RunHeartFit.net

Running can appear so straight forward, especially to a non-runner. I mean think about it. When you first started running or maybe you were thinking about becoming a runner, what were your first thoughts? 

I’m going to take up running because it’s inexpensive (I’ll only need a pair of running shoes, and maybe some shorts…), it’s simple…just one foot in front of the other, and I’ll be able to eat all the carbs I want. 

Little did we know. It might start out that way but ironically, running is much more the a pair of shoes and carb loading.

Inexpensive you say?

HA! Sure you want to start off as cheap as possible until you’re sure you want to be a runner, but then things quickly add up. You got your shoes (which turned out to be quite expensive btw) then you realized you will also need shorts (or tights/capris) and a top…tank, short sleeves, long sleeves.., (and there are so many colors and styles 😉 ).., moisture wicking socks, underwear and sport bras. hats, sunglasses and  jackets, gloves and vests for those cold runs.

Alrighty, now you have your outfit, but there are gadgets and extras you find you need (want).

GPS watches, sport ear buds, waist packs and hydration vests. Let’s not even talk about the foam roller that someone said you should have but will hardly ever use. Yes we can run with the bare minimum but ironically most of us who started with the thought of a cheap activity will buy most, if not all of the things.

Let’s not forget race registration fees. Wait what? I need to pay to run? Well, no, but it is more fun being part of a racing event. So then yes. Lol. Oh the irony.

And then there is fuel for the long runs. Gels, blocks, sports beans and so on. Which leads me to the all carbs, all day.

Eating all the carbs?

I didn’t start running so I could eat more carbs (I wanted a healthy heart) but over time it did seem like a nice perk. Back then it really was all about eating carbs, but now we know how important protein is for muscle repair and fats for brain function and vitamin absorption. We still need complex carbohydrates for fuel and simple carbs during hard efforts but a balanced diet makes for a better runner. And of course there’s “calories in, energy out”. We mustn’t eat more than we burn. So while I run a lot, I still don’t eat whatever I want (which sometimes is all the carbs). Oh the irony.

Simple as one foot in front of the other.

I am guilty of telling new runners not to worry about breathing and gait in the beginning, just relax and run. But that advice will only take you so far, eventually you do need to think about breathing, form and stride to see improvement. Then there’s different training plans that can be followed that might include hill repeats, strides, fartleks, progression runs and track workouts. Some of these training plans can get quite complicated. You might even have to do math to figure out 5k, 10k or marathon pace.  You see it’s not always simply one foot in front of the other. Oh the irony.

Let’s talk about knees.

When I started running 30 something years ago family and friends said “Be careful you don’t ruin your knees.” Well all these years later my knees are just fine and ironically my husband is the one who needed a knee replacement. Hmmm. A body in motion stays in motion. Usually. Yes there are runners out there that can no longer run because of a bad knee but would they have had knee problems regardless of running? I believe overuse is a real issue and that is why you need to listen to your body. When something hurts, back off. To quote Kenny Rogers…know when to walk (away), and know when to run… 😉

I feel like I just wrote a post to discourage people from taking up running but you all know I wish everyone would run and can’t understand why more people don’t. 

Is running what you originally thought it was? Are there some ironies I forgot?

I am linking with Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running for Runners’ Roundup. 

Thanks for reading!

               Denise