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Winter’s over so get off your butt and get running!
Running is a great way to combine fitness and a love for the outdoors. Whenever I run, whether it’s at the Panmure Lagoon where the route is sandwiched between trees and water or on a rural road where cows stare and sheep run when they see you, the world seems a happier place and I get an overwhelming sense of wellbeing.
So how did I start running? When I was 20 I began walking for exercise. After some time I found I was walking faster and faster as I got more fit. So I started jogging a little during my walks and eventually I was running!
And now at 30, I’m still running - mostly around my neighbourhood in Auckland. I also like to run at the Waikareao Estuary when I’m in Tauranga, the Oriental Parade in Wellington and on Rangitoto Island (pictured right) because there is hardly a soul around.
Nadia Clark, 23, understands my obsession. She started running as part of Physical Education at school. She then did long distance running on and off.
Most recently, Nadia attended an Outward Bound course in Anakiwa in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, which required her to run 3kms at 6.30am every morning for eight days straight! This renewed her passion in running and Nadia now runs at least once a week in her neighbourhood.
As proof that there's no excuse not to run, Nadia is partially sighted and sometimes runs with her guide dog Nova, but she mostly runs on her own. She says she runs to “release stuff”.
“It clears my mind. You feel so good after and it makes you enthused about doing more things – whether physical or non-physical.”
Nadia also goes to the gym three times a week. So I asked if she runs on the treadmill there. She sighs, “It’s just not the same, it doesn’t do anything for me, it’s just so different”. I guess there is no substitute for the natural environment.
So give running a go. As Nadia put it, “It’s just fun!”
Tips To Get Started...
Get proper gear This means proper running shoes, light and loose clothing, a supportive sports bra, lightweight sunglasses, sunblock, and a cap. If you love music, bring an MP3 player or a sports radio. Listening to music can help keep you motivated and also means you can’t hear yourself pant! However, don’t turn it up too loud as traffic can be a hazard especially if you can’t hear it.
Work out a running route You may want to start running a short route around your neighbourhood where it is familiar and relatively safe. Later as your confidence builds, you can plan special trips to a park or a beach for longer more interesting runs. A good tip to find places to run is to visit the website of your local council. For example...
Speed and duration Don’t get hung up about how fast or slow you run. Speed isn’t everything. The main thing is that you’re enjoying yourself. Most people run for 20 to 40 minutes. You decide how long to run for. A good rule is stop when it no longer feels fun! I run for an hour two times a week and Nadia runs for 30 minutes at least once a week.
Water To avoid overheating and dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water. Before I go on a 60 minute run, I will drink a glass of water about 10 minutes before. You can work out how much water you need by how thirsty you feel during your run; if you’re thirsty, you have not drunk enough.
Set goals or use a programme Some people find it motivating to set goals or use a running programme. One goal could be to work towards a race. www.coolrunning.co.nz has a calendar of races around NZ that you can participate in. You could use a beginner’s programme. Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) have designed a six week programme to get new runners started. You can download the programme from www.sparc.org.nz.
Variety To avoid boredom and your muscles getting lazy, vary your routes and terrain. Find trails, run through parks, search out hills, or run on the beach. Combine running with other fun activities so you’re not only running but doing other things as well for health and fitness. Nadia goes to the gym and is also into rockclimbing, caveing and rafting. I dance hip hop and do resistance exercises at home with a dynaband.
Join a social running group There are usually running groups you can join at your local gym or there are also dedicated running clubs such as...
"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens
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Winter’s over so get off your butt and get running!
So how did I start running? When I was 20 I began walking for exercise. After some time I found I was walking faster and faster as I got more fit. So I started jogging a little during my walks and eventually I was running! 
“It clears my mind. You feel so good after and it makes you enthused about doing more things – whether physical or non-physical.”