‘I go running when I have to. Like when the ice cream truck is doing sixty.’ - Wendy Liebman
Sometimes, I think it a shame that my early introduction to running took place through the annual torture of school sports days. Other times, I concede that my feelings towards it would be much the same no matter what my first experience might have been.
Normally, ‘going for a jog’ was an absolute last resort for me. It was something I only did when my evenings were too busy to squeeze in a weekly gym visit, and I really didn’t fancy joining the 6am spin class psychopaths. However, the pandemic put a stop to that, and I have been required to start pounding the local pavements and parks again. In my bold return to running, I have startled many canines, amused many youths and, on one memorable occasion, fallen into a hedge to dodge an army of pushchair-wielding Mums.
I still don’t enjoy it but, to my complete and utter surprise, I don’t hate it. Here’s five tips for surviving and thriving as a reluctant runner:
1. Warm up beforehand
When squeezing a quick jog into a packed schedule, it’s tempting to do away with the warm up. However, this just makes the jog even more of a physical exertion. You’re a reluctant runner; why make this harder than it needs to be? Personally, to get some blood pumping through the legs, I’m a fan of some light squat jumps, carried out with caution because I live in a cottage with low ceilings.
2. Vary your route
2. Vary your route
A fresh view makes for a fresh attitude and may soothe some of your reluctance. For instance, why not pick a local landmark to visit, or jog to a neighbouring town for a change? However, be sure to use an online map to check the length of your route beforehand. The first time I did ‘Couch to 5K,’ I decided to make it up as I went along. When Sarah Millican cheerily bid me farewell at the end of the run, I realised that my aching feet now needed to withstand a further thirty minute walk home - lesson learned.
3. Worry not about your speed
4. Run through the toe
3. Worry not about your speed
You’re a reluctant runner and it’s fabulous that you’re hitting the pavements at all. If you’re overtaken by another jogger, fear not. You’ve given them a confidence boost, and this counts as your good deed for the day. On another note, if you see a jogger coming the other way, dig deep into your dwindling energy reserves to give them a friendly smile. You never know, they may be just as reluctant to be out there as you are.
4. Run through the toe
Running with your toe landing first provides a lovely cushion for your knees. You’ll notice the difference very quickly, and I now actively wince at the sight of flat-footed joggers.
5. Swear if you need to
5. Swear if you need to
You’re reluctant to be running; just let it all out.
Best of luck to you all.
Best of luck to you all.
