Don’t worry.
I’m not going to spend a page writing about how there’s no time like the present. I get why running is intimidating. I get why it’s easy to keep it in the back of your head as something you’d like to start doing…sometime. Running is hard. Running hurts. Starting something new—whatever it is, but especially running, in the middle of winter—can be both scary and overwhelming.
I wrote an entire book based on knowing that, to the majority of the population, running sucks. The book, titled, “Running that Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even if You Think You Hate It)” spends a chapter on each reason why running sucks while offering practical advice on how to make it suck less.
Below, I’m offering the CliffsNotes version of those chapters, each one titled by a common reason people don’t take up running.
If you can hear yourself saying any of the following, read what comes after the statement in quotes. While each book chapter’s tips, information, and inspiration debunk those reasons, I’m going to summarize all of that as best I can.
1. “Why bother?”
You’ve heard this all before, but there are numerous health benefits—both in mind and body—for taking up running. From heart health to increasing bone density, combatting depression and anxiety to gaining the benefits of nature therapy (if you run outside), to feeling an empowered sense of self. there are 101+ reasons why running improves lives.
2. “No time. No place to go.”
In my book, I map out a “When to Run” flowchart, followed by a “Where to Run” flowchart. (I’m into visuals.)
This chapter section to help each individual (with “individual” being key—we’re all different) find what works best for them.
I’m a firm believer in self-awareness helping people figure out their when and where. If you’re following the N2R program, you know that each run/walk, beginning with the very first time you lace up your shoes, takes just 30 minutes.
Consider getting up 30 minutes early, squeezing in a mid-day break for a brisk walk with some slightly faster-than-a-walk efforts sprinkled in, or putting your shoes on after work before settling into your evening routine.
And if you’re struggling with the “where to run” piece, a gym treadmill, high school track, or neighborhood block are good places to start.
3. “It’s boring.”
Think about deciding where to run—and even, who with—as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience. Feel like running indoors in a controlled environment, rocking out to music or learning from a podcast loudly on your headphones? Hit a treadmill or indoor gym.
Love nature…gardening, hiking, walking? Head to a park, crushed gravel path, or mellow trail. Are you either a social butterfly or competitive person?
Consider a running group or club that may do speedwork on certain days.
Driven by tech? Run on a treadmill or a smooth path wearing whatever tech device tracks your pace and distance and geek out on the data during and after.
You get the picture.
4. “All the stuff.”
I may review shoes and gear for Outside magazine, but I’m telling you: All you really need to start a running plan are the shoes you have and the clothes you’ve got.
To improve your experience, you’ll want to upgrade your footwear by shopping at a run specialty store to find what works specifically for you.
And you could purchase some apparel to make you both more comfortable—and excited—to run. But don’t let the gear, or your lack of fancy running gear, be your reason to not head out the door right this very minute.
5. “I don’t know who to go with.”
Are you an introvert who cherishes time to yourself? Run alone or with a dog. Or maybe you’re an introvert who needs to connect with people every so often. Consider running with a friend, or a group.
Extroverted? Running buddies will help keep you motivated and joining a running group/club may be the best decision you ever made. Need quality time with your partner, who also could use motivation to get out and exercise? Make it a date.
Have a dog who loves walks? (What dog doesn’t love walks?) Here’s betting that dog wouldn’t mind jogging a minute here and there, and building up endurance with you.
Are you a parent to young kids?
Stroller runs can be bonding for parent and child, and bicycling-aged kids can be great company. (Also, the time management aspect of running with your children either in a stroller or while on their bike doesn’t suck.)
6. “I can’t run more than ten minutes straight.”
The entire platform of None to Run knows that, and is geared to help you gradually increase your running segments between walking breaks.
Read: The Case for Walk/Runs vs Continuous Running
7. “It hurts.”
There is good hurt, and there is bad hurt. Most of the pain that comes from running, especially in the beginning, is likely good hurt. (But, pay close attention to your body and touch base with a medical professional, if concerned about bad pain.)
The solution to “it hurts” is a lot about mindset. That pain in your muscles, your chest, etc. is making you stronger and healthier. You may just become addicted to it.
8. “I don’t want to eat gel.”
You definitely don’t have to. When people become runners they often start talking about food as “fuel.”
Food is fuel, but real food is also fuel. Once you start a running program, you’ll need to pay closer attention to your diet to make sure you have enough fuel in your tank to give you enough energy to run, and to recover well. If the idea of eating energy gels sounds fun, go for it.
If not, never ever (ever) do you have to rip open a silver packet with your teeth and squeeze viscous goop into your mouth.
9. “Runners are d-bags.”
Runners are actually a fantastic subset of the population, and they look out for each other.
This chapter in my book is generally about etiquette—sharing the trail with bikes, hikers, birders, and horses (generally speaking, just be nice); sharing the track, etc.
But know that becoming a runner—which happens the first time you head out for your very first workout—makes you part of an inclusive, worldwide club of runners.
10. “I’m not competitive.”
And that is totally fine. Not all runners have to enter races of any distance to prove themselves or call themselves runners. If a race sounds remotely fun, do it. If it doesn’t at all, don’t.
That may sound simplistic, but a lot of people seem to think they need to complete a race of some sort to call themselves a runner, or even feel like a runner.
That is simply not true. If you run by yourself at whatever pace in whatever company in whatever location and never ever do a race of any sort, you’re a runner.
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