Running!
As I’m working on trying to post more content on here, I think we’ll open up a little more on some of our personal things going on that maybe we’ve briefly touched on in the podcast, but maybe haven’t devoted too much time during our podcast to talk about in detail. With that in mind, going to talk specifically about my (Ron) running and what it’s meant for me and why I do it, as well as some tips to those who may be new to running. You’ll see too that we’ll also loop in Hannah (Alex’s wife) as well just for good measure!
Starting off, I’ve never been much of an athlete, I played summer soccer during my school years, but that never translated to anything in school. I ended up getting into running years after school, and well after I had written it off as a bit of a crazy activity that “just worked for some”. The real kick in the butt for me had to do with a friend that unfortunately passed before his time due to cardiac issues. As a new father who was eying the mid-thirties, I knew I needed to do something to stay in shape and to keep myself healthy. There’s plenty of options out there, but I liked running because it allowed me to be flexible with how long I ran, when I ran,, and where I wanted to run. The only barrier to entry is really just getting a pair of shoes, and getting out the door in the first place.
As I can’t be content to just do something, I decided to also do some research into the benefits, to really understand why I should run in the first place. All of that can always also work as extra motivation especially when you can be discouraged. For running, outside of the low barrier to entry, you’re really getting a very tough workout using multiple muscle groups, and especially if you’re living in a hilly area, it really does a lot for your legs. I also liked learning how for exercises, it really can allow you to burn a ton of calories too, especially on those longer runs!
I went out for my first few runs, and they were tough, the body does adapt quickly, but it’s incredibly discouraging to go out and jog for a short bit and then have to stop, especially in your local neighborhood with possibly the prying eyes of other neighbors. It took me a little while to get past the fact that nobody really is watching you, and to let it go. End of the day, your out there for yourself, you will make mistakes and it will be difficult at first, but you keep pushing on and you’ll grow and get better.
Over time, I gradually grew as a runner, and learned some tips and tricks, and also competed in a few races. I didn’t set any records and did place a few times for my age group, but I was primarily just looking to add something to my life to improve my health. When I moved from Delaware to Georgia, I ended up taking a break from my running, but managed to get back to it, and started to get more engaged through some challenges and the encouragement of others.
The first thing I did that a coworker suggested was participating in a “run-streak”, which thankfully I stuck to and completed. A run streak is where you run consecutive days with no break for a set distance and ideally for a set number of days. For this first streak I did, it was from Thanksgiving day to New Year’s Day, and it was for at least one mile every day. Admittedly, this is a busy time of year for everyone, and it’s also a time of year where we don’t always eat the best. While dieting during this time of year is near impossible, fitting a mile in your day to run isn’t that bad. There were a few nights where I got it in late, but I still managed, and by the end of the streak, I felt more confident as a runner. I think for exercise, I tend to be in that category of folks who can very quickly find a single day off turns into a week, month, then months of not doing exercise, so having something to do daily worked to build in a routine and encouraged me to be more active in my running.
After the success of my first run streak, I agreed to do another one the following year, and extended my days out past 100 consecutive days before ending it. The following year, I started another streak, and now since Thanksgiving in 2021 I’ve run for over two years, with the special modifier of it also always being outdoors. I’ve certainly faced some setbacks with it and have had to make adjustments, but I’ve managed and am continuing to run through all of it.
The biggest setbacks are injuries, it’s one thing to be on vacation and trying to figure out when to get in a run, but it’s another issue entirely when you have injuries that limit your running ability. At one point during my running I was running four miles a day and found myself getting prone to injuries, and I also ran into issues with changing out equipment that didn’t work for me too well. During that time, my knee was experiencing a minor degree of “runner’s knee” and because of some socks that didn’t work well for me, I really did some damage to my heel on my foot. I had to cutback on my running distance and because of the heel issue, I actually ran for a while in flipflops! I think the special thing I try to keep in mind is to throttle back my running if needed and not to overdo it, so I can’t let something go or overdo it too long without possibly having to end my streak due to more serious complications. So for that reason, I’m tending to more recently run at about a mile day, with some days I find myself pushing myself harder and for longer.
The longest I’ve run for is just over a half marathon (or 13.1 miles), and I’ve now run two months with at least 100 miles for the month, and I’ve even done a “half-Goggins challenge” (run 4 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours). While I’m proud of these accomplishments as well, the biggest thing for me is just keeping the streak going, one day at a time, and it does add up. I’ve also enjoyed getting others in on my runs especially when they’re visiting or I’m visiting somewhere with them. We’re certainly not all at the same athletic ability, but the great part with running is you can always modify it and usually find others who may be up for a 10 minute jog or so.
I still have a ways to go in my running, but am hoping to at some point to complete a marathon, which is something Hannah (Alex’s wife) has completed! She’s commented on how much of a time investment it is for those who pursue it, but it is something that can teach you a ton about yourself and it’s an incredible challenge. If that goes well, maybe some day I’ll try for something longer, but I don’t think I’ve got the cut for an ‘ultra-marathoner’, but who knows?
All of this to really just say that I suggest people try to find something that works for them, be it running, or another sport of some kind. I’ve found it particularly a healthy way to decompress sometimes after work or just to see your neighborhood and area in a new light. While I don’t do too many races currently, it’s also a fun way to support different causes in your community and to meet others. I’ve been admittedly more solo on things for my running, but again do what works for you. I know of several run groups in my area that hopefully at some point I’ll join for a run at some point, and I’ve heard these can be great ways to meet people and to help in growing as a runner. In fact, one of our upcoming guests actually met her husband from a run group like this, so just goes to show you there’s some cool things you can get from running (outside of just the health benefits).
Alright, enough about running, but if you’re ever interested in learning where to get started, or just looking for some tips, feel free to reach out to me via our email address between@twostudds.com !