Learn To Run – “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”
It’s the New Year, and everyone and their uncle wants to learn how to run. Awesome – so what’s your plan?
On the first day of every Learn To Run Clinic I lead, I ask all participants: “What will make this clinic a success for you?” I get a number of responses, most being something similar to: “To run for at least 5 minutes without stopping.” I love this response.
I then reply to the entire group confidently, “Commit, and success is guaranteed.” I say this to a group of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders, with a variety of experience (or lack there of) being active. There is no doubt in my mind, any able bodied person can run 5 km without stopping, if you commit. No doubt.
I will follow up from time to time on this topic, as I think it touches a lot of you out there. Running is an accessible sport you can do anywhere, at any time, with minimal gear. It’s a good one to have in your “bag of tricks” to lead that healthy and active lifestyle we all strive for.
Below is a work sheet I put together that will help you with your plan for success. Print it out. Honestly and thoughtfully answer the questions. Leave it on your fridge as a reminder of what you have committed to.
Learn To Run
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for newbies. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Hi Medalist, Thank you for reading! Yes, agree, there is soooooo much to share when it comes to Learning To Run. My goal is to set up readers for success by taking one step at a time (hey, that is kind of a pun!). This post was to assist with getting it down on paper and setting a goal. Next Learn To Run posts will cover other relative topics. I would love your ideas – please share!
I printed off my sheet two days ago and so far I have found ways to procrastinate getting started two nights in a row. I sat down and completed the sheet tonight and it made me nostalgic for the way that running used to make me feel and how proud I used to be of myself for running a minimum of three nights per week. I always found the hardest part was getting outside but eventually it became part of my routine. I really want to get back into the routine and I think that I am overwhelmed at the thought of the first step. I can definitely run longer than five minutes but I would not call myself a runner. Any motivational words of encouragement?
Hi Anjela, Thanks for the comment. Yes, running sends endorphins through us, giving us a sense of a natural high. To set yourself up for success, I would recommend committing to a 7 minute run outside. Yes, 7. Everyone has 7 minutes to spare. Commit to 7, and let me know how it goes.
There is method to the madness…