.
By Marcia Guthenberg
Embarking on a healthy lifestyle can be exciting and overwhelming. But, it can be done! Most people will start off with a change in their diet and then move to a more active lifestyle. This is where a lot of the best intentions seem to go astray. There is one way to make that active lifestyle change permanent and that would be to take up running.
The beauty of running is that it can be done anywhere and by anyone who’s willing to give it a try. You don’t have to be an incredible athlete to run – runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages. You don’t have to join a fitness club – so you save paying exorbitant membership fees and travel time. You don’t need a lot of equipment, just a good pair of well fitted running shoes. You don’t have to be highly skilled – your running gait is what God gave you, so again, a pair of well-fitted running shoes will get you started.
Running can be done all year long regardless of the weather. (Yes, you can run in the snow. It is a fabulous experience.) It can be done in groups or independently. It can be done any time of the day, so it fits your schedule. You can run while on vacation or traveling on business. You just need your running shoes. Running is not only a great activity that benefits your cardiovascular system, but it also works as a great stress reliever. The benefits are endless.
Getting started
Taking that first step can be done quite easily if you’re patient and follow a program that will help you succeed. There is a ton of resources out there that will guide you through this transformation. You can join the very popular, “Introduction to Running” clinics, which are held at a local running store like Running Free (8-week session with a small instructor to participant ratio – goal to run 5K). These programs usually have weekly clinics that cover a variety of topics like biomechanics of running, nutrition, proper shoe selection, motivation, stretching and injury prevention. At the same time they also introduce you to new people who soon may be your motivating running buddies.
Or, you can hire a personal trainer at your local fitness club. Or, you could try an online coach who will set up a program and monitor your progress. Lastly, there is always the “do-it-your-self method”. Follow a program written by a running professional/enthusiast. This is a great method for those who do not live close to a running store/fitness club, who travel a lot or someone who finds it difficult to fit in a specific clinic day. Here are some book selections to get you started; Runners World – RW of Beginning Running by Amby Burfoot; No Need for Speed: A Beginners Guide to the Joy of Running by John Bingham.
Things to keep in mind before you start
Remember to set small achievable goals – small steps toward your ultimate goal. Don’t get discouraged by minor setbacks. Setbacks allow us to take note of how we need to adjust our program.
Enjoy your adventure. It’s not how fast you run, just that you do it and enjoy it. Yes, anyone can run. Those who are successful at it are those who take the time to train and smile while doing it.
Marcia Guthenberg has been an avid runner for over 17 years and is a Learn to Run Instructor, member of the Markham “Y” Running Group and is part of the running/athlete team at Running Free, 708 Denison St. Markham. Contact Running Free at www.runningfree.com or call 905.477.7871.
*Before you embark on any physical activity you should consult a medical professional.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
