For the past couple of years our community streets have seen a rising infestation of runners. These people in their funny little reflective jackets and water bottle-belts. They are EVERYWHERE! I blame The Running Room. That store has been encouraging people to go out and walk/jog/run all over town. The thing that really chaps my ass is that every Wednesday night they take over this one particular street that I drive down when taking my kids to their weekly visit at my dad's house. They run up the hill and down the hill. Sometimes 20+ people. They flank out side by side because it's more social that way. They feel their run is sooo important that they don't have to look both ways or even pause before crossing the street. Cars lose their traffic rights. Stupid Runners!
Next thing you know, I am finding out that most of my new friends run. (thanks nursery school moms!) They show up looking all energized in their little yoga pants and ponytails. I (big and pregnant at the time) just shook my head. They told me how much fun it is. (Whatever.) They get quiet time to themselves when they run. (Hide in the bathroom like normal people.) Look at how their butts are shrinking.(Get a life.) Stupid Runners.
So along came winter. No more pregnant belly. Tired with 3 beautiful genius children (sort of). Pants that don't fit. Blahs beating me down. Sigh. I did it. I reached out to my friends who run, the ones I mocked openly, and asked for instructions.
Today I am finishing week five of my nine-week running program. I have snazzy new shoes, an arm band to hold my phone, reflective arm bands for running at night and a cute little hand-held water bottle thingy. I like to run alone but will occasionally enjoy the company of my peppy, athletic little sister. For the record, we do not run on Wednesday nights and if we are on 'that street' or, any other street, we slide into single file. Smart Runners!
I love the running. I am amazed that my body is holding up to the challenge. I am getting stronger, faster and my endurance is improving every week. I feel energetic, less stressed and happy. The post-run high beats booze, hands down! If anyone is interested in starting up, I highly recommend the Run Double app. The C25K program takes couch potatoes from nothing to running 5km in 9 weeks. There is a free two week trial that you can download and then a big investment of $1.60 for the complete program. It is a gentle and gradual progression. You can play music while you run. The nice lady's voice tells me when it is time to speed up to a comfortable jog and when to slow down to a brisk walk. She even tells me how fast and how far I have gone after each interval. The GPS gives me a colour coded map of my route and I can see my stats at the end. The competitor in me really likes statistics that I can try to beat each time out.
PS: the nice people at the Running Room were very nice and helpful when I picked up my reflective bands and stick of body glide. That glide is good stuff!
Glad you're enjoying the running. I ran for a lot of years before or after work. Used to do 5 - 10 kms. with abreak on Sat. or Sun. and the health benefits are great(musclee toning and more stamina). The phychological benefits are even better. Mood lifting and positive attitude are best. I think the oxygen intake and increased water intake(I do hope you are taking in lots of water and electrolytes) are responsible for the health benefits. I'd still be running if not for my kidney condition(Dr's orders). Great example for the kids. Remember, everything in moderation. Love you, kid!XOXOXO
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