5 Running Tips + Nerd on the Run’s Running Origin Story

By:  Nerd on the Run Els

I was never a runner.  I always complained on gym day when we had to run a mile.  I was the one walking most of it and mumbling under my breath on how much I hated running.  

Fast forward to college.  I began to realize the benefits of working out more consistently then I had in the past.  It all started with a Zumba class at the school’s recreation center, and seeing the little changes in my physical appearance over time motivated me to do more.  I began to see gym time as more of a lifestyle than something to check off my to do list for the week.  I was always the girl who wanted to run, but never seemed as though I could have the stamina or will-power.  So instead I just complained when I was forced to participate in anything running related.  But after becoming more in-shape, I thought about giving running another chance.  What got me truly serious was an advertisement for The Color Run during a Pinterest-binge-instead-of-studying session.  A run that doused color-y cornstarch on you and touted to be the ‘happiest 5k on the planet?’  That might be fun, and there was one in Denver.  My runner-and-all-inspiring bestie signed up with me and it was far enough away for me to train for it.

A friend recommended a running program for beginners, Couch to 5K.  So I looked into it, slightly skeptical about being able to run 3.1 miles straight in just 9 weeks.  (Folks, I repeat, I was not a runner!  I couldn't muster enough energy to complete even a mile.)  But having already signed up for race, this was my best shot.  The program starts off with painstaking intervals and gradually builds you to running more than walking.  This program, was a Godsend, I cannot recommend it enough.  In shorter time than the program promised, I was running the 3.1 miles at the gym.  However corny it sounds, I’ll never forget the day I ran two whole miles on my own without stopping to walk.  At the time it was the farthest I had ever run, it felt incredible.  I had accomplished something I hadn’t done before, something I thought I could never do.  I experienced that runner's high that I thought was bogus.  I knew after that day I would always want more from running.  And ever since, I strive to run faster and farther than my previous bests.  I am happily addicted.

The question I get the MOST whenever I talk about running is why?  Why would I want to put myself through that?  It hurts.  It isn’t fun.  I’ll only run if I’m being chased.  A couple years ago, I would have been the leader of that parade.  Today my perspective on running has shifted completely.  I am a worrier, I get frazzled easily and I let stress get to me.  My previous go-to to deal with those kinds of emotions was either a  complete breakdown or stuffing my face with chocolate.  Now if I feel overwhelmed I go for a run.  My brain is constantly thinking, but when I run my brain shuts off.  I mean completely shuts off.

Think of having an internet browser with a gazillion tabs open all the time, then closing all those tabs at once for an hour.  I can be thinking of absolutely nothing when I am running.  I can focus on the music (and sometimes sing along.  Sorry other treadmill and gym going people!) or stare vacantly and realize later that my legs have already clocked a few miles.  It’s a gift.  If I’m having a bad day running is my escape, something physical to alleviate whatever inner battle I am having with myself.  If I’m having a good day, running just makes its better.

Sure, running isn’t always fun.  Sometimes it hurts a lot.  Sometimes I don’t run fast.  Sometimes I run a half a mile and don’t think I can take one more step or ever want to run again.  But something always brings me back.  I’m always thinking about the next run.  I’ve improved since I’ve started, completing distances I honestly thought I would never achieve.  And I always want to keep improving.  I want to have those 13.1 and 26.2  stickers on my car.  I want to be that seventy year old at the gym who still runs.  I just want to run.  I am happy to say that even though I’m not the best by a long shot, I’m still a runner.  I will always be a runner. 

5 Running Tips:

• Couch to 5K is an excellent tool for those who were like me and didn’t run at all.  This program (you can even download the app version) will gradually build your running distance and confidence!
• Don’t get discouraged.  It’s tough to begin running and it’s sometimes tough to maintain running.  I have days or even weeks of bad runs.  But that’s okay!  You will have better runs in the future.
• Get proper shoes.  I can’t stress this enough!  Proper shoes are critical.  I personally love the Nike Free Run 2 shoes.  They are lightweight and conform to my feet.  If you need help getting proper shoes, there are running companies that will help you find your perfect shoe!
• Download running apps!  There are plenty of running apps to help motivate you while you run, or to track your milage. A few years ago I got the iPod nano with the Nike + app built in.  This app tracks each run, gives you all your stats, and even creates challenges you can accept to mix things up! 
• Pick YOUR kind of pump of music!  Without music, my runs would be miserable.  I love listening to music that pumps me up.  I tend to gravitate towards club music or hip hop.  BUT, my nerdiness does come out in my playlist.  I often listen to Disney songs, songs from fandoms I am a part of, or even podcasts. 

Are you a nerd for fitness or running?!  Share your stories with me in the comments below and connect with me on Twitter @nerdontherunEls.  Let's encourage each other for the year ahead!