Running- More than just exercise, it is a way of life
For many people who take up running, the motivating factor is usually the same- to get fit, to improve health, or because someone suggested it may be good for them. Running… its quite simple, a pair of running shoes, you and the road. I started my running journey as a young 6 year old, inspired by my older sister. Being from south Kerry heightened my motivation to run( there wasn’t much else to do). We would go out and run a few laps around the farmland, dodging a few sheep and cows here and there. Never in my wildest dreams did I think running would become such an integral part of my life. It has brought me on many an adventure, introduced me to friends, helped me find a passion for performance which has developed into a career and has helped to develop me into the person I am today- hard working, driven, motivated- all qualities which I apply to my daily life. What started out as a mere hobby, and is probably a new hobby for most of you reading this blog, has now become so much more than that. So, what can running mean for you? What do you have to gain? Well, let’s have a deeper look…
Fit4Life- Like-minded people
As an athlete, I like to surround myself with like-minded people who have similar interests and goals. I find this not only cultivates a healthy daily routine, it also heightens your own motivation and drive in your journey towards your long term goal. Additionally, it’s quite enjoyable spending the majority of your day with people on a similar wave length and promotes a positive atmosphere around your day. One of the qualities about running is the people you meet. For such an individual sport, it can bring communities together and becomes a team of positive people who push each other on and help each other out. This is what the Fit4Life programme provides- a platform for you to follow your own running goals, in an environment of positive people. Whether you have never ran before, or your aim is a new 5k PB, the program caters for people of all running levels.
Improvement in Physical and mental health
Running is here for you to empower yourself and improve your life. It is not here to add to your daily life stresses. Therefore, it is extremely important to evaluate the role of running in your own life, in order to strike the right balance. Running should ALWAYS be benefiting your life on both a physical and mental level, but in order to do that, it needs to be sustainable. Be realistic with your training goals. Take its slow to start off and make small steps and changes over a number of weeks as your body adapts to the new load. Make sure your running compliments your life and work commitments. Ensure you have enough recovery between sessions and always fuel yourself adequately for your energy demands. Striking the right balance can sometimes be difficult, but in order to progress and achieve your own goals, you need to be enjoying every step of the journey!
The social aspect of running
As simple as running is, sometimes training for your first 5k or even just training in general can pose a lot of questions. That’s why as a member of the Fit4life programme, you work with a qualified Irish life health Fit4Life leader who is a knowledgeable coach, there to help you with your training and aiding in preventing hitting a plateau and boredom. But it can’t be all hard work. Fit4Life will help you to achieve an improved level of fitness and wellness within the club structure in a fun, sociable environment. Not only will you get to train in group sessions with people of similar fitness levels, you will also get to partake in the infamous post session coffee or brunch. Some clubs even have their own annual events, which can be a fantastic way to get involved in the community. Running, group sessions, new friends, improved fitness levels, coffee… what’s not to love?
Enjoyment and consistency
From a young, unexperienced runner to now, I have remained dedicated and in love with this sport. Yes, I’ve had bad days, and with everything in life, these come and go. But the good days and experiences certainly out way any negatives. I have met some of the most inspiring people who have motivated me beyond words and learnt some of my most valuable life lessons. So, whether you’re a complete beginner and are fearful of taking those first steps , or maybe you’re looking for a first time race, I have two pieces of advice… firstly; ENJOY IT. Above all, it should always come back to your love of running and this key ingredient should never be underestimated. Not only does it get you up and out the door for those 7am runs, it also gets you back up on your feet the day following some of your hardest days in your own running journey. Secondly, stay consistent and with guidance from your Fit4life leader, and some self-belief, everything else will begin to fall into place, and I can guarantee you will never look back.
So Yes, Running is an amazing form of exercise and a modality to improve your overall cardiovascular health, but in reality, it is so much more. It is the friends you make along the way, the places it takes you, the goals achieved which you never imagined possible and the feeling of fulfilment it brings to your life. Running is a journey in finding out who you are as a person. Sometimes it may test you, it may ask you to dig deep, but I can guarantee, you will become a stronger person for it in every aspect of your life. Running is a powerful medium where we can explore our own thoughts, test our physical and mental capabilities, find out who we really are and grown .The important thing is to enjoy every step of your own journey, the wins, the losses, the challenges, the good days and the bad. Happy Running!
More infomation about the Fit4Life Programme can be found HERE