Intentionally seek out and embrace physical or mental discomfort, as pushing beyond your comfort zone can strip away layers, allow you to work through challenges, and emerge as a better version of yourself.
Regardless of your fitness level, perceived ability, weight, or fear of judgment, simply give running a try, as the distance or speed doesn’t matter, only the act of doing it.
When starting to run, begin by incorporating short bursts of running (e.g., 10 paces) into your walks, gradually increasing the running time or number of paces each time you go out to build stamina and confidence.
Engage in activities like running, even in small increments, to achieve a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can build self-esteem and initiate a virtuous cycle of positive change in your life.
Engage in running as a form of therapy or mental refresh, allowing your brain to perform a ‘control-alt-delete’ and ‘refresh’ function, leading to an improved mental state after the activity.
Prioritize exercising outdoors, particularly running, as it can lift a ‘fog’ and provide a sense of clarity and well-being beyond just physical exertion.
Begin your running journey with minimal equipment, such as just a pair of shoes (or even just walking), as the simplicity and low barriers to entry make it easy to start immediately without needing specialized gear.
View long-distance running as ’endurance running’ rather than ‘ultra running’ to emphasize its inclusivity and focus on the experience and mindfulness over elite fitness, making it more approachable.
Consider joining a Parkrun event on a Saturday morning, as they are inclusive, welcoming to all shapes and sizes, and provide a supportive environment for beginners to start their running journey without feeling out of place.