Comments on: How to Get Back Into Running After a Long Break https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/ A Lifestyle Blog Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:30:29 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 By: basket random https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-701667 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 02:57:08 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-701667 The most important thing for me was to properly readjust my expectations. It didn’t count as a run for me unless I completed a distance of at least three miles, for some reason. Because of this, I didn’t get back into running for a few years because my expectations were too high, and I was going through a phase of my life that didn’t always allow for chunks of time and consistency in my schedule. This left me with a few years during which I didn’t run.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-692341 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 20:48:37 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-692341 In reply to Kassie.

I’m so glad this post share was so timely for you!!

]]> By: Kassie https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-692316 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 23:41:07 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-692316 Thank you for sharing! I am getting into running this fall after about 3 years off, and definitely am finding it to be a mixed bag of joyful and difficult. For me, 8. & 9. from your list are key. If I don’t set a goal, I won’t stick with it & I won’t progress. My “why” is to feel better too. I hate feeling out of breath. I want to strengthen my heart & my lungs and feel proud about what my body can do. It’s been a few weeks so far, and I feel so good and inspired to keep going.

]]> By: Santosh Kumar Rai https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-691452 Sat, 12 Jun 2021 03:00:12 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-691452 Greetings to you!
That was really great.
Dear Ms Kates,
I had been an addict to tobacco and some other intoxicants. Running brought me to the stage of teetotaler. I have left every intoxicant and you will be surprised to know that I don’t even consume caffeine in the form of tea or coffee.
Work-out, either jogging or walking or running or yoga or stretching release the happy harmones that are far euphoric than the petty and fatal intoxicants.
Even running isn’t too easy. I think one needs divine providence for the opportunity to run.
My sister-in-law used to live with us that gave me much leisure time to go for long walks or running.
She is getting married on the 18th of the very month therefore she had to leave.
My wife has to look after my old father and a two year old son. She finds it difficult to handle them without my assistance.
Thus, I have lost my chance.
Now, I don’t go for running.
What a bad luck!
Even during the run, the demon of confusion and suspicion brought many evil thoughts in my mind. That might be the withdrawals resulting from the quitting of intoxicants. Running helped me get rid of those withdrawals and evil thoughts. But I could be free from depression only for a fortnight or so.
The demon of inactivity has again shackled my feet.
Running is our natural duty.
I could reach 8.5 km continuous running though I couldn’t run even 500 meters before, but unfortunately the same condition again.
I live in the city of Ghazipur in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the Republic of India.
People are not health conscious here. There are only few playgrounds here.
Let me conclude my article with the revelation that there are a number of distractions in running.
Thank you very much.
Lots of love.
Santosh Kumar Rai.
9315492289.
India.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-681703 Sat, 14 Nov 2020 00:36:36 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-681703 In reply to Carla.

Thank you for reading, Carla!

]]> By: Carla https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-681347 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:08:06 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-681347 Thank you for sharing your experience. I needed this today.

]]> By: Dean Jane https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-679315 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:06:41 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-679315 If you ve taken a break because of an injury, get clearance from your healthcare provider or physical therapist before you return to running. They should be able to provide personalized advice on how much and how often to run.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-679006 Wed, 07 Oct 2020 22:25:02 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-679006 In reply to Brooke.

So glad the post resonated, Brooke!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-679005 Wed, 07 Oct 2020 22:24:20 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-679005 In reply to Katie B.

Mindful running is key. I’ve found so much enjoyment in the process, especially once I was able to let go of the unnecessarily high expectations I used to have for myself. Thanks so much for your comment, Katie!

]]> By: Katie B https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-678689 Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:22:29 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-678689 This is so relatable! Exercise often feels like a slippery slope toward the eating disorders I’ve had, but to deny myself that joy – of being so fully in my body and mind – has negative effects too. Finding a way for something to be a habit and not an obsession is always a struggle for me. You’re inspiring me to lace up my shoes and go for a jog, mindfully.

]]> By: Brooke https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-678555 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:21:47 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-678555 Love this ❤️ Trying to get back into running after 2 babies.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677899 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:42:59 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677899 In reply to Sabine.

Hi Sabine, thanks for taking the time to comment. I completely agree that making progress slowly is the way to go. You should absolutely be proud of what you’ve achieved so far!

]]> By: Sabine https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677829 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 13:10:40 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677829 Good to read this. I started running early this year knowing I will never be a great athlete due to health thing but with a schedule in hand I kept going. Now almost at the end and the struggles are there. The steps were a bit to big so I need to slow it down. And then… it is still very beginner level. Yet I am proud I keep going regardless the struggles. Stories like yours bring some motivation and show that it is all about what I want to achieve and that is where I should be proud of.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677533 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:41:03 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677533 In reply to Sal.

I can relate to that SO much, Sal. “New week = try again” is such a good motto. You’ve got this!

]]> By: Sal https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677466 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 22:35:12 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677466 Thank you for this piece- the timing was perfect for me. Getting rid of the victim mentality was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome when I first started running, and (unsurprisingly?) was the first to come back. Nevertheless, new week = try again

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677354 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:02:55 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677354 In reply to Jess.

Thank you for your comment, Jess! Incorporating mindfulness into your runs sounds like a wildly helpful approach. Thanks for sharing your experience. And here’s hoping the fires improve soon…stay safe!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677353 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:58:47 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677353 In reply to Lizelle.

Thank you for your comment! I resonate with so many pieces of what you wrote. It really is amazing how much a run can clear your head, and that’s such a good reason to get out the door, no matter the distance you end up going. Here’s to running with absolutely no expectations.

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677350 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:53:16 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677350 In reply to Amanda.

Oh wow that is super interesting! Thanks for taking the time to share. I hope the tips do prove to be helpful for you!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677349 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:47:09 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677349 In reply to Nuala.

Thanks so much for the recommendation, Nuala! Appreciate your comment!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677348 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:46:09 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677348 In reply to Lauren.

Adjusting expectations is SO key and no, 2-3 miles definitely isn’t nothing! I’m so glad to hear you found a way to build your habit back up and, most importantly, that you’re feeling better!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677347 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:43:19 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677347 In reply to Char.

Thanks for reading, Char!

]]> By: Kate Arends https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677346 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:41:49 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677346 In reply to Cari.

I’m glad you liked the post, Cari! Hope you had a great run.

]]> By: Cari https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677263 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:17:43 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677263 Thanks for sharing! I needed to read this today. Heading out for a run now 🙂

]]> By: Char https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677254 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 16:00:53 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677254 Thanks Kate. Appreciate the share. 🙂

]]> By: Lauren https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677250 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:34:56 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677250 Adjusting expectations was absolutely key for me. For some reason, if I didn’t run 3 miles, it didn’t count as a run for me. This left me with a few years that I didn’t get back into running because my expectations were too high, and I was in a phase of life that didn’t always allow for chunks of time and consistency in my schedule (I was also working out with my two kids – and man, even 1 hilly mile with a double jogging stroller is intense). During shelter in place, I started heading out of the house for 15-25 minutes of alone time. And, powered mostly by anxiety I’m sure, I’d use that time to run a familiar little loop. It’s been an amazing habit that has left my body feeling better, and for the first time in a long time, I feel really good both about the consistency and my endurance. It turns out that 2-3 mile runs aren’t the same as doing nothing!

]]> By: Nuala https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677249 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:34:29 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677249 Love this so much. I hate a great podcast recommendation for you – Marathon Training Academy – whether you do or do not wish to run any particular distance. It’s an awesome community too. Can’t recommend highly enough! Good luck in attaining your goal! If you run, you are a runner!

]]> By: Amanda https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677246 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 13:19:23 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677246 Thanks for sharing, Kate! I’m a 30 year old 100% new to running (as in, had never run a mile in my life) during this quarantine, and the reason for it is interesting… I was going through the FBI hiring process and you had to be able to run 1.5 miles (in a very short time relatively speaking) to get into the FBI. I’ve now accepted another job but want to keep running, at least short distances, part of my exercise routine. I think your tips can help even the newbie like me.

]]> By: Lizelle https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677162 Wed, 09 Sep 2020 05:35:47 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677162 I ran for the first time in years just a few days ago and it reminded me of why I used to love running, but also, like you, why I stopped. For me, a fun couch-to-5k challenge quickly turned into something much more toxic. I spent a year brutalizing my body to deal with what I now know was a deep depression. I ran even when I was clearly injured, something my knees still remind me of from time to time. But it’s now been eight years since that time, and a lot of things have changed. I ran/walked my dog a few days ago not because I was trying to get away from something, but because I just wanted to feel more like myself. It wasn’t much of a run, but it cleared my head in a way that I found almost startling. I had my first baby in April, and the experience of new motherhood has made me realize the importance of taking care of my mental health on a daily basis, not only when things have fallen apart. I can’t be a good mother and partner if I’m not good to myself too. So I’m going to keep running with zero expectations, just because I like it.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

]]> By: Jess https://witanddelight.com/2020/09/get-back-into-running/#comment-677128 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 16:02:21 +0000 https://witanddelight.com/?p=83989#comment-677128 Thanks for sharing a bit about your process. Your experience resonates with mine, and I’ve come to know running as something that is really powerful and clarifying for my mental and emotional wellbeing. Yet it’s still hard to get out there on a routine, so I’ve mostly been on a sporadic pattern in response to when I need to blow off steam or feel restless. One thing that has changed how I approach running is incorporating mindfulness. I used to run almost *because* I would detach from my thoughts and body – I would be “in the zone” and hit my target mileage or time limit. About 2 years ago I started using an app and online program that combines movement with meditation, and includes guided running sessions that end with meditation. It has been such an impactful shift for me! Now I feel like no matter how long I go out for, I practice coming back to my breath and body and it is so helpful. I know there’s tons of apps and virtual trainers out there, and I never used to wear headphones while running, but this has been such a rewarding match for me – https://kaithurley.com/
Thanks for the inspiration – I do want to set a calendar up so I get in more of a regular pattern. For me it ties back to prioritizing myself. And it would help a whole lot if the air quality was healthier (I’m in CA where it has been smoky for weeks).

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