“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road, and when I got there, I thought maybe I’d run to the end of the town. … And I just kept going. And that’s what my running was all about.”
Sound familiar? That’s from the movie “Forrest Gump,” in which actor Tom Hanks plays the simple-minded Forrest, who ends up running almost continuously for more than three years, by chance showing up at many historical events, from Vietnam to the creation of the smiley face.
As he runs and runs, through Alabama clear to the Pacific coast, Forrest explains his devotion to his routine by simply saying, “I just felt like running.” And although we don’t expect you to run as far as Forrest, you never know what unexpected winding roads running will take you down. And it is also true that just making that first decision – to go for a little run – is the first step in a habit that could last a lifetime.
You can, as they say, end up running for your life. Running has so many benefits, from helping to burn calories, to improving muscle tone, reducing stress, and even helping you sleep better at night. Many runners describe a runner’s high, when endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, are released, erasing feelings of sadness or moodiness.
But too many wanna-be runners say, “I wanna go for a run, BUT…” The next time you’re ready to make the excuse, “I can’t run today, because…” check out our excuse-buster list:
“I don’t have the right clothes for running.”
Running clothes don’t have to be complicated. Although it’s best to wear fabrics that wick sweat from your skin, especially in the winter, you probably have all the clothes you need right in your drawer. You can wear non-binding shorts in the summer, and leggings or sweatpants in the fall and winter. In the cold weather, wear layers of tops and bottoms with a windproof jacket if you have one.
“I’m not sure which clothes to wear for which temperature.”
A starting pace that’s too fast can get you huffing and puffing. Better to start slow and gradually build speed, and alternate running and walking when you first begin.
You will have to do some testing to figure this out, since everyone is different. In temperatures 70 degrees or above, you’ll want to think about wearing a tank top and shorts. Usually if the temperature is 50-60 degrees or above, one top layer and shorts works fine. You might be a bit chilly at the very beginning in cooler temperatures, but it won’t take you long to warm up. In the 40-55 degree range, often a long-sleeve shirt and shorts are comfortable. Below 40 degrees, you will probably want long sleeves and pants or tights. You will need gloves and a headband or hat, too, especially if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Layer your clothing and remove when you feel warm.
“I can only run a few yards before I get out of breath.”
Try alternating between a slow jog and a walk, repeating these intervals every few minutes for about 20-30 minutes. Start by first running for 2 or 3 minutes and then walking for a minute or two. After you feel comfortable, increase the time you run, while still keeping walking times the same in between. After you can run for 10-15 minutes without stopping, decrease your walking times until you are running the full 20-30 minutes without stopping. Stick to a schedule – a half hour every morning or evening – and you’ll gradually notice that you’re jogging more and walking less.
“I don’t know where to run.”
You can run anywhere you choose, as long it’s a safe place. Do your best to jog on the sidewalk instead of the road. If there is no sidewalk, always jog against the traffic, if you need to run in the road or along the shoulder. There may be trails in the nearby woods, a running track, or just a loop around your neighborhood.
“I don’t have running shoes.”
If you invest in a pair of well-padded, comfortable running shoes, this can be motivation to hit the road. You can expect to pay between $60-$120, and don’t skimp, because often you get what you pay for. Go for a “test run” in the store before you buy them, and research shoes ahead of time online. It’s best to go to a special running store where the employees know how to help you choose the best shoe.
“I tried running before but it didn’t work out.”
Go for the long haul – you need to make running part of your daily routine, something you look forward to. Think of it as putting a penny in the bank – it all adds up, until one day, you realize that running is an investment you can’t bear to part with and one that pays great returns.
“Running is too boring.”
