Learn to Run

The background:

 I had made a commitment this year that it would be about action, which included getting healthy; however, I quickly learned that I wasn’t going to be able to do it on my own.  While attending graduate school in Waterloo, I started to meet up with a group from a local gym to participate in a “learn to run” program.  I came across the opportunity while using a free pass to a gym, there in the change room was a poster =  “FREE learn to run clinic – for members and non-members” – a quick glance at the start date and I realized it was just after my free week would expire.  I ran my first race with the ladies I met through this program and really enjoyed the experience (though wasn’t so happy with my time).  When I moved to Calgary I completely gave up jogging as I was busy settling back into the city, working full time and finishing up my thesis long distance.

The lesson:

The biggest thing I have learned with being back in Calgary is that I work way better with a scheduled class.  When I lived in Waterloo I would attend a particular yoga class, or have jogging dates with my friends and then the “running” clinic with the gym.  My first year in Waterloo there was a group of girls from my program who would all get together and attend workout classes twice a week.  I have since learned that I am not very good at motivating myself and that if I join a group or class that will help hold me accountable I will actually follow through.

Joining the Learn to Run Clinic:

The “Learn to Run” clinic I joined is through the Running Room here in Calgary.  My session actually started on April 8th, but I didn’t sign up until the following Monday (April 15th).  When the 15th came around I was still debating if I wanted to sign up for the clinic and debated whether I thought I might be moving or if I could truly commit to it.  At 5:15, I made the commitment to do it as long as I could and if life changed, I would adapt.  My run clinic started at 6pm that day!  I completed the second week and I am now on the third week of the clinic and figured I will start writing about my “learn to run” journey. 

Week 3 Recap (so far):

I was super impressed today – our group ran 3.0km, which was a half kilometer more than we ran on Monday.  I couldn’t believe how amazing I felt and I realized that when I actually participate, I very much enjoy running.  Today there were a few intervals that I struggled with, wondering if my body was actually going to be capable of this challenge of jogging again.  I am coming back from a knee injury, which is partly true and partly the excuse I use to not go out and do things.  By the last interval I was feeling strong and loved the feeling of the wind on my face.  I am excited to join my group again on Friday to hit the pathway!