Running: How I learned to love it

I never thought I would ever become someone who runs regularly. In fact, I used to hate running. Even now, when I start running, I spend the first 10 to 15 minutes thinking about how awful it is. But I keep going. Why? It’s not because of the so-called “runner’s high” that people often talk about – I’ve honestly never experienced that. But there are other reasons that keep me lacing up my running shoes.

The beginning is tough, but it gets better

Anyone who runs knows this feeling: the start is always tough. That awful feeling during the first few minutes of a run usually fades if you just keep going. And I’m not alone in this. Even marathon runners in my running club talk about the same dislike during the first 15 minutes. So, it’s something that everyone experiences, and that’s why it’s worth pushing through.

Time for myself

When I became a mom, I struggled to find any time just for myself. Especially in the first year, I felt constantly needed. Running became my sanctuary – a time where no one could disturb me, and I could focus solely on myself. This aspect of running has been invaluable for me.

Discovering the beauty of nature

I love being in nature and often go for walks with my dog. But running is different. When you run, you cover greater distances and discover areas you might not have noticed otherwise. Living in Provence, I’m always amazed at how much there is to explore, and running allows me to experience the seasons, the changing air, and the variety of scents in a way I wouldn’t if I were just walking. It’s truly beautiful.

A better sense of my body

Of course, running has a positive impact on my overall health. I feel fitter and have a better sense of my body. My back pain, which used to bother me frequently, has improved significantly since I started running regularly. I suspect this has something to do with better circulation.

Pride in what I’ve achieved

As tough as the beginning always is, the feeling at the end of a run is amazing. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve run for a certain amount of time or distance – even if it’s not a long distance. Especially when you’re starting out, it’s important not to set goals that are too high. But no matter how far you go, you always return home with a great sense of accomplishment.

Running is easy and flexible

One of the best things about running is that it requires almost no equipment. You don’t need expensive gear or a gym membership – it’s a sport for everyone. You can run anytime, anywhere, without needing to fit into anyone else’s schedule. It’s a sport that offers a lot of freedom.

A note on weight loss

For those of you expecting me to talk about weight loss: that’s not why I run. I’ve heard many people say they lose a lot of weight when they start running regularly, but for me, it’s different – I just love snacking too much! However, there are so many other benefits to running that I find even more motivating. The five reasons I’ve mentioned above are more than enough to keep me going.

A few tips for beginner runners

If you’re feeling inspired to start running, here are a few tips: Begin with short runs (no longer than 10-15 minutes) so you don’t get discouraged right away. To avoid side stitches, try exhaling forcefully – for example, exhale three times in a row before breathing in again. You don’t need any special gear (except maybe a good sports bra if you’re a woman). Just get out there and see if running is for you.

For even more tips for beginner runners, check out this link.