How I've improved my life - Running

Hello again! ??

Disclaimer… I hate running. Maybe hate is too strong a word.

Right from the start, I want you to understand that I do not enjoy the physical act of running. However, I enjoy all the improvements that come to my life when I include running in my routine.

I’m not a natural runner. Four years ago, I remember saying to my parents that I would like to run a marathon one day. I stuck it on my bucket list, however I knew it would be a massive effort to complete. At the time, I couldn’t run for 10 minutes without knee pain and getting out of breath. I started gently and built myself up, but it took about two months to get comfortable running 5km without knee pains.

I believe that doing hard things in life will make you happy (you’ll notice this will be a recurring theme throughout this series). Running is one of those hard activities that, whilst in the moment, is very challenging, the rewards that come from it are great.

Here are some of the benefits that have improved my life through running.

Increased energy levels

There is a common misconception that when you work out, you will feel more tired after working out. I have found the opposite to be true. The more I run, the more energy I have. The more I act like a sloth, the less energy I have. As your fitness levels improve, you will notice that aspects of your life will be easier, you’ll get up that flight of stairs without getting out of breath, you’ll be able to think clearly, and you’ll be a happier person to be around.

Learning self-discipline

One of the most powerful tools to improve your life is learning the art of self-discipline. A great quote from Jocko Willink is “Discipline equals freedom” what I take from this is: that discipline allows you to practice the daily habits that get you the things that you want. I’ve found running to be a solid tool for improving my discipline, as it’s an activity I find very hard to motivate myself to do.

Meeting nice people

Surrounding yourself with the right people is a great way to improve your life; they say you are an average of the five people you spend the most time with. I’ve met some incredible people over the last couple of years through running who have become good friends of mine. They’re mostly positive, driven and kind people.

Release of Endorphins – The runner's high

That moment when you get back from a run, you take your shoes off and have a glass of cold water... Your mind and body get a sudden rush of feel-good hormones. It's your body releasing endorphins after strenuous exercise. I also feel a sense of achievement, especially after the longer or quicker runs.

Being out in Nature

Not enough can be said about exercising out in nature! It is the ultimate improvement for my physical and mental health. I always feel less stressed after having been out in the fresh air.

Time to think – Reflect

So much of our lives are spent staring at screens, whether it's Excel spreadsheets at work, endless scrolling on Instagram or browsing Amazon, however running is a great opportunity to be present in the moment and be with your thoughts. I always come up with my best ideas when I’m out running, and I’m sure it's because I’m not being distracted by a screen.

Five tips to getting started with running

Run at the speed of chat

Keep your pace at a level that you are comfortable in holding a conversation with someone. You will find the runs much easier this way, and you are far more likely to do it again.

Start small

When you are starting, just set out to do small distances. See if you can run for 5 minutes, walk a bit, and run again. Keep mixing between running and walking until you feel comfortable building up to 5km.

Schedule your runs

You need to plan when you will do your runs in the week. You’ll find it so much easier to commit to the runs when you have put pen to paper, saying when you will run, and how far you will go.

Make it easy

I find the most challenging part of running is getting out the front door; you need to make it as easy as possible for yourself. If I’m running in the morning, I will sleep in my running kit and have my shoes ready next to the bed.

Run with a friend

Having someone hold you accountable for turning up is a great way to stay motivated. I usually run with three different people every week. By having chats whilst you run, you’ll keep your mind engaged in the conversation and keep your mind away from how much pain you might be in.

What benefits have you had from running? Do you have any tips for others?

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next article!