How I became a runner, kind of....

I almost feel silly even writing this blog because I am not an expert on running…..like, at all. I also feel weird saying this but it has become something I enjoy. I never thought I’d be writing this, I enjoy running. Flash back to a little over 2 years ago and I was struggling to run a couple blocks. Running a mile wasn’t even on my radar…..at all. I had taken some boot camp classes at the YMCA where we’d run but no long distances. It wasn’t until I stepped into my first Orangetheory that the running bug kind of hit me.

I’ll go ahead and say my first OTF (Orangetheory Fitness for the normal, non-obsessed people) was rough. I was huffing and puffing through the whole class and I kind of thought I actually dying. But, I’ll be totally honest, making it through the 55 minutes felt like quite an accomplishment. I knew after my first class I was hooked. I started slow, going a couple times a week. I wasn’t running fast but each class I could run a little farther without stopping. After a couple months I could run a mile and not stop. I then decided to fully commit and switched my membership to an unlimited one where I’d go about 5 times a week. The bug had really hit me and I was die hard OTF. I wasn’t only seeing physical results but I was accomplishing goals I’d set for myself.

There were workouts at OTF called “benchmark workouts” and that was basically their way of saying “try to set a personal record today”. I had done a couple of the “mile bechmarks” before but nothing was super stellar. I went into my most recent mile benchmark and was determined to crush it and I did. I ran a mile in 6 minutes and 31 seconds. I was shocked. I’d never run a mile that fast and I honestly didn’t know I even could. But that’s where I think I want to start when explaining how I am able to run…..it’s been so mental for me.

I could probably write an entire blog about how running has been so mental for me but I’ll try to not bore you. I started running outside some and I’d literally have to tell myself “make it to the next speed limit sign or the next driveway or the next road.” As time went on though those milestones got farther and farther away and I’d be telling my legs “you can go farther.” I know this sounds BONKERS but I swear it’s been so crucial to my being able to run farther. Just saying to my body, “you can do this” and the crazy thing is YOU can too. You just have to really convince yourself you can. You don’t have to be fast, or run 12 miles but you can….it is so possible. I ran 7 miles the other day and I’ve never run that far, ever. I just kept saying to myself, you can do it, don’t stop, keep going. And you know what? I did. It was as simple as that. Was I tired? Of course. My legs were tired and I wanted to quit but I didn’t cause I wouldn’t let myself. I know this all sounds so crazy but I promise you it works and it works so well.

The next thing that’s been crucial to me being able to run is learning how to control my breathing. I feel like everything I’m explaining sounds so crazy so just bear with me. I was running before and I’d be taking short, shallow breaths. I’d get cramps, run out of breath instantly and not able to make it a few blocks without being winded. I have really focused on my breathing. I’m going to try and explain this as best as I can without sounding insane, so here we go. The most effective way to breathe that I’ve found when running is taking a big, deep breath through my nose and basically swallowing then letting the air out my mouth. I hope that makes sense, it does in my head cause I do it but I don’t know if it makes sense typing it out 😂 So, now that I’ve made breathing sound absolutely insane, onto my next helpful running tip.

Music. I cannot say enough about this and how it’s helped me run so much faster. I ran the Peachtree Road Race last year (it’s a 10K for my non ATL folks) in under an hour and I was super surprised by that time. I 10000% said it was because of my music. Let it be known that I thrive running to angry rap music, sorry mom. I need someone yelling at me or about something to get moving. I will put my Spotify playlist below, it isn’t kiddo friendly but it gets me moving. Whatever music works for you, do that. I promise it’ll make you run faster.

Ok, let’s talk shoes. I think one of the main problems I had before when I would try to run was my shoes. I was wearing “athleaisure” shoes. Pretty much the shoes I’d wear with my sweats around the house I was also wearing to try and run miles, it wasn’t working. I finally invested in some Adidas running shoes, actual running shoes, and they were a game changer. I went with Adidas Ultraboost and during my time as OTF over the past couple years I think I’ve blown through 5 pairs. But, when I started running outside during this quarantine I felt like they weren’t giving me the support I needed. They were awesome for the treadmill but not so much road running. I talked to a friend who is a big outdoor runner and she recommended Brooks Ghost. I took the plunge, dang running shoes are expensive, and boy has it been worth it. I could tell a difference the first time I ran in them. They provided a ton more support and I could immediately tell a difference in my knees. Again, running shoes are expensive. I repeat, running shoes are expensive. BUT, the difference in running shoes vs. an athleisure shoe you just can’t compare. I promise, worth every penny.

This seems silly to mention but a good pair of running shorts has also mad a big difference. I have tried quite a few different pairs and hands down my favorites are Athleta’s racer shorts. I think I bought 8 pairs last summer, not kidding. They were all I wore. They are still really all I wear unless it’s colder then I’m a hardcore Lululemon tights gal. I know both of these brands are not cheap but in my opinion they last forever. I have had some Lululemon leggings for years and they’re still in amazing shape. I kind of have had the thought that I’ll invest in quality bottoms and not spend as much on workout tops. Even though I will say this is my current favorite workout top and it’s from Lululemon 😬Basically, you don’t want shorts that ride up when you’re trying to run, ew. The Athleta ones don’t and I love them.

I downloaded a couple running apps to try to help me train for a half marathon. The first one I’m trying is the Nike run app and I’m also going to try the Peleton app as well. I’ll report back on my experience with those.

I know running can feel overwhelming, trust me I have been there. You just have to start. I promise you’ll be shocked by what your body can actually do. Here’s a link to my spotify playlist, now get to running!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qiWRKrtjPm8wzLExwfXoE?si=Rfa9NJ2MQfeZOsGksrkcxA

xo

Jess