Run With Patience: Don’t Rush It

This blog is to help you avoid some of my pit-falls when I started running.

I wanted to microwave my running success.

I wanted to be the picture of a slim, thick butt, fast legs woman that ran with ease.

Initially, I thought, “We were born to run as children, how hard and it be really to run!”

Oh honey did I have a lot to learn!

Let’s talk about it.

Starting a new running habit is exciting, but it can also be frustrating for new runners who want to see immediate results. However, it’s important to remember that the body needs time to acclimate to your new physical activity, and this process can take longer than you expect.

Here’s what new runners need to know about the time it takes for the body to get used to running and how to stay motivated in the process.

Patience Little Grass-Hopper

Running is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health, but it’s not a quick fix. The body needs time to adjust to the new physical demands, especially if you’re new to running. When you first start running, your heart rate will likely increase, and you may struggle to catch your breath. This is because your body is trying to supply your muscles with enough oxygen to keep you moving. But as your body becomes more accustomed to running, your breathing will become more controlled, and you’ll be able to run for longer periods without getting winded.

Running can also improve your lung capacity and overall breathing function.

When I started running, I watched every Youtube video available to me on the topic of running and breathing. I thought if I had the “steps” I would quickly learn how to breathe correctly while running.

Looking back, I can do nothing but laugh at that mindset.

Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a technique to proper breathing, but just like anything, your body needs time.

Factors that impact your ability to breathe efficiently include but not limited to: weight, fitness level, and posture (running form).

I had all these expectations of how I would run when I started, and I was a huffing mess. I could barely catch my breath after 60 seconds of running. I ran too fast and too strenuous my first few months. Finishing my runs quite often felt like I was unable to catch my breath.

I was doing it all wrong, but I was determined to learn.

Your Muscles Will Hurt

In addition to breathing, I didn’t take into consideration how much my muscles would be put to work.

One of the most obvious changes you’ll see from a consistent running habit is in your muscles. Running is a weight-bearing exercise that strengthens your muscles, particularly in your legs, hips, and core. Over time, you’ll notice that your muscles become stronger and more toned, making it easier for you to run for longer periods without feeling tired.

In the beginning, I only understood the basics in relation to running. I knew my glutes, calves and hamstrings were important, but because I was not someone that grew up playing sports, I had no vantage point to the intricacies of running as it related to the muscular system.

I recall running consistently for about 3 months and my muscles ached in this order; first my quads felt like bricks. I struggled walking up and down stairs for a couple months.

Next, my calves tightened up so bad, they became hot.

Thank goodness for the BRC Facebook running community that told me I needed to foam roll after every run.

LIFE-CHANGING!

Lastly my IT band busted up. This almost took me out the game. I didn’t understand what was going on immediately. You can’t go to the doctor and get an Xray of this type of injury. I had no idea what was wrong with me. I felt pain on the outside of my knee, but knew in my heart that my knee was fine. I spent months just guessing, sobbing and playing detective.

Finally, I found another runner on Facebook with the same symptoms. At last, I had a understanding to what was happening to me: IT Band Syndrome.

The IT band is a tendon that extends from the hip to the knee. I had an overuse injury. I was running too fast, and running too long without being conditioned enough. Unbeknownst to me, I had weak hips. So, my IT band was working overtime to compensate for my weak hips as well as other neglected muscles.

This injury took me several months to heal and work through.

Foam rolling, physical therapy, strength training and running at a slower pace was my recovery plan. When I did run, I used an IT band strap to help stabilize that area.

Give Your Heart Some Time

Running is also great for your cardiovascular system. When you run, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your muscles. Over time, your heart becomes stronger and more efficient, making it easier for you to run for longer periods without getting winded. We all know that running can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and improve your overall cardiovascular health.

The gains you are more likely to see only happens if you stick with it when it gets tough. You may feel your heart rate is out of control, and it probably is because you need to slow down.

Don’t go out running like you are a track star. Your body will surely shut you down, quick, fast and in a hurry.

My Misconception

I have a Facebook running buddy who was in the best shape of his life and ended up having a heart attack.

Talk about confused!

I questioned, how in the world could this happened? I thought that running was supposed to give you a stronger heart and prevent things like this from happening.

It did!

Doctors told him, if he had not been a runner and cyclist, he’d be gone.

Running couldn’t reverse what was already there, but it did save his life.

Running doesn’t excuse you from hereditary and congenital conditions, but my buddy lives today and recovered in remarkable time due to his active lifestyle.

It Will Work Out

So be patient and give your body time to adjust. Don’t expect to see significant gains right away, especially with long-distance running. Running is a lifelong sport that will continue to challenge and improve your life and health.

Stick with it and give your body the time it needs to get used to the new physical demand of running. Lace up your shoes and hit the pavement, and give your body the time it needs to acclimate to the new physical demand of running.

With Love, The Cr8zy Sock Lady