Technically I started running a few years ago but it’s been kind of on and off over the years. I’d go through stages of running every week and then life would happen and I wouldn’t run for a while. By the time I was ready to start again, I would feel like all of my progress had been lost and I’d have to start from the beginning again.
But now I’m back into it properly and I’ve remembered how much I love running. However, please reduce your expectations because I’m definitely not one of those runners that’s running hundreds of kilometres a month. I’m very much still a beginner. I enjoy running, although I never thought I’d say those words, and there are obviously a lot of benefits. However there are also some things about running that I’m not a huge fan of so… let’s get into it!
What I love about running:
- mentally it blocks everything else out and gives you peace during your run
- it’s obviously good exercise from a physical point of view
- it’s convenient because you can do it anywhere
- you don’t need much equipment (I’m talking about beginners here)
- good way to make friends (I haven’t done this one yet but I’m hopeful)
- the pressure to be better because seeing other people’s achievements on social media make me want to improve
- progress tracking – I’m very reward driven so it feels good to know that today I ran faster or further than yesterday; I can see the improvement
What I hate about running:
- almost dying on every run (sorry to be dramatic but some days it really does feel like I’m going to keel over in the middle of the street)
- the safety aspect – when I lived in Poland I always ran with earphones and on pavements but in South Africa I only listen to the sound of nature and most of the time I’m running in the street
- the weather, because running when it’s hot sucks but then so does running in the cold so…
- the pressure to be better – but Kirsty didn’t you just say you loved it? I do, but also, I don’t, because whenever I see other people’s Strava stats on Instagram it makes me realise how far I still have to go
- hills
I’m not going to be running a marathon any time soon, but at least I’m running way more than I was and that’s something I can be proud of.
What’s your favourite kind of exercise?