How to Run (It Feels Good, I Swear)

yoga, meditation and strength videos that can all be done at home!

Thanks Katy! I got the foam roller that you recommended, and I couldn’t be happier with the purchase!

For beginning or veteran runners, The Happy Runner by David and Megan Roche is absolutely delightful – as a running + life philosophy book!

I love running! The only thing missing from your gear section is the need for good sports bras – maybe a future post idea? But really boob chafe is no joke and if they bounce around too much they get sore – and I have small boobs so idk how to more endowed manage!

I am an occasional runner but now that we are all isolated and my kickboxing gym has closed, I am running again. I’ve been using the Couch to 5K app and it’s great. I like being able to check out and being told to run, walk or stretch. I have been adding a few extra rounds of running because I have been feeling great. I am already loving running and will definitely continue when I can go back to punching and kicking

Running is still allowed here, but I wonder when it’ll be forbidden (people have ignored social distancing, alas).
This must have been mentioned in the comments, but what got me started again two years ago was sticking to the ‘couch to 5k’ app. Got me running 5k in 8 weeks. Working towards my first half marathon right now.

Yes. Running is an intensely personal thing for me. My husband (boyfriend at the time) encouraged me to start 8 years ago when I was stuck in an awful job, staying in bed as much as possible, gaining a lot of weight, and falling ill with some new virus every month. The first few months were torture. I mean, I grew up in a very unhealthy family and had never sweated for anything in my life or eaten a meal that didn’t contain sugar. So, running my first quarter mile was a victory; I’d never pushed my body that much. And then a half-mile. Then a mile. Then two. Then, finally, painfully, barely running at a snail’s pace, three. We moved from the permafrost of the Midwest to Colorado, so I’m very lucky that even in our snowiest months (March and April), we’ll have a moderate 3-6 inch snowfall on a Thursday, but have enough melt and sun by Saturday to get in another run on the trail. When we changed elevation in the move, I basically had to start my training over again, but finally worked my way up to 4.5 miles! Then…training started again after an injury. And at first, it really sucks. People are passing you left and right and you have to walk every 10 minutes. But each time you get a little farther. And then you’re finally back to your old routine. What I found is that running is the thing that helps me complete the stress cycle (Emily Nagoski, anyone?) and a place where I can simultaneously let my demons yell at me and degrade me while my deeper stronger self steps in and says “Hey, stop with your bullshit. Look at her go!” I’m always refusing running partners and races because it’s my thing, my solitary thing that reminds me that even when I’m my most depressed, that being alive is good.

I run seasonally (aka spring and summer). My doggie is a big motivator—she needs a lot of daily exercise so, I’m already giving her 40 minute walks…might as well make it a run. Plus, i love the look on people’s faces when they see us together. The NRC app is addicting and they have wonderful guided runs. My favorite is the ‘Thank You’ run.

I ran a marathon some years ago and immediately stopped running afterwards. LOL. How strange, huh? I prefer hiking, walking around town, bike riding.

I love the Zombies, Run app! I’m actually a legacy member (meaning I started using it years and years ago), though I’m still in season two, which tells you a lot about my running. ;)

For most of the year, I do bodyweight fitness – I use Mark Lauren’s programm (available online and for home workouts primarily). But as soon as the weather is better and the mornings are lighter, I return to running. And especially in times like these, getting outside and getting some air, preferably alone, is so important!

My advice for running is to not walk during your run! Oops- I said it. But hear me out. Run as slow as you need if you’re feeling like you need a recovery mid-run, or better yet-start your mileage low (1/4 mile is still an accomplishment!) and increase ever so slowly at a realistic rate that is comfortable for your body. Even for my ‘long run’ days, I only ever add one more mile to last weeks mileage. You’ll get faster eventually, I promise. If walking isn’t an option your brain learns how to push and pace, and your body learns how to endure. On your slow days you may find yourself ‘running’ at a walking pace, and that’s okay!! Keep on going! There is something about that rhythmic pounding of tennis shoes against the pavement that alieves my anxiety and calms my heart. I’m getting that jittery/nervous/excited feeling just thinking about someone experiencing a run for the first time!! Go, go, go!

I wish there was more conversation and awareness of how difficult running (And other night impact exercise) can be after birth and recommendations to support and promote pelvic floor health. I had no idea how important it was until it was too late, and recommendations beyond kegals. It impacts soooo many people after birth and is very under discussed.

I run to get high. Toward the end of my runs (usually 4-7 mi) I push myself to run faster. That climax is the best feeling in the world. Once you feel it you get hooked on running.

Starting running after age 40 and I am totally fine with being a slow runner. A few things I’ve embraced:
1. scheduled walk breaks, especially when just getting started with running (or going long distance)
2. The first mile is the worst (for me) so I tell myself if I am still miserable after mile one, I can turnaround and walk home.
3. Getting a dog has helped motivate me!
4. Find a local running club when group runs can start back up. My local club has monthly tortoises and hare races, in which slower runners start first so that no matter what your pace, everyone finishes around the same time.

I would like to make one tiny request: in this scary time of coronavirus, PLEASE do not breath into the faces of people you pass on the sidewalk. I have had this happen to me multiple times just this week, so now when I see a runner approaching me (in either direction) I have to step into the street to avoid the blast zone. Thanks for keeping everyone safe!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a foam roller? I have a small trigger point, grid foam roller at home. While it’s great, it can be a bit too intense for me at times. Plus, it would be nice to have a longer foam roller too.
Also, has anyone brought the cheaper models of theragun? Worth it? Or should I pony up for the full monty?
One last question, does anyone have any suggestions for where to buy restorative yoga props for at home practice? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I would add that cross-training and strength-training are key! Both to increase your overall fitness and to avoid injuries. During this time of social distancing (but really all-the-time), I highly recommend fitnessblender.com. Always FREE, very varied workouts for all fitness levels, many require no equipment, etc.

I too was all set to race a half marathon this Sunday in Philly (as part of a weekend visit with my girlfriend since childhood who lives there–double bummer). To be honest though, I’ve always loved the daily practice of running/training more than the race itself for the exact reasons you describe. I ran competitively at a D1 college but it took a few years afterwards for me to finally realize how important it is for my mental wellbeing. 99% of the reason I run now is to manage anxiety and improve my mood. Focusing on that instead of changing my physical body or looking a certain way has made ALL the difference.

Anyway, it’s been a little joy amidst the chaos of this virus to see so many new people out running in my neighborhood. My message to anyone new to running is this: if you think all of the “real” runners will notice you or judge you for your pace or distance, I can promise you we won’t. We’re just happy to have more people to smile and nod to. If you run, you’re a runner!

I love this! I have a few half marathons under my belt and am in the middle of training for my first full, the Colfax Marathon here in Denver in May, which has yet to be cancelled, but I feel like it’s inevitable. But, oh well, like so many others, running is my saving grace right now. It’s the only thing that relieves my anxiety and grounds me at the end of the day during these uncertain times. Love hearing from all these other runners! My best advice, as others have said, is to just stick with it. Some miles, some days, are gonna feel like crap, but that’s OK, just keep moving and know that it’s just that mile or that day that sucks. It always gets better. :)

This is incredibly complicated. Just run <3 PS. Magnesium for recovery. And just run <3

I would add the tip: don’t be afraid to take breaks! If you want running to be enjoyable, sustainable without growing to loathe it, listen to your body. Find a type of running that works for you. If going for a run first thing in the morning sounds less appealing than getting a root canal (as it does for me) don’t do it!

As a long-time runner, i feel like it’s really paying off now. i mean, it’s always paid off in terms of health (physical and mental), but now it is my absolute saving grace! i would recommend that you really commit to it, if you start. It’s so hard to build endurance, but once you do, it’s magical! ok, sometimes it does suck. Do it anyway.

Please watch “Brittany Runs a Marathon” on Amazon streaming!!

I was once a runner, stopped, had 2 kids and have started 8 weeks ago. I hope to fulfill a 5k on my daughter’s first birthday in 2 weeks.

These tips are great! I always stretch afterwards and walk for 5 minutes to cool down. I also use Runkeeper to track my runs. When I run outside, I just run wherever I feel like running. It is my alone-time, just me and my thoughts. When I run on the treadmill, I listen to podcasts to make it less boring.

I know how you feel, Caroline. I was supposed to run the LA Marathon a couple of weeks ago. It wasn’t cancelled, but I voluntarily decided not to run it because 27,000 runners and the coronavirus together sounded like a bad idea. I don’t regret the decision, but I was still pretty bummed considering the 7 months of training that went into it (it would have been my first marathon). BUT! In hindsight, it really is the journey and not the destination. Running a race is great motivation (I have done a few half-marathons), but the determination to get up and run consistently is what I am most proud of.

Also, as another reader said, don’t let that first mile dictate your run! That first mile almost always sucks, but push through! It’ll be worth it. :)

Another recommendation of the BBC Couch to 5k podcast! It got me running a couple of years ago and now I’m hooked. When it’s cold and rainy out I promise myself that I can turn back after 5 minutes if I really hate it – funnily enough, I never do! I like running off road and sploshing through mud and puddles makes me oddly happy.

I’ve recently learned why I have lower back problems and that running (for me at least) exacerbates that. So I’d like to add that fast-paced walking is really great too! I think exercise walking (not strolling) is really underrated. I love it because I can go a bit farther than I did with jogging (especially after some time off) and can still push myself with the pace. Hope this encourages someone to try walking if they don’t want/can’t jog.

Stay active everyone!

Great post. Running, like starting anything new, will take time to become part of a routine. I might be easier to get going if you attach it to an existing activity or habit. I used to go as soon as I got in the door from work. I would throw on my running gear before I had time to think. Getting out the door is one of the biggest challenges. If I did anything else I would get side-tracked and not go.

The best!!

If you are just starting running, two things that have really helped me over the last decade of running (at various distances and speeds):

1) When you’re just starting to build your stamina it helps to focus on your breath. If you find yourself getting really out of breath try taking three breaths in through your nose and three breaths out through your mouth and do this for as long as you can. This helps modulate your pace (in case you’ve been speeding up and didn’t know it!) and also helps prevent cramps.
2) You can have the best run of your life on a day when you think you’re not feeling it, and the worst run ever on a day when you are super amped and prepared. Stick with it! No matter if it feels like you’re running through sludge or traipsing on air, you still get the endorphins at the end :D

Not a runner, but I once tried. One of the best pieces of advice I read on it was to: “Run so slow that if you saw someone you knew, you’d be embarrassed. Then if you do see that person you know, during this embarrassingly slow run, you just pretend you were coming to slow stop to tie your shoe.”