5 ways to change your relationship with running
Credit: Ann-Marie Heath (used with permission)
Juniors Lara Lontoc and Chloe Paman created a track pre-meet playlist
Running is an activity most people absolutely hate. Although running is painful in the moment there are numerous physical benefits. Running is known to be a stress reliever, and one of the most efficient ways to lose weight and increase one’s overall health.
Junior Hope Rossi enjoys running for fun; she shares,“I like to use running as a time to destress. I find it very relaxing.”
Some people are just natural runners, they love all aspects of it. However, for the average being, running is not easy to pick up. Below are five tips to make running your new favorite activity.
Start slow
Most people cannot run a full mile right off the bat, running is all about building up stamina. Attempting to run long distances without practicing can make someone very frustrated and cause them to quit running. Running the same distance every other day and increasing the distance each week will help beginners increase their endurance.
One common misconception about running is that it is hard on your knees. Running actually prevents arthritis.
Pick music you love
If at first running is not quite your cup of tea, find something to distract you from the horror of pushing your body to your limits. A rockin’ playlist will do just the trick. Include songs with a fast beat that will make you want to keep going. Some runners opt to go without music.
Junior and avid runner Lindsay Calka shares, “I don’t listen to music when I run out of habit. We aren’t allowed to listen to music during track practice because it messes up pacing and to be honest the best deep convos always happen on a long run.”
Sophomore Sara Phillips explains, “As of late, I’ve been listening to the album Walking on a Dream Another good running song when you’ve hit the groove of your run is “I Like Tuh” By Carnage.”
Make it a way to relieve stress
During the hustle of the school week it is very difficult to fit in a run. However, a quick 15 minute run is a great way to take a brain break. In the big picture 15 minutes of fresh air and exercise can only benefit a person.
Reward yourself
Running is a strenuous activity, if you only run to stay in shape make it more enjoyable by treating yourself afterwards. When you run a record distance stop by Planet Smoothie or Extreme Juice and get your favorite smoothie. If you have really stuck to your running routine maybe even go out and buy yourself a new pair of running shoes or athletic clothes. Rewarding yourself for your hard work make it more likely for you to continue. Set an attainable goal, make it happen, and treat yourself.
Liz Benjamin’s favorite smoothie at Planet Smoothie is a lunar lemonade with strawberries.
Make it an everyday thing
Scheduling a run at the same time helps your mind prepare for it. After conditioning your brain to this pattern it simply becomes second nature. Pick a time when it is not too hot but the sun is still out. If you must run when it is dark out make sure to wear reflective clothing.
When running it is very important to wear shoes with lots of support. Brooks and Asics are known for creating a quality running shoe.
People run for a variety of reasons. Whether you run to relieve stress, stay in shape, or because it is fun running is a fantastic way to live a more healthy lifestyle.
Freshman Juliana Ferrie shares, “My mom makes me go to 5ks, I’m about to run my third 5k. So to some degree I have learned to love running.”
Anna Padron is the Achona’s Features editor and Academy senior. Being a tennis lover since the 6th grade, Anna competes on the Academy high school tennis...
