How I Got Started Running

So, running has never been your "thing". You are only considering it because one of your friends does it and says it feels so good. Then you start thinking about that timed mile you had to run in high-school... and that it didn't feel good then, so why should it now? Running releases endorphins and gives you a pretty good high.

I grew up playing basketball, which consists of all quick sprints. This year at college I decided I would do cross country and get a little extra scholarship money. So during the summer, I started to go running in the mornings before work. I worked up to about 1.4 miles. I knew that a cross country race was 3.2 miles but I just couldn't push myself past that 1.4. The last month of summer I hardly ran at all.

The first day of cross country practice coach said, "Girls run five, guys run seven." I am not ashamed to say I had to walk almost a mile in the middle of my run and that I threw up. That day, I hated running. I knew that I was going to be terribly sore the next day but I also knew (in the back of mind) that it would feel good. Emotionally and mentally, I felt great after that first practice even though my body was telling me that I shouldn't have done that.

Ever since that first horror practice, I have become a decent runner. I no longer dread long distances and I feel great. I'm physically stronger and more confident. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for me.

I currently have a knee injury. I messed up my knee cap in the last cross country meet of the semester. It is killing me to not be able to run at practice with my team (we practice year round) and I know it is going to be difficult to build up to where I had been before my injury.

I look forward to being able to run again though. And I encourage anyone who has never really given running a chance. Try it out with a friend, and don't just stick to the treadmills in the gym. Hit the road, a dirt trail, a sidewalk, or the woods. Get out of your comfort zone and go for a run!