Running changes people!

For those who have not yet started and for those whose winter went by rather uneventfully sports-wise, the May break is a perfect time to get your body up and running. And as for those who are physically active, they don’t need any convincing from me – everybody knows that generally they are positively addicted to sport.

I just love running. For me it’s no longer a form of movement, but rather that of rest, especially mental one. During a run I can collect my thoughts, be alone with myself, and my body. I recharge my batteries this way, find energy and motivation for further endeavors. While running I ponder and solve my problems, or sometimes I focus on learning and, e.g., listen to lectures. Occasionally, a run takes a form of meditation.

Maybe you’ll find running to be a pleasant form of activity, too? Try it!

Running changes people!

I do realize that every beginning is difficult, especially for people who don’t work out and have never trained for anything. I will, however, encourage you to take action, because if you are consistent, you will succeed. So what will it be? Are you ready to hit the road?

First of all, consult a doctor on your running plan. Experiencing problems with breathing, or your heart, lungs, and joints might make it impossible for you to join the runners’ community, but this state of things might not necessarily last forever. Do not run, if you’re considerably overweight – start with marching at a rapid pace; perhaps with the aid of long poles? Take care of the injuries you have neglected, strengthen the weakened muscles at the gym. And remember – all this must be first decided and then supervised by your physician.

If you get the go-ahead – it’s time to act!

What are the benefits of running?

1. You’ll be healthier – any physical activity will obviously work in your favor. Running will strengthen your entire body, have beneficial effect on the functioning of the main systems in your organism, primarily the blood circulation system, improve your physical condition and make you fit.
2. Running will make your eating habits healthier, because you’ll start to take care of what kind of fuel you supply your body with. You will understand that eating junk, irregular, and unhealthy meals does not provide you with enough energy, nor does it stimulate cell regeneration. The body will demand clean and pure fuel, sometimes even against your whims, until you suddenly realize that healthy eating has become your lifestyle.
3. Dear smoker, do you know that you will quit smoking?  You’ll conclude that experiencing shortness of breath while running is not a nice feeling; plus, if you enjoy running you will choose what you care more about, that is, HEALTH AND THE FUN YOU GET FROM PRACTICING SPORT.
4. You will find time for yourself and your thoughts. Nowadays, almost every day is a race, and many people have trouble finding time for themselves, this time when you can find inner peace and reset the mind. Running can give you the time for it. I know a lot of people who after a hard day at work, rush home to put on their running shoes.
5. Motivation. When you’re already a capable runner, sign up for a 5-kilometer run. You’ll complete it and say to yourself, “Well, I’ll be damned; I think I can do 10 kilometers.” Or maybe even a half-marathon :)? Who knows? Sign up for it with a friend from work, race each other, and train for it together – double the motivation! After all, you won’t tell him, “Dude, I am a wuss, I don’t feel like it.”
6. You will reduce your stress level! You can release your stress while running.
7. You will improve your concentration and ability to think clearly!
8. You will find a sports warrior in yourself! Do you often watch nice motivational sports pictures on the Internet? You look up all the fitness blogs, where physically active people share their sports struggle with others? Become one of us – it’s a beautiful feeling – Trust me, I know a thing or two about it

Of course, everything takes time, improvements are advisable, but you must be aware that nobody becomes a superman in two weeks.

Before you begin:

Start with a lower training load.

Many people make this mistake: They get up from their couch to start running long distances right away. Wait a sec there, hold your horses – what about injuries? And it soon turns out that you have caused yourself problems with your ankles, knee joints, groin, insertions and tendons, and on top of it all you start feeling pain in the lumbar region…

Increase your training load gradually.

Our psyche may be often ready for more, but that is not the case with our body, especially the legs… Give them some time to adapt to a new situation. I know that you’re ambitious, but tread wisely, be patient, and don’t rush anything. I know the feeling: years ago I made this mistake myself and I injured my ankle. Remember, first, get your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments used to the physical effort you have planned.

But, above all, enjoy running!