SO YOU SAY YOU WANT TO RUN

I remember the early days as I child when everyone said..."Slow down". Why? I would always question that statement. That lead to a student who ran track, water skied and snow skied. Forever active. Then came the sedentary days. The fancy corporate days when I sat at a desk. Although I was a mean squash player and I still skied on the water and the snow, it was not something I did on a consistent basis. Somewhere after all that life took on a different menu and I had three children. My exercise involved running after them. As they grew it involved running them around. Although I occasionally skied or skated with them, it was not a regular schedule of exercise.

I went back to work and then back to school and then began working a lot. I managed a Health Food Store and even though I was on the floor with customers I sat at a desk "A LOT". Then I would go home cook a nutritious dinner and sit on the couch to read or watch a movie. Deep inside was that itch to run, to have some movement. Around this time my youngest started to run and I would follow her circuit and cheer her on. I spent countless hours at the Running Room helping her purchase shoes and clothing, telling myself I could not do it anymore. I am into "YOGA."

One day... I remember it so well October, 2001. A beautiful fall day and I was in Downtown Toronto at a food conference.
I happened to be in the midst of the Scotiabank Marathon. As I stood on that sidewalk and watched all the runners swooshing by, something inside me stirred. I wanted to do that, I wanted to be them. I could hardly contain myself. My enthusiasm. I wanted to take off my Corporate Attire and put on my shoes and shorts. I remember saying to my co-workers who were with me at the time. "I want to do that, I am going to do that". The vision of those runners stayed with me all day and everyday.

Now images are great. Thoughts and ideas are great. But how was I going to put my plan into some kind of action.
I would watch my young daughter put on her shoes and shorts, open the front door and start running. Ok I thought, I am older, but I can do that. NOPE, a middle age something does not do that...ever. I could barely make it to the end of the block and we were the 4th house from the end. Hmmmmm. Everywhere I drove in my neighbourhood I would see runners of all ages and I thought what on earth do they know that I don't.

So I did what all New Age Millennial people do. I sat at my desk in my office and got on the Internet. How to start running. I realized I needed a plan. An easy plan but a sound plan. Although I have lots to tell you all about proper shoes and clothing, stretching and nutrition we will start today with just making a sound plan.

Now remember always use the KISS principle. Keep it simple stupid or we could say sweetie.

Always just take one small action.

FIRST PLAN OF ACTION
Get off that couch and your computer. Plug four or five 15 minute runs or walks (if you are not currently exercising) into your schedule for the week. That should be enough to build some fitness and establish a routine without overtaxing your body. Write this down and make it non negotiable.

SECOND PLAN OF ACTION-LATER IN THE DAY
Complete your first session. If you have already been doing some walking or running, run for one minute and walk for three-repeat for 20 minutes total. Are you new to exercise? Go for a 15 minute walk. Do not try to do too much too soon. Everyone is different. Don't dismay. It may take you 8 weeks to be able to run 5 mimutes without stopping. When you are done look for a training plan that works for you and that you will enjoy.

THIRD PLAN OF ACTION-LATER IN THE WEEK
You now can reward yourself. Create a progress chart. You will need to find ways to fuel your motivation after your initial enthusiasm has ebbed. Go out and get yourself a new pair of running shoes. Sign yourself up for a fun run.

More info on proper runningshoes, nutrition, clothing and stretching will follow in subsequent posts.

NOW GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN...

Yours in running: Seabrightrunner

Source: Goggle Images