The Running Mike

Running won’t always be tough and it won’t always hurt!

The thing is… running is very hard when you first start.  When I started running, I did it because it was the hardest thing I could do.  I was never a runner and would be gasping for air within the first quarter of a mile.  It’s true!  We’ve all been there!  For me, my entire first year was painful.  It was a constant struggle of being exhausted, out of breath, and every fiber of my being telling me to stop – even while running at what I perceived to be the slower than a brisk walk.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, it just takes time and consistency.  The more you run, the more:

1. Your body becomes more efficient and you become able to breath while running.  Suddenly it’s not about gasping for air.

2. Your legs will develop all kinds of supportive muscles which will help prevent injuries and let you run longer.

3. You develop body awareness and become able to tell the difference between “I’m hurt” (should stop running) and “it hurts” (I can keep running, it’ll be ok)

4. You develop mental toughness.  Once you’ve been to the edge – and lived, you know what it feels like and know you can keep going

It didn’t happen for me when I was struggling for my first 5k.  At the shorter distances, it was all painful and hard for me.  It wasn’t until I really committed to it and went out to prove something to myself.  A year of running over 25 miles a week and it changed me.  I found a Zen-like state when the pain would turn off and I felt good while I ran.

So – don’t give up!  It will happen!  Just be consistent and keep at it!  Believe me, running has changed my life…I’m glad I kept at it.

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