I’m Partial Towards Running (and I want you to catch the bug)!

First, I must apologise for this hiatus. I won’t give an excuse because an excuse is a good reason for a bad result, so I shall excuse all excuses.

I am part of an amazing fitness group. Should I just say running group? Clubsofit is full of amazing, amazing people who just want to push the boundaries and achieve new running goals. In the month of May, we had a running competition titled “May-Hem” – we competed against one another to see who can rake in the most kilometers in May. At 3^rd place, I managed to put in 128. My overlords were on 204 and 177. And as if I thought that was a lot, my friend Max (not in the competition) put in almost 230 if I remember correctly.

This picture was taken a few months ago, with some of my amazing running crew. We're missing some machines though. Perhaps another time.

I can tell you the benefits of running are endless; you name it – weight loss, weight management, a healthy heart, an overall body workout, better performance at other sports, an amazing figure and lots more.I know it seems daunting at first but, trust me, you get better at it. I couldn’t run 1km without pausing a few years ago but on Saturday alone, I put in 23km- 12 in the morning and 11 in the evening. You can do it too.

What beginners complain about and my Comebacks:

·      Breathlessness: Yes, you will get breathless, duh? My sister, Eniola tells me “Anu I’m dying, my chest, my eyes, etc”, she starts out saying all sorts of prayers whilst running but guess what? She has never fainted! And this is how I used to feel when I started running up hills in Toronto. Absolutely breathless and my chest would hurt. But I never fainted. I just got better and better at it. You will too, if you keep at it.

·      It’s Lonely: I know how lonely it can get when you’re running by yourself. So get a partner. Get a running partner that can run with you perhaps 2 times a week. It will surprise you that when they can’t make it, you’re too addicted to running that you’ll itch to find a way to run or at least, break a sweat by doing some other exercise.

·      It’s too difficult: It’s not. Why you have a challenge is because you’re going too quickly. For a more sustainable running lifestyle, I would encourage distance as opposed to speed. Once you have a strong endurance base, you inevitably, inadvertently, unintentionally get faster. Run as slowly as you can. Don’t care that there are some runners who go at the speed of light – you just go slow and steady. Slow and steady. As long as you’re sweating at the end of it, you have achieved something awesome.

·      Stomach cramps: Try running within the first hour you wake up, on an empty stomach. This, I have found is the best way. However, if you can’t be so empty whilst running then have half a banana at least 30minutes before your run with a sip of water. If you’re an evening runner, don’t eat within the 3 hours before your run. Minimize your liquids about 1.5hours to your run as well.

No Luxury of Time to Run? – Try. Just try. Wake up 30 minutes earlier and do a 20 minute run. Let’s see how you feel.

Still no Luxury of Time to Run? – Try Rebekah Borucki’s “Lose Weight Fast Morning Bedroom Workout.” I couldn’t run today, so I did this in my room with nothing but a mat. It was amazing. I was actually sweating. And guess what? It’s for ONLY 10 minutes. Please do it twice. It’s excellent. And it’s free- here’s a link :) 

Ready, Set, Go!

1. Download a running app. I prefer the Nike Running app. You can add me on "Anu Runs".
2. Don't hit the snooze button, just jump out.
3. Lace those shoes!

Ready, Set, Go! This photo was taken a week ago. I feel fitter, and it's beginning to reflect in my runs. Let's do this! :)

Alright measuring cuppers, I want to see running testimonials from some of you. Let’s encourage one another.

Till next time,

anu