Join CNN’s Fitness, But Better newsletter series for a comprehensive seven-part guide to help you ease into a healthy routine, with expert support. Despite years of unsuccessful attempts, I have surprisingly developed a liking for running. My boss, David Allan, along with many others in my life, painted a vivid picture of the joy of a morning jog. I must confess, I always thought they were exaggerating. (I mean, who in their right mind runs 6 miles home from work like David does?) I imagined them effortlessly gliding down the street while I struggled, gasping for air, feeling like it was never going to end, and definitely not enjoying it at all. That was my reality.
Don’t get me wrong—I love exercising. I eagerly anticipate dance classes, yoga sessions, or martial arts practices all day long. However, running—accessible almost anywhere, anytime, and at minimal cost—always felt like a chore. After a chat with David, I decided to give it another shot. I signed up for a 5K race, set a deadline for myself, and followed his advice for just over a month. Grudgingly, I found myself actually enjoying running. And if I could do it, so can you. Here’s how:
1. Step Outside: When I went to college, my dad gave me valuable advice that has stuck with me ever since. “Whenever you feel lonely, sad, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, just lace up your sneakers. No need to stress about what you do next. But once you’re in your shoes, you might end up at the gym, meeting friends, or tackling that pile of laundry,” he said. Setting myself up to do something that uplifts my mood without the pressure to accomplish everything instantly always works. This approach also helped me establish an enjoyable running routine.
2. Adjust Your Goals: As someone who values physical fitness, running felt like a failure when I struggled or even resorted to walking mid-run. If I didn’t resemble a gazelle or sprint like a cheetah, what was the point? While measurable goals are crucial for forming a habit, I had to redefine the goals I was aiming for to find joy in running. Mile times, heart rate, or trying to keep up with a former track star had to be discarded. Instead, I focused on two questions: Did I run today? Did I take it easy enough to do it again tomorrow? I utilized a coaching app not to increase my speed but to remind myself to take it slow. Although it was frustrating initially, giving my body time to adapt to running paid off, resulting in increased endurance and speed, making me feel more athletic. It turns out, patience and self-compassion towards my body’s current capabilities were key.
3. Find the Right Setting:
Becoming a runner required me to truly embrace the activity, and a crucial aspect of this enjoyment was feeling at ease. To achieve this comfort, I became quite selective about the specifics of my running routine – where, how, and when I hit the pavement. Opting for the lush surroundings of a green space or embarking on a route that led me to my beloved coffee haunt provided me with a sense of familiarity and tranquility, alleviating concerns about navigation, traffic, or unexpected encounters along the way. I made it a point to stick to well-populated, well-lit paths and invested in headphones equipped with an awareness mode, allowing me to stay tuned into my surroundings while immersing myself in motivating music or podcasts.
Recognizing the need to embark on my running journey solo to prevent my competitive nature from dictating my pace to match that of a quicker running companion, I placed a high priority on ensuring my safety and peace of mind during my runs. While running may not necessarily be my ultimate passion, I have discovered numerous other physical activities that I prefer and strive to incorporate them as the focal points of my fitness regimen. Nonetheless, on a particularly stressful day spent desk-bound, I impulsively laced up my sneakers and headed out for a run without a second thought – an impromptu decision that left me feeling invigorated and content, marking a personal triumph.
Having the freedom to engage in an activity like running without the need to coordinate schedules with others or factor in membership fees brings me immense joy. Perhaps as I continue on this journey, introducing running buddies and setting and achieving speed and distance milestones, I may evolve into one of those enthusiastic individuals who can’t stop gushing about their running adventures. The prospect of this transformation is exciting, and who knows where this newfound passion for running will lead me next. To stay updated with a weekly digest on holistic living, subscribe to CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter, offering valuable information and resources aimed at enhancing overall well-being. For more news updates and access to CNN newsletters, sign up for an account on CNN.com.
