Becoming a Runner- Part 2

To become a runner I would first like to share a quote you’ll need to memorize and repeat frequently through this process:

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do – not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Running takes persistence because it is NOT easy. You will struggle. You will have bad runs. You will want to quit. But, be dedicated to the change! Realize with persistence and hard work, running will become something you enjoy. I’d be lying if I said running was easy, but that’s what I love about it. You appreciate the things you work hard for, and running is something I deeply appreciate because of all the reasons I shared in Part 1.

And now, here are the 3 simple ways to get started:

I know I said running is cheap and compared to a lot of other modes of exercise, it is. However, I cannot stress enough how important a good pair of running shoes is. Every runner has a different stride, different feet, and getting shoes that fit YOU is very important. This step will help keep your body running properly with hopefully no pain in knees, hips, and feet. At least for your first pair I strongly recommend going to a store that will fit you to a pair of running shoes that works best for you. Wasatch Running and Salt Lake Running Company are great stores in the Salt Lake Area who can help you with that. You will look at spending around $100.

Do not underestimate this step. If you don’t register for a race, there will be nothing to hold you accountable to your running and you need this race registration to be a form of motivation. On days you don’t feel like running or when you feel like giving up, you will always have in your head the 5K that you’ve paid for. It will motivate you.

Easy. Get outside and move! Here’s a great way to start. Set your clock for 30 minutes and GO! Walk. Run. Whatever you can do. Just make sure you are out and going for at least 30 minutes. If you can only run for a minute. That’s fine. Run one minute, and walk for 2 or 3 minutes. Slowly try to increase running time. Run to the 3rd mailbox. Run to the stop sign. Whatever can motivate you to give your muscles a chance to try out running. Continue your 30 minutes 3x a week for about a month.

There is more to be said, but we will save it for the last part of this series and hopefully help you become a true runner. Until then, leave a comment and let me know what 5K you’ve chosen!