I will never forget the day I realized I had forgotten how to run. Don’t jump to conclusions, I was never a REAL runner who trained and ran races. What I am talking about is the simple basics and ability to revv up the engines and blast forward in a run…for fun, to move quickly out of the way, to chase after a kid running in the street, etc… I realized I had resorted to scurrying, something in between walking and running.
It occurred to me that running is an important skill to have
and maintain. You never know when you might need it and its important to know
you can easily engage the skill when you do need it--like riding a bike or
knowing how to drive a clutch car.
Being able to run is also important for our health. It is great for our hearts, lowers cholesterol, boosts our
immune system, expands our lung capacity, improves our mood through releasing
endorphins, and even enhances bone density. Running can assist us with weight
management. You don’t have to be a long distance runner to access the benefits
of running. You just have to do it and practice it regularly.
The key is getting started. When I first decided I had to
figure out how to run again I was the most overweight I had ever been. I had
three small children and a lot on my plate. I FELT physically heavy. I wasn’t
sure how to revv up my body to get to a run. The first time I tried it out was
on the sidewalk in front of my house. It felt awkward and uncomfortable. I
really didn’t feel myself. I only managed a sprint across the front lawn.
Something inside of me refused to give up. I couldn’t accept that I could no
longer run. I was way too young for such a thought.
I kept practicing. I set slightly longer goals for my short
runs. It started to get easier, even though I still felt awkward and I was
always out of breath. I played “running” tag with my kids. I played counting
games with myself. It started to become easier and easier. I realized the
biggest barrier to my success was my embarrassment over not being able to run
and how I imagined how I looked when I ran. Ultimately it was more important to
me to know how to run and feel better because of it than the embarrassment over
not knowing how to run and what I looked like doing it.
In my research I came across a woman, Julie Creffield, who
started a website challenging the notion that people are “too fat to run.”
I even wrote a blog about it. My favorite phrase is “Running has no size!” It
is true.
It is now a number of years later, I have lots of
running/cross training shoes, and I run a couple of times a week outside, on
the treadmill or on the track at the “Y.”
Weather doesn’t stop me! It feels great. It does improve my mood and my
numbers are in great shape, and although I am no skinny woman, I am 50 pounds
lighter than I was when I learned how to run again. Running does help me
maintain my weight.
I’m glad I wanted to face the reality that I had forgotten
to run. I am proud of myself for persevering. It meant putting something about
me first. When you struggle with weight there is an inherent self worth issue.
We should all remember we deserve to conquer our demons because every inch and
pound of us is worth it!
If you are wanting to start running in earnest, check out my
blog, #TooFatToRun: New Runner's 6 Tips for Success, or the many other resources out there to help
you get started. My one important tip—make it fun and all about the adventure
of a healthy lifestyle.
To Your Health! Live Vibrant!
