Growing up , I did n’t remember of myself as an jock in any way . Exercise and sport intimidated me so much and I avoided them at all costs . But then , my college RA tell me that he did n’t even think that I could run two mil — and that lit a fire under me .
Hi! I’m Matthew. And when I tell you that I was not a runner (nor athletic in any way) for most of my life, I am not lying.
Even slow dancing seemed to be too much exertion for me to handle.
But then in college, my RA told me that he did not think that I could run two miles, and that lit a fire under me.
And so I started training. It was the middle of winter, so I was doing laps around an indoor track at my college, but I was doing it. It was miserable, but I was not about to let someone tell me I wasn’t good enough to run two miles.
Well, I eventually ran those two miles. And it turns out that — at least for me — running two miles wasn’t actually that hard once I got used to running. Running at the start was low-key miserable, but if I pushed through it, it got easier and easier.
And so then I signed up for a half marathon on an impulse…and was instantly filled with regret. Because thirteen miles is a lot more than two miles. But I downloaded a training schedule and got to work. I ran and ran and ran for about three months and then finally the day of the race arrived and….
I finished the half marathon!!
Until I moved toNew YorkCity and went to see the New York City Marathon — because watching the race was a good excuse to day drink with friends. And even though I expected every marathoner to look like a Lululmeon-clad gazelle, I was surprised to see that participants actually came in every shape, size, speed, you name it. For me, it was eye-opening and inspiring.
And I thought: “If they can do it, so can I.”
And again we give out back and take off training ( and this training was more of a cunt because the ravel were LONGER ) .
And so I ran a marathon!
But lest we think it was all fun and games, here is me CRYING while running towards the finish because I was so tired and EMOTIONAL.
The whole experience of doing something that I always thought I wasn’t able to was so transformative that I just kept running. I loved how I felt running and how empowering it was. If I could do this, then what else could I do?
I loved running (and running marathons in particular) so much that I wrotea whole bookabout it to help other people be able to overcome their fears of running as well.
So here I am to tell you that YOU TOO can be a runner (even if you think you can’t). If I did it, so can you and here are 21 tips to help you out whether you’re looking to run a marathon or just around the block.
1.Start with small distances — even if it’s just around the block.
2.Don’t be afraid to walk.
3.All you need are shoes to start.
4.Get used to being uncomfortable.
5.Get an accountability partner.
6.Don’t let your version of what a runner is get in the way of you running.
7.Stretch — beforeandafter.
8.A 5K is a great starter goal.
9.Slowly work up to longer distances. (Remember: there’s no rush.)
10.Listen to a good audiobook or podcast to make the time fly by.
11.Or use a good playlist to amp you up.
12.Try out a running group.
13.Drink water and eat nourishing food.
14.Since running is a full-body sport, try cross training to strengthen all your muscles.
15.Set aside time for running.
16.Have a bathroom plan.
17.Get good sleep, too.
18.Invest in anti-chaffing products.
19.Track your progress.
20.Sign up for a race (and tell your friends about it)
21.Have fun!
Growing up, I didn’t think of myself as an athlete in any way. Exercise and sports intimidated me so much and I avoided them at all costs. But then, my college RA told me that he didn’t even think that I could run two miles — and that lit a fire under me.
