Want to learn the secret to running the smart way and actually enjoy running? Then this post is exactly what you need to read!
Have you ever struggled with getting yourself out the door to go for a run?
Did it feel miserable and SO freaking hard (and not much better afterward either)?
Was it so tough that simply the thought of it was keeping you from going for another run again?
If you don’t believe you can go from this to actually enjoying running, then keep reading. Trust me, it’s possible!
Let Me Know If This Sounds Familiar
You’ve decided you’re going to give running a try and got super motivated to start running.
You know it’s good for you, not only physically but also mentally, and you can’t wait to experience that runner’s high everyone talks about.
You have a goal in mind – I am going to run 5k, I am going to improve my fitness level, {insert your own goal here}.
You even have your cute running outfit lined up in the morning.
You start your runs. It’s tough but you’re doing it and you feel proud. It’s not that bad you tell yourself.
A few days (or weeks) pass and running seems to become a struggle. Every run leaves you feeling depleted of energy. What’s worse, a pace or time that was a victory last week feels like a failure today because you didn’t match or exceed the same result. What used to bring you joy is now unmotivating.
Sounds familiar?
If so, then this is the right post for you! Also, welcome to my world – this was exactly how I felt for A LONG time and why I stopped running and focused on other workouts (yoga or Chloe Ting’s programs).
But I’ve recently discovered a way to actually ENJOY running and I couldn’t wait to tell you all about it! Especially because I knew I was not the only one feeling like that.
Why Start Running?
Running has always been there for me, (even if I didn’t practice it consistently). In the good times in the hardest of times.
Whenever you are dealing with powerful emotions, I highly recommend going for a run. It will clear your head and heal your soul.
It will also keep (or get) you in a super-duper awesome shape, and that’s just a bonus if you ask me! 😉
Here are just some of the amazing benefits of running:
- burns fat and helps reduce weight
- strengthens your muscles – hello defined calves!
- boosts your mood – they don’t call it “runner’s high” for nothing
- improves mental health and reduces depression
- increases your life span – yes you read that right!
- helps you sleep better
All this sounds awesome “on paper”. But when you’re out there, running, barely breathing (and thinking why are you doing this to yourself), all those benefits seem to not matter all that much.
How To (Actually) Enjoy Running
I am so excited to share with you the ONE SECRET, the one thing that has completely transformed my runs, my approach to running, and how I am now actually enjoying running!
I never thought there will come a day when I would look forward to a run haha! 😀
I thought it was supposed to be painful, that it was supposed to be a struggle so that you can get that runner’s high afterward (which sometimes came, but most often not).
It all changed when I discovered the guided mindful running sessions on Headspace.
You might be already familiar with the app, (I rave about it here on my blog), but if you’re not, here’s a little bit about it.
Headspace initially started out as a meditation app but has recently expanded into a completely healthy lifestyle platform. Besides meditation, it includes a full MOVE section with lots of different options.
No matter what your preferred type of workout is, be it yoga, strength training to cardio, you will always find something for you.
There are many cardio options in there, but the best ones are the guided running sessions with Coach Bennett – the Global Head Of Running at Nike.
There are 3 sessions:
- Run Easy: 12 minutes
- Run Smart: 15 minutes
- Keep Running: 20 minutes
The sessions are in an interview format, (just like listening to a podcast), an incredibly fun and motivating conversation between Andy Puddicombe (creator of Headspace) and Coach Bennett.
He is unbelievably motivating (to the point of tears sometimes, I kid you not)! It is so fun to run and listen to him!
I am not sure you can access these sessions from the free version of the app. I have the paid one (around 60$/year and 100000% worth it).
The No.1 Secret To Enjoying Running
I guarantee that this will surprise you. But it makes a world of difference.
The best way to actually enjoy running is to RUN EASILY.
I had it wrong all this time! Running is NOT supposed to be a struggle, it is NOT supposed to feel hard.
According to Coach Bennett, a great run, the BEST run is the one that leaves you feeling like you COULD HAVE run faster. That leaves you feeling like you CAN’T WAIT to run again.
You see, the mistake most runners make (including yours truly) is to try to run fast in the beginning.
The secret is to start your runs easily. Run with an easy, comfortable pace that you can maintain. You don’t need to run fast. Especially if you are just starting out. You should run at a pace that you feel you could run faster. That almost feels like you are running too slow. 🙂
I know what you’re thinking: won’t I look ridiculous? Will I get the benefits of running if I am running so slow? Will it even count as a workout if I don’t push myself?
Trust me, it does! You are still running and the best part of it all – running won’t feel like torture the whole time! The run with end with you feeling successful and looking forward to running again!
7 Extra Tips On How To Enjoy Running
Here are some of my key takeouts from the running sessions with Coach Bennett and some tips from my own running experience as a beginner:
1. Run for “effort”, not a pace or distance
Nike’s Global Head of Running insists on starting every single run in an easy way. Especially if you are a beginner. You can pick up the pace if you feel comfortable but it’s completely ok to run for an easy effort. The best way to check whether you are running the “smart way” as he calls it, is to check if you are able to speak or tell a joke for example, during your run. If not, then simply adjust your pace to a slower pace. You should feel like you could run faster.
At this point, especially when you are starting your running, building up strength, the distance you cover or the speed does not matter at all!
2. Do not look at your stats if they tend to demotivate you
This point ties perfectly with the one above. I’ve been there: demotivated that this week I ran at a much slower pace than last week, instead of simply being thrilled and proud of myself for completing another run.
Now, I am not even looking at the stats. I am going even one step further to not allowing my apple watch to record my runs so I am not tempted afterward. 🙂
I’ve also downloaded the Nike Running Club App and tried to switch off all the tracking. Unfortunately, that’s not possible, it will still show you the pace and distance, but try to disregard it in the beginning. The only goal of a run (at this point) should be to end it with a smile and feel successful.
3. Invest in good running gear
You’ll enjoy running a lot more if you are comfortable!
Having the proper running gear makes a big difference in enjoying running. And the opposite applies too. I remember a time when I was running around the canals in Amsterdam in regular sneakers. My feet were not happy. 🙂
I strongly recommend investing in a good pair of running shoes. With the Ultraboost running sneakers from Adidas, you will feel like stepping on clouds! They are that soft!
As a running outfit, I generally wear my Lululemon or Alo Yoga leggings & sports bras. Once it gets chilly outside, a windproof jacket is a great addition.
4. Do not compare yourself to other runners
This might be hard to do. You might inevitably compare yourself with the runner who just “flew” by you or when looking at your friends’ stats on the running app.
None of those matters. They are simply in another phase of their runs. Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s pro level.
5. Do not get demotivated by other people’s comments
“I could walk next to you” was the comment my brother made jokingly when I was bragging about my running sessions one time. And it was probably true.
Learn to let those types of comments go, even if they are not ill-intended. Again, it does not matter how fast you run, you should enjoy it! It should be a comfortable pace that allows you to build up strength. Speed will come in time.
6. Start the run with a celebration
One of my favorite things about Nike’s Coach Bennet is how he likes to celebrate the beginning of the run! 😀
As you probably know, the start of a run can be sometimes (or most of the time) a bit hard. Maybe you didn’t sleep that well last night, or you feel like you don’t have a lot of energy today. But that’s ok. You started the run anyway. You showed up and that’s the hardest part!
7. Download the Nike Running Club app and try out the guided runs
If like me, you’ve enjoyed the Headspace sessions with Coach Bennett, there is a lot more waiting for you on the Nike app!
The Nike Running Club App is such an amazing resource for all things running. This is how they talk about it on their website and I couldn’t have put it better myself:
“The Nike Run Club App motivates you to run consistently. Even better – we’ve got a community to help you connect and enjoy it. At the beginning of your running journey? We’ve got you. Need a coach to help you keep pace or a friend to keep you company? We’re there. Want us to track your stats so you can track the scenery? No problem. Even if you don’t feel like running today, Nike Run Club has wellness tips to help you get ready for tomorrow. Start whenever and wherever you want – we’ll be right there with you.”
I am super excited to try out the “Celebration Run” or the “Don’t Wanna Run Run” 😀
Final Thoughts – How To Enjoy Running
I cannot believe how amazing these advancements in technology are. Think about it: here I am, running in a park in Amsterdam, getting coached by Nike’s Global Head of Running. How awesome is that?!
The best part though, I am running, and I am actually enjoying it!
I hope this post was useful and that it will help you start to enjoy running a little bit more each day!
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