Not A Sprint
Last night I went on my first “run” in a few months, this morning I read The 10 Most Important Things for Beginner Runners to Know. It’s full of great tips for those getting into a running habit, for those who had a running habit then didn’t and are trying to again it’s a little less helpful. Still great information but it’s missing one vital piece….it sucks, it sucks A LOT.
The thing about habits is once you have it in place as long as you make time for it it’s decently reasonable to maintain. True, there will be days that are more difficult than others but you won’t necessarily lose the ability to run. Unless you quit. Pause, let’s say pause it’s less finite than quitting. I think it’s a Newton thing, objects in motion and such. While I don’t always think science applies to non-science life, or it does idk, this objects in motion thing makes sense. Once you’re in the groove of something it's easy to keep going.
When you stop and then decide to start again things aren’t as easy. This applies to diet choices, yoga practices, running, dating, even getting your eyebrows waxed. Once you’re out of the habit getting back in is going to be rough. And whether or not Hal Higdon realized it, his advice for beginner runner’s applies to re-beginners, re-daters, re-exercisers, re-eyebrow waxers:
- Be safe
- Pick a good pair of shoes
- Try some toys
- Know you’ll probably be sore
- Embrace the lifestyle
...from me...Realize it’s going to suck a little.
Now you’re ready to get back on you bullshit.
Best of luck to you. And if you see me passed out on the side of the road, send milkshakes to revive me.
