1. Stretch! I cannot stress this enough. It is important to warm up before going on a run.
2. Running is not like riding a bike. Running used to come naturally to me and I did not have to make much of an effort. But as an adult, running is different. It is more of a challenge. My joints can confirm that for you.
3. Running in the rain is funner than it looks. Just be ready for all the dirt to sip into your sneakers and to wash them once you are done.
4. Speaking about shoes, do not forget to replace them about every 300 to 500 miles. Your joints will appreciate it.
5. Listen to your body. If you need a rest day, TAKE IT.
6. Listen to your body, but always try to push it.
7. Pushing yourself to be better than the day before is a reward in itself.
8. The best part of running outdoors is getting out, being out in nature and not glued to technology or stuck at home.
9. Find a buddy to push you. Some days I did not want to run, but having someone else to motivate you to do it will help you overcome it.
10. You will start meeting neighbors you had never even seen and notice things you usually drive through and had never noticed before.
11. If you like stats and are able to, track your running. This will make it so that you can later compare stats and see how far you have come.
12. Do NOT listen to a podcast or audiobook while running. I tried this once and had to listen to it over again once I was done running because I was not able to concentrate enough to get anything from it. Music is a better companion.
13. Do NOT eat or drink anything 2 hours before running, you might get cramps that will tempt you to stop as soon as the pain kicks in.
14. If you are worried you will not be good at it, don't. No one is good at anything in the beginning.
15. If you are thinking about starting, go for it. Maybe start walking and then jogging short distances. You can increase the running distance when you feel like you are ready or when you are up for the challenge.
16. 30 mins goes a long way. You do not have to run for hours or many miles. Showing up is enough.
17. The secret? It is just one step in front of the other, that's it.
18. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK
19. You can do it.
Even though 2020 made me go back to running, I am glad it did. It has been a tough year for most, but it brought me back to a passion I used to have. I was reminded of what the sport did to my soul, more than what it did to my physical health. The freedom, the breeze rushing against my skin, the adrenaline of wanting to be first and pushing yourself to do so. I hope I keep running even after the pandemic ends and hope this post motivates you too. Staying active is very important for your physical and mental health. It gives you time to think, reflect, and work on yourself. Running has brought out a lot of good in me. Good that life had tried to get rid of, but that the world's current situation restored in me, and for that I am grateful.
- XO The Creative Mouse