REN, REN, REN
TIPS & TRICKS ON HOW TO GET YOU RUNNING
Two years ago I trained for the marathon. That's really different from occasionally running a lap in Vondelpark or Amsterdamse Bos. I ran ki-lo-me-ters. Almost daily. It drove me crazy. Your social life takes a hit. No alcohol, early to bed, no, you’re not doing your friends any favors. Still, I would like to do it all over again, but I need to find a good moment for that.
Running a few kilometers a couple of times a week is really good for you. Good for your body, your mind, your health, everything. But yes, just because something is good for you doesn’t mean it’s easy.
I’ll give you some tips and tricks to start enjoying jogging. I swear to you, after this you won’t want to be without it.
Buy a nice outfit
This is step 1. Make sure you have good running shoes. Get informed at the Nike store, at Asics or Runnersworld. They know a lot about it. Really, footwear is half the battle and you’ll have super trendy sneakers. Then we move on to clothing. It really feels much better when you wear a cool outfit. I’m a big fan of Nike, they make the coolest running pants and tops. Fluorescent sports bras and hoodies that you can be seen in. Well, you never know who you might meet, right?
Don’t set the bar too high
If you’ve never done a run before, you can’t expect to immediately run ten kilometers in a row. Start with 3 kilometers first. And not too fast. It really doesn’t matter how long it takes you. I always find endurance more important than speed. It’s better to take twenty minutes over a few kilometers than to be home within ten minutes. It has much more effect on your body.
A nice tune
I believe I don’t take a step without music. Make sure you have a good playlist. Maybe you like to run to slow songs. I find slow Ben Howard very nice, for example, but there are also songs that really make me run a bit faster. I’m subscribed to the top 40 list on Spotify. You know, just the songs of now.
Fantasy a little
When I’m really into it, I sometimes imagine that I’m running a marathon and that thousands of people are cheering for me on the sidelines. It really helps. Or just think that you’re singing the song you hear on stage for a huge audience. Honestly, you’ll be a kilometer further before you know it.
Find a friend
Together you are stronger. It’s really not like you can cancel, because then you’ll forever have the name ‘Sjaak afhaak’. And one more thing, you also don’t want to be the slowest, so you challenge each other and soon run at a nice pace. Talking while running is also very good for your breathing, it takes more effort (so you burn more calories) and time goes by much faster.
Message to
Download a good running app. I always run with Runkeeper or Nike+. It keeps track of how far you run and how fast you go. All routes are saved. It’s always fun to scroll back to see what you’ve already covered. You can also set goals and then a running schedule will be created for you. You’ll get reminders that it’s time to get back to it. It works very motivating.
It makes you happy
During running, your heart rate goes up and you produce the substance endorphin. Also known as ‘the happiness hormone’. Because, yes, it makes you happy. And this is seriously true. Just try it.
