Runners HIGH!

As I said in my last blog, last year I started a exercise group called Step Into Life. After a couple of months joining the club they started a Sunday running group which started at 8am. Yes 8am! My first attempt at running was not very good as I wanted to try and keep up with the fast and more experienced runners. Well, this didn't go very well as I ran out of puff and so had to walk most of the way. In my head I was thinking, I am never going to be able to run even 1km let alone 8 or 10km. Fast forward 1 year and now I can run 12km in about 1hour. So what happened?

• Kirsten: I noticed that Kirsten always managed to run the entire way. I would often race ahead and she would pass me as I walked. So the next time I ran, I decided to stick with her. Her technique is simple, keep at an even pace that you are comfortable with for the entire way. Following her, I managed to run my first 8km! It was not fast but at least I ran the entire way.
• Posture: Back straight, shoulders relaxed, straight arms and head are the key for running I have found. When your back is straight your lungs are able to get more oxygen in them and you don't feel as puffed. Slouching over collapse the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. Swinging your arms and head also makes you work harder. A trick my trainer did with me was having me hold two sticks in my hand and told me not to make fire!By doing this and keeping your head up and straight stops your body from swinging, I know what you are thinking, swinging harder will make you go quicker, well it doesn't, it makes your body work harder. Try it.
• Mental Strength: I know easier said than done but at the end of last year I decided I was being lazy and that I gave up to easy. To keep motivated on a run and when I got tired, I pretend that their are people cheering me on on the side or that someone is watching me so if I stop and walk well they will find out. I also don't think more than what is in front of me, if I think I have 8km left then I start to feel tired.
• Goals: Setting goals is a great motivator. I used to try and compare myself to others but I am not them! My very first goal when I started running was to run the entire way, it didn't matter if I took 20 minutes longer than the others. This gave me a sense of achievement and motivated me to do better. Then it was to run 5km and so on. I try to set different goals for each run rather than focus on time, for example, making sure my posture is good.

I hope this has helped. Happy running.

PS Having comfortable clothing on helps as you don't want to get too hot!!

PPS You get a high after running as you have pumped a lot of blood into your head and heart making you feel great!