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How I Became Addicted to Running
by Elizabeth Palmer Hale
The Beginning
Three years ago, my neighbor convinced me to start jogging with her.
She felt that she needed a partner to stay motivated. At that time
I was not very active, so she had to reassure me that we would start
out slowly.
Our pattern for the first two weeks was four sets of "walk 5 minutes, run 2.5 minutes", totaling 30 minutes. We progressed from there.
Looking back on that now, I think the beginner should start with only a minute of running for each 5 minutes of walking, for at least two weeks. Gradually increase the running intervals by a minute for each consecutive two week periods after that initial introduction to running.
But, that was then and this is now. You know what they say about hindsight!
I Was Hooked
After having successfully completed the first 'mini marathon', I was
hooked.
We scheduled our running for 6 a.m. every other morning! I was surprised with my desire to get up while still dark outside, confront the elements and actually exert myself. This was a new concept to me.
I could feel the endorphin rush as my body succumbed to total exhaustion. The sweatier my clothes were, the more rejuvenated I felt. I was accomplishing a feat that I had never dreamed possible. I felt invincible.
Signs of Trouble
About four weeks into our training, my shins began to ache. My partner
was worried I was pushing myself too hard. I tried to put the pain
aside, but after a while it was something I could not ignore.
I discovered, much to my surprise, that I hadn't been wearing the
appropriate shoes. In fact, I had been torturing my legs with my orthopedic
misfits. (This might be a good place to state that the first step
in beginning a new activity is to insure that you have the
proper footwear.)
I ended up visiting the walk-in clinic and having x-rays taken. The doctor suggested that I temporarily cease my running. My dream was shattered.
Later that year we relocated to another city and I left my exercise partner behind.
Couldn't Fight the Urge
Confronted with another spring, my running itch begged to be scratched.
I lacked one thing -- a partner. To satisfy my urge, dear hubby volunteered. Not only was this a great way to get into shape, but we would be able to spend quality time together. Insert a little sarcasm here: "Right!"
Second Favorite Pass Time -- Shopping
While shopping for the proper shoes, I forced the clerk to endure
my long, sad story of my shortened career as a runner. I confided
that I wanted a shoe that would take care of me. He seemed pleased
to be able to serve me!
The shoes he suggested, although pricey, were extremely comfortable. Next item on the shopping agenda: purchase a pair of running shoes for hubby. I wanted him to be as fully equipped as I was.
Couldn't Wait to Get Started
If it hadn't been snowing when we arrived home, I would have taken
them for a test drive. Walking through the house in my very fashionable
running shoes, I felt the endorphin rush (and I hadn't even built
up a sweat!).
The satisfaction faded rather quickly. After attempting a couple of morning runs, I succumbed to the conclusion that these knees of mine where not meant for anything more strenuous than walking.
I was quite disappointed that I had become a running 'had-been'.
A Year Later...
After receiving a membership to our local gym, I decided to give running
another try. I adopted the treadmill as my running partner, hoping
the surface would be less hazardous to my joints. It worked.
If you have discovered that jogging or running on the road is causing you some discomfort, but you enjoy the rush of the activity, try using the treadmill. The workout is a bit less intense, because the floor is propelling you forward rather than your own momentum, but the cushioned landing is a definite plus. I would recommend it (but this comes from the girl who wore aerobic shoes during her first running experience), so take it for what it's worth.
Article used with permission. You can contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.palmerhale@sympatico.ca
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