Final Draft Expert's Article

 Sofia Duran Sarria

Becoming someone you never thought you’d be  

How to run a half marathon, when 6 months earlier you couldn’t even run a 5K. 

 

I come from quite an athletic family. In his lifetime my dad has run 5 half-ironman triathlons, my mom has completed 6 marathons and 2 half-ironman triathlons, and my little brother, who is two years younger than me ran his first full marathon last year. I often find myself staring in awe at my home’s living room wall, where all their medals hang. Although running should come in my “veins” it is not something I am naturally good at. I’ll be honest, I have tried. But I’ve learned the hard way, that training at my family’s pace is something that always ends up in suffering for me. Running had always seemed like torture. Even going past 5K seemed impossible to me. 

 

Today, two weeks after running my first half marathon, I find myself in shock at how things have changed and how our relationships with sports and our bodies can evolve. I, personally, have rediscovered my relationship with running and during the process, have learned about myself and about how to dismantle limiting beliefs. If you are someone who likes running but doesn’t know where to start, get ready, this is what you need to read. If you are not even a bit interested in sports, don’t worry at all, because today we will analyze how running challenges individuals not only physically but also emotionally. Today, we will go over the three fundamentals of running, how to be a runner, a healthy one, and most importantly, a happy one. 

 

How to be a runner: Showing Up

 

Step 1: Get out of bed and put those shoes on. 

When the alarm goes off, you’ll realize your bed hasn’t felt warmer or comfier than at that exact moment. The first step consists of beating the resistance and laziness. I promise it will be worth it. 

 

Step 2: One step at a time – Focus on the present. 

You will get easily overwhelmed with the journey you have in front of you. Don’t let your overthinking brain take control over you. Focus one step at a time. Pump yourself up with some music. YOU’VE GOT THIS!

 

Step 3: Celebrate the small wins. 

After achieving steps 1 and 2, celebrate, because showing up is a win. Recognize your effort and become your biggest fan. What you are doing is not easy, and only you know the effort you’ve put into it. 

 

The first, but hardest part of the process is showing up to training. Running is not about talent or luck, it’s about consistency. There will be some days when you feel strong and active. But it is completely normal if there are others when you are simply not feeling it. It is okay! Runner and coach Nicole Hagobian schedules her runs like work meetings, with deliberation and deadlines (SEO, 2022). Do whatever it takes to show up to do your part. Your body will take care of the rest. 

 

How to be a healthy runner

 

Equipment

To start running, you don’t need much, except a good pair of shoes. It is essential and non-negotiable to invest in good running shoes that are adequate for your type of footstep.

 

Training

Good preparation will determine whether you enjoy the process or not. Having a coach or a running group makes the running process incredibly less intimidating. It will provide confidence and a well distributed athletic plan that is:

• Realistic to your experience and endurance, helping you to be consistent (I started running only 20 minutes and built up from there).
• Complete and varied, including strength training sessions, which are essential to run faster and reduce the risk of injuries (Miller, 2023). 

Habits

Our day-to-day habits and how we take care of ourselves will be part of the running experience. Sleeping and having a healthy diet are only some of the factors that will play an important role in the journey.

 

Recovery 

Resting our body is equally important to training. Following a healthy plan means you must let your body recover at least 1 or 2 days every week. It is important to do light workouts lightly, even if you feel with more energy to do give. The body needs the rest.  

 

How to be a happy runner

 

It’s you against yourself 

Running is a personal challenge. It is a process in which you will learn you cannot compare yourself to others. 

 

Self-Compassion 

The hardest part of the process is being accountable for the challenge you set yourself up for. When professional marathon runner Nicole Hagobian feels like quitting, she remembers to stay kind to herself (SEO). Sometimes we forget to give ourselves credit for the effort it takes to be in that journey. Self-compassion and recognition are essential to this personal experience. 

 

How running can change your life

 

Running will teach you more than simply to complete a long-distance rain. Running will teach you persistence, consistency, self-trust, and emotional strength. The best part is realizing you’re a different person from the one who began the training process. You’ll learn to control your mind in moments of exhaustion and embrace the discomfort. 

 

Running is an example of how we can approach goals and challenges in life. It helps us remember the magic of being beginners and that hard work pays off. It takes courage to jump out of your comfort zone and sign up for a challenge like this one. 

 

Finally, I want to end by saying that if I can do it, you can do it! If you have an inner voice encouraging you to try it, listen to it. It will be an incredibly rewarding experience. 

Work Cited: 

Seo, H. (2022). How a running expert keeps on running. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/23/well/move/exercise-scientist-running-motivation-tips.html 

Miller, J. A. (2023). How to run a Faster Marathon. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-run-a-faster-marathon.html?action=click&block=storyline_flex_guide_recirc&module=styln-well-running-guide&pgtype=Interactive&region=BELOW_MAIN_CONTENT&state=default&variant=show