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You might have a number of resolutions for the new year, but one of the best would be to take up running.
I'm a REALLY poor runner, I have awful pace, and generally suck at it. But it's been amazing for my mental health.
I'm just going to lay out a few tips below: (1/n)
I'm a REALLY poor runner, I have awful pace, and generally suck at it. But it's been amazing for my mental health.
I'm just going to lay out a few tips below: (1/n)
Have you never run before? Doesn't matter.
Have you never been able to run more than a kilometre? Amazing, because the first kilometre is the hardest part!
Does running seem intimidating? It isn't, it's the EASIEST thing to get into. (2/n)
Have you never been able to run more than a kilometre? Amazing, because the first kilometre is the hardest part!
Does running seem intimidating? It isn't, it's the EASIEST thing to get into. (2/n)
The first thing most new year's resolution runners take up is an app for tracking: there are many options, including Strava and Nike Run+.
I would suggest the latter. It has a curated set of guided runs, and offers good, consistent tracking. (3/n)
I would suggest the latter. It has a curated set of guided runs, and offers good, consistent tracking. (3/n)
It's also an amazing way to get into it, because it does not prioritise statistics. I have found it to be a celebration of the fact that you, a bipedal creature, can cover vast distances with ease. (4/n)
Any advice I offer, from pacing, to doing body checks every kilometre, to how to keep your focus, is all from this app. Coach Bennett is an amazing, easy to listen to coach, and it is wonderful how a recording played after intervals will make you responsible for yourself (5/n)
Do you need shoes? Yes, you do.
You don't need to get the most expensive pair, but go for a dedicated running shoe. Try and make sure it offers heel support, and that there is enough foam. You're running in Pakistan, so that means pavement, and coarse gravel tracks. (6/n)
You don't need to get the most expensive pair, but go for a dedicated running shoe. Try and make sure it offers heel support, and that there is enough foam. You're running in Pakistan, so that means pavement, and coarse gravel tracks. (6/n)
You might have to invest in a good set of running shirts as you progress, but don't go all in on Day 1. Build your wardrobe as you slowly fall into the activity. (7/n)
And that's about it. At its core, running is a meditative exercise. You will have moments when you don't know how long you've run, but feel like you can keep going indefinitely. It doesn't happen every time, but it does happen. (8/n)
You're also in Pakistan, so check the AQI. If it's bad, don't go. You'll be hurting yourself. But the next time it's clear, and you have time, put on your shoes, queue up "The First Run" on Run+, and just go for it. (9/n)
And if you think you can't do it, listen to this amazing podcast while you're doing it.
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/man-against-horse
Youll realise that it isn't just you running, its your ancestors, their ancestors, and beyond.
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/man-against-horse
Youll realise that it isn't just you running, its your ancestors, their ancestors, and beyond.
