Hi everyone,
Today, I’m stepping into my running shoes to share my personal journey with jogging, a story that’s as much about health as it is about perseverance.
The Inspiration
My running story kicks off at 17, inspired by the sight of my dad lacing up his sneakers for his regular afternoon runs. There was something about his commitment, his rhythm against the setting sun, that made me want to join in. However, while my spirit was willing, my legs were not. I never could keep up with his seasoned pace.
A Rocky Path
Life happened, and for a while, I left running behind. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Couch to 5K plan that I thought, “Maybe this is my chance to reignite that spark.” I embarked on this journey on and off for years. Each time, I’d make progress, only to hit a wall around week 6 when the program demanded a faster pace than I was ready for.
The Turning Point
Later in life, I went through a phase where I would get really bad headaches— sometimes they would lasting for days. They were a mystery until I noticed an unusual pattern.
Running, something I had previously associated with frustration or even dread, became my unlikely hero. Nine times out of ten, a run would cut through the fog of my headache.
It was counterintuitive; the last thing I wanted to do when my head was pounding was to go running, yet there I was, learning to lace up at the first hint of pain.
Finding My Stride
Over time, the headaches became less frequent, but running had cemented itself as a part of my routine, a non-negotiable for my health and well-being. I realized I needed a different approach to overcome my plateau with speed:
- I ditched structured programs in favor of listening to my body.
- I started by walking around the block, gradually incorporating short bursts of running.
- Over time, I built up endurance, running the whole block without feeling like I was on the brink of collapse.
A New Technique: Cadence Runs
During this journey, I tried a lot of different things and listened to a lot of other runners. Somewhere along the way, I learned about ‘cadence runs.’
It’s about running slow but with quick steps, focusing on foot turnover rather than speed. It’s a technique that might sound counterproductive but has helped me maintain a healthier running form, reducing the impact on my body.
Your Turn
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
- Do you run? What sparked your interest in it?
- Have you ever faced and overcome physical or mental barriers in your running?
- Any tips or experiences with unusual running techniques like cadence runs?
Running has taught me patience, resilience, and the beauty of small, consistent steps towards health. I’m excited to learn about your experiences and perhaps inspire someone else who might be looking to lace up their sneakers for the first time or once again.
Looking forward to connecting,
David