Lace ‘Em Up

In which I gently suggest you take up running

Dear Reader,

I know it’s annoying when someone gets really involved in a hobby they previously showed no interest in and then starts immediately trying to convert all their friends and acquaintances into doing it, too. (Looking at you, Martin Luther.)

But one thing I have to say in the New Year (capitalized for emphasis) is that running has meant a lot to me. And if you’re looking for a new hobby or resolution or anything to keep your anxiety down and your z’s up (my cool new way to say better sleep), I have to recommend it. Even at the risk of being annoying. Because as I say to anyone who knows I run and expresses interest (feigned or otherwise) in doing it themselves, “If I can do it, you can do it.”

Here are the things I love about running:

– It’s relatively cheap.

All you need are good shoes (this is the one thing I would not cheap out on, do your research, try different brands, do the weird treadmill test at the running store if that floats your boat), a running belt or pockets to carry keys/phone/money, and… that’s it. Suggested add-ons: running watch (if you want to track pace and progress), running socks (not a scam, they’re amazing), headphones, hat and sunglasses, sports sunscreen.

Proof that I ran. At the end of a half marathon, looking far happier than I actually was. My friend took this photo and cheered for me which is proof that runners are some of the kindest, most supportive people on Earth.

– You can do it alone or in a group.

Running is an introvert’s sport, which is one of the reasons I love it most. Solo runs around my neighborhood or on a trail are some of my most profound moments of peace. That said, I joined a run club, too, and even though I initially thought I’d hate running with other people, two years in I’ve made a number of great friends, learned how to take care of my body, gotten significantly faster, gotten some of the best and most needed support I’ve ever experienced, and run 4 half marathons and a smattering of other races. Conclusion? Either way works.

– It is all inclusive: all ages, all races, all body types, everything.

There is nothing more motivating than seeing people 20 years older than you kicking your ass in a race. What a great joy. Or seeing little kids in banana costumes running 10ks with their parents. Incredible.

– You can listen to music or podcasts or nothing while you run.

Advantages to all three. I personally do podcasts – Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is must – on longer runs, and music on shorter ones or race day. 90% of the fun of races is putting your race day playlist on shuffle and then grinning like a maniac at mile 10 of your half marathon when “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” (no, I’m not ashamed) comes on and gives you a burst of energy.

– The clothes are cute.

I can’t speak for menswear, of course, but women’s running clothes have never been cuter. Just remember that when it comes to running shirts, “cotton is rotten.”

– Races are fun.

Compete. Why not? You’re really only competing against yourself. I started my real “running journey”¹ with a 5K in 2018. I did the free Couch to 5k app (a godsend) and it helped me build slowly – training plans are a must. But races – especially with friends although I’ve run some completely solo and had a great time – are also really fun. Run a Turkey Trot. Run a Santa Run. Run a half marathon (but be sure and train for that one). You won’t regret it, and at the very least you may find yourself (as I did at the end of a St. Patrick’s Day 10K) sitting on a curb, sweaty and exhilarated, drinking a Guinness and eating goldfish crackers at 9 a.m. on a Saturday.

That was a good morning.

– The community will support you.

I was a terrified nerd when I first joined run club, assuming that all the hot, fit jocks in the club would sneer and bully me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In my experience, runners are incredibly supportive of other runners, urging them on and taking genuine pride and joy in their improvements or determination and encouraging them on hard days. I have never felt so supported by a community before, and races are like that times 1000.

– You will get better.

I tell some people that I love running because it doesn’t require skill, only determination. Which is not true, of course – it obviously does require skill, especially at the elite level. But what I mean is: you don’t need hand-eye coordination. You don’t need to be tall or long-legged (I’m both and get regularly smoked at run club by people whose legs are literally half the length of mine). You don’t even need to be fast. If you keep running, you will get better. Increase the distance, increase your pace, or don’t – doesn’t matter. You’ll get better. Running is one of the best ways to feel proud of your own progress, and a model for the fact that just showing up, over and over, can work wonders. (Possibly a metaphor for other things?)

– All the health benefits (physical and mental).

Not to be sneezed at, and of course different for everyone, but for me I will say: my lung capacity has increased, I feel stronger, I fall asleep essentially the moment my head hits the pillow, and whenever I’m anxious, pounding pavement calms me down.

Here are the things I hate about running:

– Some days it’s really hard and my legs hurt and I’m slow.

That’s it.

Still not convinced? At the last race I ran, the Santa Run 5K, the participant medal doubled as a Christmas ornament. I mean, come ON!

Cassandra

P.S. I’m still writing,² and hoping to have more events coming soon. Stay tuned!

Fake news corner: Shots fired.

Real news corner: On George and Martha.

Quote of the month: “The driver is this stocky guy who has no neck – it’s like shoulders with a hat on.” – David Lynch, Room to Dream

Travel photo of the month:

A church on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos.

1. UGH, I knowwww….

2. I swear!