At the age of 40, I found myself utterly drained. In the midst of a challenging marriage, depleted financially and physically from nursing our fourth child, I felt like a mere shadow of myself. The realities of motherhood hit me hard; at times, I worried I might as well have “martyr” written on my forehead like some character from a fantasy novel.
Sick of the same old routines in my living room, I pondered alternative ways to exercise. Joining a gym was out of the question due to costs, and while I enjoyed swimming, it was not always feasible. Sprawled on the couch with my baby, I noticed my running shoes gathering dust. I had never thought of myself as a runner, always believing I was hopeless at it. Sure, I could manage the treadmill at the gym, but outdoor running brought me nothing but discomfort: shin splints, earaches, runny noses, headaches, and mysterious red splotches all over my thighs and stomach. It seemed I was not designed for running.
But then I realized—running was free. I already owned the gear, and I could simply step outside my house to begin. Those relentless Nike slogans I saw everywhere seemed to challenge me to take action.
I laced up and ventured into the suburban streets. Initially, it was a struggle. I felt clumsy and out of control, akin to a tree being uprooted. Yet, despite the discomfort, I returned home sweaty and breathless, feeling a sense of achievement. I had disrupted the inertia of my body, which craved movement.
To make the journey easier, I established a few rules that might help you if you’re considering starting your own running journey:
It’s Okay to Take Breaks
Not completely quit, but allow for some walking. When fatigue set in, I’d slow down. This approach transformed my mindset, making me feel more in control and less like a captive to exercise.
Read Running Magazines
Discovering that taking walking breaks was acceptable for runners was a revelation I learned from running magazines. They provided invaluable tips that changed my perspective.
Pace Yourself
In the past, I mistakenly thought I had to maintain a fast pace, often feeling defeated when a senior gentleman passed me while I struggled up a nearby hill. Prioritizing consistency over speed is key—it’s better to run at a comfortable pace than to exhaust yourself and lose interest.
Avoid Excessive Concrete
I quickly learned that running too much on concrete led to shin splints. While some concrete is unavoidable, I aimed to run on dirt or asphalt whenever possible.
Focus on Distance, Not Speed
Initially, I started with two-mile runs three times a week. I was overly concerned about my pace, but when I tried to run faster or longer, I ended up wanting to quit. The real benefits of running come from the miles you log, not the speed at which you run.
Choose Your Preferred Running Time
I personally love running at night. If I had to run during daylight hours, I might not have stuck with it. The darkness offers me the escape I crave from my daily life, away from prying eyes.
Listen to Music
While I sometimes enjoy the silence, music can be a great motivator. A good playlist can make all the difference, especially when I need that extra kick to keep going.
Above all, just get out there and do it. Nike, you clever brand.
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In summary, taking up running at 40 was a transformative experience for me, and it can be for you too. Embrace the journey, set your own rules, and most importantly, enjoy the process.