At 40, I hit a wall. My life felt like a never-ending cycle of exhaustion, juggling a challenging marriage, financial strain, and the constant demands of nursing our fourth child. I was drained, akin to a zombie with a glowing “martyr” label on my forehead.
Fed up with monotonous squats and lunges in my living room, I pondered my exercise alternatives. I didn’t want to invest in a gym membership, and swimming was off the table since I had already been doing that. While sprawled on my couch—baby latched on and feeling the extra weight around my waist—I spotted my running shoes. Although I had never considered myself a runner (I had always thought I was dreadful at it), I did have the gear on hand. Plus, running was free! I could simply step outside my door and get started. And those relentless Nike slogans seemed to taunt me into taking that leap.
So, I laced up and ventured into the suburban streets.
Initially, it was a struggle. I felt like a tree being uprooted or a puppet with tangled strings—completely lacking grace. Yet, amidst the awkwardness, there was a spark of accomplishment. I returned home, drenched in sweat, and felt a surge of empowerment. I was finally moving my body in a way it desperately needed.
Here are some rules I developed that could help you if you’re contemplating taking up running:
It’s Okay to Take a Break
No need to push yourself to the limit! If I felt tired, I walked for a bit and then resumed running if I felt like it. This approach made me feel more like a runner and less like a caged animal.
Read Running Magazines
I was pleasantly surprised to learn from a running magazine that taking walk breaks is completely acceptable. It opened my eyes to what it truly means to be a runner, and I picked up a ton of useful tips along the way.
Pace Yourself
In the past, I believed I had to run at a certain speed—faster than the sweet elderly gentleman who often jogged past me. I learned that it’s more crucial to run than to exhaust myself trying to keep up with unrealistic expectations.
Avoid Concrete Too Much
Once I figured out that running on hard concrete led to shin splints, I made a conscious effort to run on dirt or asphalt whenever possible. It made all the difference.
Focus on Duration, Not Speed
I began with two-mile runs three times a week, and I initially obsessed over my pace. However, when I tried to push myself too hard, I found myself wanting to quit entirely. The health benefits come from the miles you log, not the speed at which you run. Accepting my body’s current state was key.
Choose Your Time
I enjoy running at night. If I had to run during the day, I might not have stuck with it. The night brings a sense of freedom and escape from daily stresses, without prying eyes judging my every move.
Listen to Music
While I sometimes enjoy the peace of silence, there are days when a good playlist gets my adrenaline pumping. Curating a running playlist can be a fun way to enhance your experience!
Ultimately, the key is to get out there and just do it. Nike, you clever brand, you!
If you’re keen on starting your own journey, you can explore more about home insemination and parenting through our other posts, like this one on artificial insemination and Cryobaby at-home insemination kits. Also, check out this resource on pregnancy for valuable information.
In summary, starting to run at 40 transformed my life. It offered me a sense of agency and accomplishment and showed me that it’s never too late to embrace a new challenge. So lace up those shoes and hit the pavement—you might just surprise yourself!
Keyphrase: Running at 40
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