I am not a runner. I am one of those people who wishes they were a runner and who envies runners but the sad fact is that I do not like to run. Despite this I am a pretty dutiful parent and I like to participate in community stuff. After my daughters entered primary school I was dismayed to find more and more opportunities to take part in that oxymoron the Fun Run. I have capitulated and I recommend you do the same.
The great thing about starting running with kids is that they are really slow, there’s not much actual running involved. When you kick off your running career with the Two Kilometre Cajole there’s plenty of time for your body to adapt.
So how do you get from “I Hate To Run” to “I Can Fun Run”? First you can check out my Les Mills NZ article on the importance of core strength in running. There’s a lot of non-running stuff to do that will improve your running performance. Next it’s time to make a slow start. When I’m beginning a client on running we start gently with short bursts of run / walk combination on the treadmill. A gentle introduction is important, I have found that even the slowest of treadmill starts, with little exertion at the time, can cause a temporary niggle somewhere in the lower body the following day. A niggle can represent a postural or strength weakness that can be remedied with a bit of pre-hab. A niggle can also indicate shoes past their best that are no longer offering enough support and stability. Whatever the issue I like to resolve it before pressing on with the running.
Running is one of those many activities that falls victim to the All Or Nothing mentality. People imagine that you’re either a runner or you aren’t. This doesn’t have to be true. A spot of recreational running here and there doesn’t mean you have the interest or ability to work towards a half marathon. It just means you can run a couple of kilometres with your children when the situation requires it, modelling physical activity and the importance of giving things a go. And in the process of accomplishing that, it probably means you’re a fitter, healthier person too.
The great thing about starting running with kids is that they are really slow, there’s not much actual running involved. When you kick off your running career with the Two Kilometre Cajole there’s plenty of time for your body to adapt.
So how do you get from “I Hate To Run” to “I Can Fun Run”? First you can check out my Les Mills NZ article on the importance of core strength in running. There’s a lot of non-running stuff to do that will improve your running performance. Next it’s time to make a slow start. When I’m beginning a client on running we start gently with short bursts of run / walk combination on the treadmill. A gentle introduction is important, I have found that even the slowest of treadmill starts, with little exertion at the time, can cause a temporary niggle somewhere in the lower body the following day. A niggle can represent a postural or strength weakness that can be remedied with a bit of pre-hab. A niggle can also indicate shoes past their best that are no longer offering enough support and stability. Whatever the issue I like to resolve it before pressing on with the running.
Running is one of those many activities that falls victim to the All Or Nothing mentality. People imagine that you’re either a runner or you aren’t. This doesn’t have to be true. A spot of recreational running here and there doesn’t mean you have the interest or ability to work towards a half marathon. It just means you can run a couple of kilometres with your children when the situation requires it, modelling physical activity and the importance of giving things a go. And in the process of accomplishing that, it probably means you’re a fitter, healthier person too.
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