Losing Your Running Virginity

This morning, I casually asked my wife, who had never run before, if she would be willing to join me for a slow run. I was in the midst of tapering for a Spartan race on Sunday, and the idea was that her pace would naturally keep me from going too fast, allowing my legs to recover.

My wife, being the sport that she is, agreed, and we had an incredible time together. She absolutely crushed it.

Her First Run Mirrored Mine

Reflecting on our run, I could not help but notice that her experience mirrored my own and, I am sure, the experiences of countless others on their very first run.

About three minutes into the run, she remarked, "You must have been much fitter than me when you did your first run, so your first run must have been much easier."

I quickly set the record straight. Yes, I may frequent the gym and have the physique of someone who looks "fit," but when I first started running, I was far from aerobically conditioned. My initial run was anything but easy, consisting of about 40% running and 60% walking.

It Is Okay to Walk

During our run, she asked if it was okay to walk for a bit. Knowing the benefits of building an aerobic base, I assured her that walking was not only acceptable but, in fact, essential.

Starting out with running can be tough. It does not matter how "fit" you may look; the initial stages are often marked by discomfort and the urge to quit. It is crucial to understand that this discomfort is entirely normal, especially if you are not accustomed to aerobic activities. This applies even to bodybuilders or individuals who primarily use weights in the gym for physique training.

When I began my running journey not too long ago, I too felt the painful burn and the urge to stop after just a few minutes. I wish I had someone telling me it is okay to walk for a bit and then run when your heart rate settles.

Building Your Aerobic Base

The truth is, running is not just about being physically fit or running the farthest or fastest; it is also about building your aerobic capacity (fitness), which takes time, patience, and perseverance.

A run/walk approach gradually helps you maintain a pace that allows you to breathe comfortably and sustain your effort for an extended period. This is the foundation of endurance. It helps your body become more efficient at using oxygen, which in turn makes running less painful and more enjoyable.

Before you know it, walking during a run will be a thing of the past. I vividly remember my first run where I did not walk once, and that was a significant victory for me.

The First Step Is the Hardest

I am writing this to encourage you not to let the initial discomfort of running deter you. Embrace it as a natural part of the process. Everyone, even experienced athletes, had to start somewhere and if you asked them, their first run was most likely horrible.

Take it slow, focus on building your aerobic base, and never hesitate to walk when needed. Over time, you will notice improvements, and what was once painful will become manageable.

Running is a transformative journey that not only enhances your physical fitness but also provides mental clarity and a profound sense of accomplishment. Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but it is also the most rewarding.

Give running a chance, and you might just discover a new passion that changes your life for the better. I do have to warn you, though, once you experience a "runner's high," there is no turning back.

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." - Confucius