When I started running, I already had a strong cardio and aerobic base to work from. Transitioning from my gym workouts to road running wasn’t much of a leap. But I know that for some people, it’s a big step lacing up their running shoes for the first time.
Given the season in which I’m writing this entry, I’m going to use elements of courtship as metaphors for starting to take up running. Ready? Here goes…
- Find a mutual friend. If in courtship it’s easier to meet a prospective someone through friends in common, it’ll be easier to get into running if you have a friend who’s already into it. Your friend will introduce you two, help you find some common ground to start from. Maybe you could even go on group dates — I mean, run as a group. It’ll do wonders for your motivation if you have someone who encourages you to go for it.
- Get all dressed up. Just as you want to make a good impression on a first date by stepping out in your best finery, you will also need to wear the good stuff for running. Have yourself fitted out with running-specific shoes that are suited for your feet and gait. If you know you sweat like an ice-cold Coke on a hot day, consider investing in one or two shirts with sweat-wicking properties. As for lower garments, look for shorts that will allow your legs to move freely without chafing in the crotch area. Yes, that’s important. Teehee.
- Take it slow. You don’t expect the one you’re courting to be immediately comfortable with you — especially if you two have just gotten acquainted. Same thing with running: you can’t expect to take off and do 21K on your first day, much less continuously run for one kilometer. Such things take time. But…
- Be persistent. Like the saying goes, “Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.” Serious suitors show up almost everyday, if not in person then via other means to make sure the one they are courting knows they’re around and gets used to them being around. In running, you’ve got to run regularly. Not necessarily for long kilometers at a time, but enough to get your legs used to the idea. You’ll find that when you don’t run, you miss it — just like a girl would miss her suitor when he doesn’t make himself felt.
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself falling for running, and running will love you back. You’ll run faster, go for longer, and start to look better, too (as the pounds drop off and your muscles tone up). You’ll see there’s no possible way you can live without running in your life. You’ll find yourself dreaming about a future with running, and preparing for it. And when that happens, that’s love and commitment right there.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Yihee!
Love, love, love.
So sino si running mo? Naks!Happy Valentine's Day Noelle!
Hi Neil! Hehe no comment — kasi wala. π
it's like reading my own love story with running π really nice π
i think for beginners nagta-taper off yung enthusiasm nila after a couple of runs kaya important talaga to have running buddies who are into running.having something to track your progress like the nike+ is also a nice way to be motivated to run.
nice post. to sum it up, just like love, running entails time, effort and money. let's all have fun loving and running… happy V! π
wow. wow. wow. great post and great analogies! I agree with all four points:1. someone else got me started into running – she ran 10K in KOTR and kept inviting me to run and that made me decide to go from 3K, then 5K, then 2 10Ks, 15K and then finally 21K – the ironic thing is – we haven't run together yet hahaha It's great to have the Pace Partners push me and encourage me also – especially when you have April "The Machine" Lee to keep up with on training runs hehehe2. going to Runnr and getting fitted and then buying my 1st pair of Mizunos – that meant it was serious!3. I gradually increased the distances and looking back, I would have never thought I'd think 21K is easy (after Condura, I actually do – but 42K? uhm, uhm)4. It came to a point I would run around Mandaluyong Circle and even before small groups in Salcedo Park – must. put. in. mileage.again – I agree on all points! π and – I would have never thought to associate Valentine's Day with running – but look at this! π
cool blog as always sis… to think i hate reading…
Hi Bea Notsquare! All great love stories have elements in common. πCalvin, gadgets do help motivate, but I think you still need to have a strong love for running nonetheless — and that will take you further.Hello Solemates, anything that we do that entails passion and hard work can be likened to a love story π thanks for reading!Thanks for sharing your personal experience, Pageman Paul. I'm glad my little piece has relevance outside myself.Drey, wow! Thanks thanks. π
Wow! That was falling in love with running well defined! As for me, I already fall in love with it. And we had a promise to take the road for the rest of our lives :D—BTW, about the UNILAB Bloggers Briefing, I actually have no idea how the UNILAB organizers contact the other bloggers. As for me, it was just by chance 'coz they were able to read my post of me being registered to the UNILAB run π
hey noelle! :Di FELL in love with running last year π and slowly but surely, we are getting along well π finished my first-ever full marathon at a decent time given my limited training due to work, but i was still able to accomplish it π see you around! π keep it up KIKAY runner, running strong and effortless yet always stylish hahaha π
nice one, ma. i like this.i can almost hear you saying this…"yiheee". hahaha. see you soon, bora. π
Hello MinnieRunner, I'm sure we'll see each other at Unilab Run then. πTimmy, now that's dedication! I can't wait to finish my first marathon either… but I need to train first. Hehe.Jenny! Yes, yes, Boracay bodies here we come. YYYYYIIIHEEEEE!
“running will love you back” yes, tested! great analogy. the other one though doesn’t always respond that way. Lol~
TRUTH