logo
flag   
Responsive Navigation
Keyword Search: in
Why I Run
View article disclaimer and terms
Tags: benifits of running, how to start running, why run?

This article has been viewed 5125 times.
Ask us a Question
Name
Email Address
Comments
Code ^

After having my baby I began to develop the desire to regain command over my body. I have always lead an active life with dancing, walking, Pilates, horse ridding, swimming and the general rushing around that consumes most of my day but I had never really run. I had tried to run several times but always failed. It was the same scenario; over excitement lead to over exerting myself (injury) equating to an overwhelming feeling of failure. It only ever lasted a week! I used to say running was just not for me. I always blamed my "bad" knees and said I was not made to run. Now, perhaps this is the case for a select few individuals but I firmly believe the excuse "running is not for me" or "I was not made for running" is used too often and for many is purely an excuse.

When my little boy was three months old I took a conditioning class. This conditioning class exposed me to the importance of cardiovascular conditioning; training that elevates the rate of the heart for a prolonged time. My class challenged me to be involved in at least three cardio work outs for 20 minutes or more each week. At the time I involved in yoga and dance but neither offered an aerobic workout. My situation didn't allow me to visit a gym or to take a class so my running shoes were given another chance. Running seemed like the perfect solution, I could run outside in the beautiful weather while pushing my little boy in a stroller.

I had no idea of the journey ahead of me.

So it was me, my son and the huge bulky stroller.

The first time I ran I felt pathetic and humiliated. It seemed like the every person, tree and flower was snarling and laughing at my slow pace and sweaty face. Imagine this me, my son and a huge bulky stroller, that's right not fancy jogging stroller. I shuffled. The aim was to go for a minute. A minute grew to five and then to ten and then I did a mile, a whole mile without stopping! My clothes were stuck to me with sweat, my hair was dripping but I shuffled an entire mile. What a success!

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I laced my shoes and pushed my baby around the neighborhood in a sluggish fashion. I used to hate the feeling of transitioning from a run to a walk. It would feel as though my heart was ready to explode and that my ribcage might collapse. But then I found a friend. Having a shuffling companion made everything easier; we relied on each other and depended on each other. Before we knew it we were doing two miles, then three. Thankfully with every run I felt a little stronger and suddenly I began to enjoy it; imagine that! Instead of dragging myself out the door I began to look forward to the mornings I would run. The days I didn't run I felt gross and tired but days I worked my body it felt glorious, I felt glorious! Yes, exercise fuels the body, you have heard of endorphins? Endorphins make you feel good and are created as a result of exercise, well it is not just a made up fact it is true and it has changed my attitude.  

A pivotal point in my running experience was when I could breathe. Of course I was breathing all the time but after some time I could breathe with ease. That's right no more huffing and puffing. I had created a rhythm of my own, it allowed me to work hard, talk and be fully aware of all my surroundings. It was the most exhilarating feeling. No longer did I feel a slave to my shallow panting. Now my lungs were smoothly expanding and contracting, my heart was pumping blood with a powerful force, it felt great and I felt wonderful.

I still sweat (actually I am the sweatiest person I know you should see me after Aerobics) I still run slowly and compared to fancy fast runners I still look pathetic but I CAN run. I can run for 2 hours! To me that's amazing!

I have been running three or more times a week for 2 years now and recommend it to everyone. It is cheap, easy and a great cardiovascular workout. I not only lost all my baby weight I now have a stronger and healthier heart. I have more energy to run around with my little boy, make dinner, and go to school and work. Last year my friend and I trained and ran a half marathon, 13.1 miles and I did it again last week. It was amazing; I never thought I could have achieved that, especially being a mother. Now running has become my release and escape from my daily challenges. I love the feeling of my heart powerfully beating within me. Running has taught me that you don't have to be fast to experience the great health benefits you just have to do it.

The best piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to run for the first time or get back into running is: take it easy and find a friend to join you. Your only competitor in running is the voice in your head telling you to stop; overcome that and you win the race!

Running is a part of my lifestyle and I LOVE it. 




By WorldwideHealth Editor
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have the author name and all the links intact.

Author:

ALSO VIEW OUR
Articles
(Total : 87)
  Title
Sort by Title A-Z
Sort by Title Z-A
5 Tips to Improve Parenting
6 Reasons to do Yoga
Acupressure
Acupressure Points
Acupuncture and Asthma
Alexander Technique
Alignment: A Key Component of Fitness
Alternative Christmas Gifts, Part 1.
Alternative Christmas Gifts, Part 2.
Aromatherapy?
Asthma and Eczema
Asthma Myths
Building Self Confidence
Children and Allergies
Chiropractic Medicine
Colour Therapy
Communicating with your Teenager
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Dance Therapy
Detox: A Spring Clean for Your Body.
Does your Marriage need a little Love and Tender Care?
Eliminate Negativity
Energy Healing
Get the lowdown on Allergies
Getting Rid of The Common Cold
Healthy Children, Happy Life
Here’s the scoop on Bio-resonance
Homeopathy
How about a Hot Stone Massage?
How to improve posture and how imagery can help.
How to Make and Achieve Goals
How to make healthy choices easy
Ideas for Summer Exercising.
Indian Head Massage
Juicing
Layers of Skin
Life Coaching
Loosing Weight Fast is BAD!
Magnet Therapy
Make the choice to age graciously
Making exercise a reality
Massage Therapy not only sounds good, it feels good.
Meditation
Myth: All Processed Food is bad for you
Natural Healthy Skin Looks Better Than Botox!
Personality can hide depression
Positive Thoughts = Happiness
Possible early Alzheimer's diagnosis
Pregnant? The flu shot will protect you and baby.
Prenatal Massage
Say Goodbye to Weight Loss Programs and Hello to Self Care?
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy
Self worth: The key to staying focused
Skin Care
Slim down; belly fat is BAD
The Aromatherapy First Aid Kit
The Do's and Don'ts of Christmas Eating
The Gift Of Health
The Sleep Challenge
Things You Need to Know Before Marriage Counseling
Tips on Enduring Allergies
Tips on staying stress free during the Christmas Season
Tis the season for a Cold!
Types of Kinesiology?
Universal Screening will detect harmful eating disorder habits
Use Therapy To Heal A Smoking Addiction
UV Rays
Vigorous Exercise reduces Breast cancer Risk
Water Therapy
Wearing skin the right way?
Weight Loss: The benefits and Career Opportunities
What defines a sports massage and how can it help me?
What is Bowen Technique/Therapy?
What is Chinese Medicine?
What is Herbal Medicine?
What is Hypnotherapy?
What is Lymphoma?
What is Naturopathy?
What is Neuropathy?
What is Nutrition?
What is Osteopathy?
What is Reflexology?
What Is Rolfing?
What You Can Do To Age Healthily
Who is most at risk to develop common food allergies?
Why I Run
“But I don’t want my Vitamins!”


Contact Form

Please use this form to contact WorldwideHealth Editor
** This form is intended for those with genuine enquiries/questions.
 

Name
Company (if any)
Comments
Email
Phone
  To avoid misuse and spamming, please enter the verification code, shown below, to send your message. Thank you
 
if you can't read the image text to load another one.
Enter Code
 

Disclaimer and Terms. This article is the opinion of the author. WorldwideHealth.com makes no claims regarding this information. WorldwideHealth.com recommends that all medical conditions should be treated by a physician competent in treating that particular condition. WorldwideHealth.com takes no responsibility for customers choosing to treat themselves. Your use of this information is at your own risk. Your use of this information is governed by WWH terms and conditions.