The Running Resurgence

Running makes a comeback

Running has made a comeback. Ask anyone who is part of the running community if you are planning to run an event and they will say to book early. Running events sell out quickly.

In my years of coaching, I have noticed an interesting pattern of people who are high performers and who report feeling they are resilient and thriving in life, refer to running as one of their mainstays. They say it ‘clears their mind’, helps them manage their workload by giving them more energy, or importantly provides a social network of friends outside work.

But what if you want to try it and “aren’t a runner”?

Start slowly. Really slowly. There is even a movement of ‘slow runners’.

There are also great apps you can use to guide you (I started with None to Run). And there are lots of fun groups to join. ParkRun is a great place to start, as people of all ages and abilities are there and it is free, welcoming and perfectly fine to walk.

Probably the most common barrier to getting started that I see in my coaching sessions is the thought that you “don’t have time”. The best way to counter this is to remember a short time is better than none. You can build running into watching children’s sport (I know one Dad who does some laps of the oval while his son warms up to play cricket), or you can add some hill runs when you are down at the dog park. Be creative.

Remember the benefits are not just for your physical health, but your mental health. Enjoy!