Running for non-runners
Chris Moon MBE
![Chris Moon MBE]()
Chris Moon MBE
Keynote speaker. When it comes to resilience and mental toughness I know the way, I've been the way and I can show the way.
So why bother to run? Forget any unpleasant past experiences - it’s not a race it’s a state of being. Give it a go - you’ll surprise yourself. Just get out and jog.
Physical rewards of running
- helps to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise
- strengthen muscles
- improve cardiovascular fitness and reduces risk of dying from cardiovascular disease - running reduces our resting heart rate so heart doesn’t have to work so hard
- burn plenty of kilojoules
- helps maintain a healthy weight - 'aerobic exercise' means any physical activity that produces energy by combining oxygen with blood glucose or body fat
Mental and psychological rewards of running
- Brain produces feel-good chemicals, endorphins and endocannabinoids which make us feel exhilarated and happy high
- Improves self esteem
- Can connect us with other people who run – builds understanding, friendship and fellowship
- You can do it on your own anywhere and it doesn’t cost anything
- Time efficient - you can go out for as long or as short as you want 10 minutes upwards!
- It can reset the psychological trip switch and running allows us to process stuff
- Can improve your memory - boosts the hippocampus and may counteract Alzheimer’s symptoms
- Reflexes kick in you don’t need training – just do it
How to Start: What you need to know
- Be gentle on yourself don’t set unrealistic goals build up gradually - take your time
- Remember ‘the road is long with many a winding turn’- look after yourself
- Take a long-term view - I want to run ultras in my eighties so I’m not going to worry about times now
- Enjoy it don’t make it a chore
- Be thankful you can run
- Nearly everyone never runs as fast as they want to so don’t chase the dragon
Top Tips:
- Don’t spend a lot on kit unless you’re an elite athlete (supermarket stuff is fine)
- Buy longish shorts to avoid chaffing
- Get your kit ready and go –
- Don’t think about 45 minutes or more my mindset is I’ll run to the end of the road and see how I feel
- Form a support group of friends who’ll encourage and support if need be. Don’t involve the wider world
- Chris moon says: I don’t want to run faster than anyone else I just want to run faster than myself
- Seek inspiration and set goals – here’s some: https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/
Helping You Maximize Sales using AI & ChatGPT | Sales Performance Consultant | Sales & Marketing Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Specialist | Sales Technology Speaker | Award Winning Vistage Speaker | Business Strategist
4 年Looking good my friend
Veteran | Sales and Business Development | I help to connect global defence customers with world-leading weapons systems and capabilities
4 年Couldn't agree more! For some time I quoted that I 'hated' running, but now get out there at least 4 times a week. I don't enjoy the physical act of pounding the trails but I have come to love it for all I know that it gives me; your list covers it brilliantly Chris Moon MBE.
Commercial Manager
4 年We ran a bit on the Whw Race in 2015. Running has strengthened my mental health and made me more resilient. It's a great way to relax and be mindful of the present away from all the nonsense we endure. Just spent a day with Donnie Campbell on the Munro Round.
Transition & Turnaround Manager, Interim Finance Management
4 年Thank you Chris for inspiring !
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