Take a step outside your comfort zone
A FRIEND recently informed us she had downloaded the couch to 5k app. I was reluctant to respond to this news. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe I saw it as a great intention that would lead nowhere. I don’t consider myself the sort of friend who would ever criticise a healthy decision; plus I’d like to think I always encourage people to pursue whatever it is they desire, within reason.
This news conjured up images of Aldi active range that’s usually introduced onto our shelves straight after Christmas. The general vicinity usually has people poking through looking at cycling equipment, exercise pants, yoga mats and Pilate’s books. It is a great idea in a marketing sense. I don’t argue with that. However, to me it almost seems laughable straight after Christmas. I, personally just don’t understand this idea of going from one extreme to another.
Joining the gym could be a similar scenario. The first few days you are all excited, you are being assessed and there’s training plans and classes you want to attend. A few months later you could be reading the terms and conditions with an exit strategy in mind. Previously, I researched what motivates us while doing my Masters.
One author who particularly delves into the subject is Nir Eyal. He suggests motivation is the engine to help your dreams become a reality.
So we do have to start somewhere and for my friend downloading the app was the first step. It would probably be an uncomfortable transition for the first while but eventually you’d be running and that time in your life when you binge drank or smoked would be a distant memory.
I succumbed to the temptation and thought I could probably give that app a try. I was walking a lot and had more time available. I wasn’t commuting and thankfully was still working so didn’t have the uncertainty of work hanging over my head. With a clear head and an optimistic attitude I eventually searched the app, downloaded it and gave it a shot. I started with the couch to 5k app.
The first few days you have a free trial. I bought an unlimited plan to help reach my target. The app starts with intervals of running and walking that gradually build your stamina. The first few days were tough. I ran around a field that had recently been mowed. There were a few bumps and I had to be careful I didn’t twist an ankle. My breathing was stuffy and I felt heavy and slow. This continued, the intervals of running grew longer until I reached 10 minutes, 15 minutes and so on. I was starting to feel more productive. Sometimes during my run, I would think about how to solve other problems. These were little achievements but no matter, I continued. It probably took about a month to reach 5km. I didn’t need to stop anymore. The main thing I realised was not to stress myself out. I needed to go at my own pace and relax my breath. The speed wasn’t a big priority at this stage. Another benefit was that the dogs seemed to love the routine and they got their daily exercise running with me. As the grass grew longer I changed where I ran. This was beneficial for a change of scenery also. One of the tips I read was to run in different environments.
A different friend suggested I join parkrun. I registered interest but have yet to attend a Saturday run as members are currently running their 5km individually. Parkrun is available across the country and times your 5km run. Some of the spots dotted around the country have tea / coffee after the run. Runs take place at 9.30am on Saturdays. You are assigned an individual barcode that gives you the flexibility to run in other venues also which will be great while doing staycations.
Next, I consider doing a charity run however this year is a bit tricky with restrictions and runs being postponed. I have a browse on www.runireland. com which displays running events. There were a few local options. However, how far could I realistically run? Considering I am a relative amateur, I should have opted for a 10km run. However, the challenge didn’t seem big enough so I opt for a half marathon and give myself at least 12 weeks to give myself a fighting chance. I was lucky that a friend opted to join me. Currently, I run 3 times a week with a long run on one of the days. It’s advisable to have your long run on a Saturday or Sunday. I downloaded the couch to 21km app which gives me a training plan to follow. One of the short runs contains intervals where you build speed. This may be the most challenging run of the week but you gather mileage easier.
On reflection, I slightly regret my decision considering I haven’t reached 10km yet. I will also need to be very careful not to injure anything. As I follow a training plan I have rest days and days dedicated to stretching. The stretching days are enjoyable as I practice yoga and it gives you a little break. I should mention my appetite is immense at the moment and some days I feel chronically tired. With this in mind, it is advisable to:
* Fuel your body with the right nutrients.
* Keep your body hydrated.
* Get plenty of rest.
When signing up for such an event, I did ask around to see what I should purchase. I bought a new pair of Asics which are specifically developed for runners. I have yet to get a smart watch that monitors breathing, sleeping and calories. My approach has been very old fashioned and I have researched running techniques as to not over exert my legs. One main aspect is not to hold tension in your body. This may include having to breaking old habits. What most research specifies is that you want to:
* Reduce chance of injury * Increase Speed
* Boost efficiency.
Depending on what technique you want to follow advice may vary. I work as a designer which means I am usually holding a mouse for long periods. Ergonomically speaking, it’s not ideal but I’ve noticed my wrists are stronger as a result of running and yoga. Another positive is running seems to cause a chain reaction. At one point, it was just the dog and I running. Since then my brother and a few others have started doing laps.
It is hugely beneficial. The only downside is the weather can be unpredictable and the training plan doesn’t seem to be that flexible.
It was the perfect time to incorporate running into my life. Some days I find it addictive and look forward to waking up and stepping outside. Other days it is a constant struggle and you may get a stitch; or your ankle or knee may hurt a little. Each run is different.
It’s definitely outside my comfort zone to step into an area I was once so reluctant to explore for a variety of reasons.
Once something becomes more hard-core, I as an amateur start to shy away from it but the main thing is everyone is concentrating on their own pace and breathing. There is comfort in that and it takes away the competitive edge. It might be ugly but I will give it a try and hope for the best.
Scenic running spots: * Duncannon beach: The wet sand can be a softer surface for the legs and ankles.
* The grounds of Tintern Abbey. * St Mullins walkway: 4km. Depending on what day, the area has become very popular. The walkway leads up to Graiguenamanagh. * Inistioge forest trail: This leads up to the Woodstock gardens and loops back to the town. The views are amazing also.