10 Reasons to start a solo running routine
My intention behind writing this blog about running is to help support you with another resource during this difficult time. It is not intended to make you feel extra pressure about things you ‘should’ be doing during your time in quarantine. The global traumatic event we are currently in the middle of is unfolding very differently for each one of us and taking care of yourself and those around you is the number one priority right now. Information from the CDC and WHO is changing daily, so please stay informed and make good decisions that keep your personal health and community health front and center.
If you do decide to run, let a friend or family member know your route so someone knows where you are, avoid unpredictable or risky terrain to avoid accidental injuries and do not run in groups or crowded areas. Choose to run a little bit earlier in the morning or later in the day to avoid high traffic times on the trails or in your neighborhood. Be flexible about your plans and adapt as needed to stay safe. That being said, running has personally been an incredibly useful tool in the past few weeks to support my mental and physical health. If you are on the fence about running (pandemic or not) I want to encourage you to lace up your sneakers and go for it. Here are my top 10 reasons to give running a go!
1. You have extra time on your hands
To say that our schedules have dramatically shifted over the past few weeks would be a huge understatement. Some of us now have an abundance of free time and some of us have absolutely zero. Either way, we are spending the majority of our time inside for the safety of all. Taking 30 minutes to run around the block and get some fresh air can completely shift your mood and give some perspective after being cooped up in the house all day.
2. Your gym is closed
I feel your pain, I miss my morning workouts and teaching public yoga classes for the community! Many gyms and teachers are offering classes online (FYI I am learning how to create videos for ya, stay tuned!) but shifting our workout routines from the physical studio to the screen is another big change that might not work well for everyone. Why not switch up your regular program, try a short run and see how it goes? You might even find it empowering to be in charge of your own workout length and intensity.
3. You are broke
Many of us are stressed out about finances right now so it is fantastic to have an activity that you can do for absolutely zero dollars. Nada. Zilch. Running is 100% F-R-E-E my friends!
4. You want to feel alive
Watching your feet hit the ground while the landscape slowly changes around you, feeling your lungs working harder and the temperature of the air on your skin, noticing your heart rate accelerate, smelling the fresh air, the whole activity of running allows us to vividly experience all of our senses at once. Running helps us to find gratitude for our healthy bodies while so many around us are sick right now.
5. You DO NOT have to run fast or far
Seriously. If being ‘slow’ or ‘bad’ at running is standing in between you and the trail, kick those judgements to the curb. Nobody really cares about your mileage or what your average pace was, and you are allowed to stop running and catch your breath as often as you want. If you are not training for a race, just let go of the numbers and focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Remember that no matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch.
6. You can run with the whole family OR run by yourself and escape them for a bit!
Parents who run while pushing your kids in a jogger- you are strong superheros and I salute you! If you have kids who are older, try to take them running with you and see how it goes. Who knows, you may have just found a new favorite activity to share together. And if you need too, go solo so you can get a little break from the fam:)
7. Your pets will thank you
A furry best friend on a leash can be a wonderful trail companion and they will always be excited to join you on your run.
8. You don’t need any special equipment
You can literally run in whatever you already own. I recommend investing in new shoes if you decide you want to run more regularly, but it’s ok to just use what you have now to start.
9. You can boost your mental AND physical health
A quick internet search will result in a long list of the benefits of running, including but not limited to relieving anxiety and depression, boosting your immune system, reducing stress, improving sleep, strengthening your bones, protecting against heart disease, maintaining healthy weight, and keeping you mind sharp. Who wouldn’t want to run after hearing all the great things it can do for you?
10. You love the post-run vibe
Ahhh, the sweet feeling of relief when your legs slow to a halt after your run. Your breath returns to its normal pace, your heartbeat slows down and you can bask in the glow of your accomplishment. Now you get to enjoy the feeling of achieving a goal and maybe even experience a little runners high. You earned it!
My personal tips to really enjoy your run- LET GO OF YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR SPEED OR MILES, PUMP UP THE JAMS AND FIND YOUR OWN RHYTHM. Focus on finding the moments where running might even feel a little bit fun (hellooo running downhill!) and the strong moments of digging deep and finding your own power when you thought it was all gone. Still feeling skeptical about starting to run? There is a free Facebook live event happening this Thursday 4/9 at 10 am MST to learn all about the basics of running which will be led by physical therapist and my fellow lululemon Bozeman ambassador Danny Foerster, PT, DPT. Join us tomorrow morning and get all your running questions answered!