Lessons learnt from running.

Umuzi Pulse brought to you by Dr Carly Whitaker (PhD)

I’m not a runner runner. I ran a bit during varsity but never described myself as a runner. My best friend and I would walk and talk mostly, it was enjoyable and challenging enough. I then got into yoga and saw running as a time to myself, to process my early twenties.

I was reflecting recently about what running has given me, which prompted this article. Through this process, I’ve learned much about myself, my friends and the world around me. I love running, but running isn’t always great. When you’re unfit, it’s hell. So, this isn’t meant to be an article to convince you to run. But if you’re curious, try. Give it a go, and be open to learning and growing. These are 100% lessons that I continue to learn and carry into life daily — work, relationships and self-reflection.

In 2021, I joined a “Couch to 5km” programme where you start running for 1 minute, walk for 2 min, and repeat 5 times. It was challenging for someone who hadn’t run much in the last 5 years. But I pushed through — my goal was not to run 5km, but to show up regularly and run beyond just the programme, to make it part of my life - a type 1 decision. It was a challenging and special few weeks, getting to know the group and learning from each other. The ‘trauma’ of pushing through the intervals 100% bonded us. Seeing each other grow and push ourselves physically and emotionally was incredible. Sadly, I was injured right before the finale, 5km, but I went to support my new friends and cheer them on. Seeing them succeed was wonderful.

It’s not easy — ask for help.

After the initial programme and obstacle, I was back running three times a week shortly afterwards. As a little group, we moved on to do a few different programmes of distance variation — trying to build up our mileage and focusing on pace. It wasn’t easy. My body wasn’t 100% happy all the time. I had to learn to listen to it and to ask for help. When my injuries returned, I went to professionals and sought guidance from more experienced runners. Suddenly I was waking up at 5:15 am in winter, checking my Strava immediately after a run, and watching my heart rate during a run. How did this happen? How did I become this person? I wasn’t fatally injured, but I’d fallen firmly in love with running, and I was prepared to do whatever it took to be able to run. I would ask myself, “What is it worth, to you, to carry on running?” From there, I would make the necessary decisions. I probably saw about 3 or 4 physios in 5 months as that’s what I needed to do, to get back to running. When you are struggling with something it is ok to ask for help from more experienced people.

Patience

I’m not a patient person and this is a lesson I keep learning. Impatience can be a great quality because I can get something done quickly, but sometimes it means I move too quickly and don’t pause enough. But it’s one of the reasons I love running as I’ve learnt I have to be patient and do the work slowly to see a result. In a way, it’s been liberating not to be impatient. I can let go without being so fixated on the outcome and when I’ll get there. The routine of running three times a week, on the same days, gives me the repetition and regularity of knowing the outcome will be there.

Commit to yourself

I committed to myself, before I started the first programme, that this wouldn’t just be an initial 6-week programme. It was about setting myself up to run as a habit for as long as possible. I was committed to the three mornings a week. I was committed to waking up at 5:15 am. I was committed to showing up — no excuses. Setting these goals was really helpful. When you’re sick or injured, there are reasons to skip a run. But I wasn’t going to allow myself to wake up and decide if I would run or not. I was always going to run. I didn’t give myself the option not to. It was a type 1 decision. I was committed to myself in this way. Running in a group meant I wasn’t just showing up for myself. I was showing up for my friends, who, like me, had begun to rely on each other to get “through” a run.

Consistency

Consistently showing up was part of this commitment, but I didn’t realise how much the consistency would pay off in the beginning or even a year. You can only get stronger. Even if you have a bad run, the more you run, the fewer those runs become or the measure of bad reduces. It’s only been in the last few months, after running consistently for over two years, that the accumulative effect has been clear.

Trust

This has been the best gift of all; seeing the patience and consistency pay off. That’s where the trust starts to emerge. That you can trust the process. You can trust yourself. Just run. I’ve learnt to implement certain things, which means the trust has become easier: showing up, being consistent, one step at a time. That’s all you need to do. Trust you’ll get there, and it’ll be worth it.

There are no bad runs

I mean, there are. There are some awful runs where you feel like death or can’t move the way you did two days ago. Some runs start incredibly and then plummet you into “What am I doing… this is hell.” But then some runs make you feel euphoric, proud and almost ready for a half marathon the next day. Those runs overshadow the bad ones. Learning how to navigate those bad runs means that you are challenged mentally; it means focusing on the next run, sitting in the now, and not beating yourself up for skipping strength training or not drinking enough water. You just do better next time. For ‘future you’, you need to look forward.

Kindness towards yourself

Just be kind to yourself. Even in a group, you’re out on the road with yourself. If you’re not kind to yourself, it’ll be a long 7km. I had to learn that I was worth it. The commitment, trust, and reason for running were worth it. Be grateful you can run, show up, and move your body. It’s worth it.

Community

I started the running program for the group component, wanting peer pressure and accountability. We’ve been running consistently for nearly three years now. People come and go, but a core group shows up. We’re there for each other during big life events, even if just for 45 minutes at 5:45 am on a Tuesday. We know when someone isn’t okay, so we run with them, loop back, fetch each other on hard days, and have coffee after runs. Running together helped me feel accomplished and supported through tough times.

I’ve learnt through running that it is ok to ask for help, you will come back stronger and learn more about yourself and what you’re working on if you do. With patience, consistency, trust and commitment to yourself you can achieve any goal you set for yourself or work. Show yourself kindness, there is no such thing as a bad run, you’re still moving and that's what counts. And lastly, find yourself a community who are present and on board — they will help you stay focused and pick you up, celebrating your wins.

These are my lessons; if you run, yours will be different, and that’s a gift you can only discover.