I am in my early 40s and started running around 33-34, but it was one of the physical activities I did, and only recently has it become more consistent.
So, when did I “become” a runner?
When does one become a runner?
Is it when you start running? Or do you need to run several times per week or miles to call yourself a runner? Or do you need to join a running club or do a race?
In short, if you run, regardless of distance, frequency or aim, you are a runner!
I started running around 2013, in my 30s. I remember the first time in adult life when I ran a 1k uninterrupted; it felt like I was the world’s biggest hero! I still remember where I was when I ran my first 3k, the sense of accomplishment and joy!
As a child, I stopped “normal” physical activity at 13 because I had a bad back, so I had to do physio exercises. I had a few attempts at running during my adult life, but every time I tried, it was too unpleasant, and I had back pain, so I gave up. In Uni (only during the first year we did physical education), we had to run around a field, but I was sick at the end as I hadn’t run at all during secondary school. I still vividly remember the hot day, people sitting down and looking (not at me mainly, but it felt like that) and the mortifying embarrassment.
So why on earth did I want to run as an adult?
I am not even sure. It may be seeing other people doing it and seeming so effortless. Also, I like the idea of minimal effort exercise: no gym or equipment needed, just some running shoes and clothes, and off you go! As I always found it hard, even 10 minutes of running seemed like strenuous exercise compared with cycling, swimming or weight training.
My first training for a race
I never committed to a specific exercise; I did a bit of everything. Last year, when I was 41, a friend told us he planned to register for a trail race up in the mountains, 23k, 1600 meters elevation. Up to that point, my longest runs were 10k a few years ago, before having a second child. The idea sounded both crazy and exciting! I didn’t realise the elevation and what it meant when we registered, but running 23k seemed out of this world! So I started training with a purpose at 41, for the first time in my life. From one maximum of two runs a week, up to 3-4k, stop-start, I increased over six months to 3 consistent runs, with the longest between 10-18k. At 42, I completed my first half-marathon at the end of May to prepare for the big event in the mountains. I can’t even describe the sense of accomplishment. I was more proud of myself than when I passed exams or job interviews! The reason, as I can make sense of it, is that I always knew that I could use my mind but was unsure about my body’s capabilities (although you need both to sustain long effort)
So back to the title of this post, how did my life change?
- I feel that I learned so much over the last six months! From training plans, the ideal number of runs per week, type of runs, what is a “long-run” and its’ benefits, nutrition, feeling, tapering…All this was a new language for me and a steep learning curve.
- Learning so much over a short period must have done something for my brain, improving some neuronal connections.
- It gave me a clear goal to work towards with straightforward ways to monitor improvement; if I could run longer injury-free, I was doing a good job!
- My husband joined me for most of my long runs, so it added another layer to our relationship, as we supported each other (well, he helped me, to be fair, as he wasn’t such a newbie). We also had some quiet time for ourselves on a weekly basis and a chance to talk uninterrupted.
- The highlight of Sunday became the long run, which is a plus and a minus at the same time; as with a toddler who still needs a daily nap, it wasn’t that much time left in the day to visit places which used to be our Sunday pastime.
- I learnt that my body (and mind) are capable of much more than I believed true.
- When I was going through difficult times, running helped me feel better and free.
- With so much learning and interest in the topic, I wanted to talk to people about it; of course, no one is interested, as no one cares if they are not runners :))
- I discovered a running community online and had no idea people share social media stories about their training journey. Even if I knew, I might have found it boring in the past. It gave my training journey a sense of community and being on the right track. Plus, I am taking inspiration from others.
- Over the last half-year, I saw more sunrises and sunsets as I usually try to synchronise my runs with beautiful scenery.
- No more shopping for dresses or other girly stuff; I realised I had enough, and there were not many occasions to wear them anyway. I bought some running clothes, but it has been a minimal expense.
- It gave me a new sense of capability; I have had more ideas about many topics outside my line of work. I feel overall more creative and interested in several areas.
Summary
There are many studies about the benefits of running on improving physical and mental health. Here I shared my experience, which may be relevant to other (new) runners.
To sum up, the most noticeable benefits in my case are:
- Better mood and stress management
- Feeling that I am capable of much more than before
- More creativity which extends outside running
- Of course, the obvious, better physical shape