Learning to Run in Lockdown
Photo credit: Andrew Tanglao @unsplash
Running has always felt like it’s for other people. People with swishy ponytails, and legs like gazelles. Lithe bodies and faces that never show signs of hard effort or grimaces of exhaustion. At school, we had to do cross country running. I was always tailing at the back, finding it hard to breathe and hard to move. But I’ve always been curious about running, especially when people talk about the runner’s high. Those like the author Haruki Murakami, who make running sound so essential and mysterious as if there are treasures only reserved for those who run.
I’ve been inspired by Bryony Gordon, who has spoken widely about running for mental health, and the fat-shaming that can prohibit many people from running. Despite the lack of representation, especially of people of colour, larger body types and people over 40, running is for everybody.
A couple of years ago, a few friends-that-are-chosen-family and I started running with the NHS Couch to 5k app, where you choose the friendly voice of Sarah Millican or the retired Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson. I loved the feeling of freedom that came once I got over the fear of not breathing, but as soon as the weather got colder, I halted.
During the lockdown, when we were initially only to go out once a day for essentials or exercise, I decided to start to jog. At first, I did all the wrong things. I used old trainers as I didn’t want to spend until I knew I would keep it up. I jogged daily, instead of the recommended 3 times a week. And my stretching and squat time was far too short, poorly justified by the fact that I was in the early weeks and didn’t think I was doing too much.
I gave myself an injury. Not surprising, but I never like to be one of those ‘do as I say, not as I do’ practitioners. I decided to go back to the beginning again and follow the plan properly. Here are some suggestions that I hope might make the experience easier if you’re thinking of running:
I recommend the supportive online community that comes with None to Run. There are people of all ages, shapes and sizes. When Ahmoud Arbery, a black man was killed by a white father and son whilst out running, a number of people in the group ran in his name and raised money.
Listen to RunPod with Jenni Falconer- especially episodes with Denise Lewis, Bryony Gordon, Giovanna Fletcher, Bella Mackie
Get Expert Advice for Trainers - I’ve long known that Run and Become are one of the go-to places for an expert fitting. Lockdown made that a more tricky situation, but I was so impressed at the virtual service that they offered. You had to text them videos of you running and moving and they could then determine what you needed. I spoke to Petra and she’s an ultramarathon runner. Her passion shone through and she helped me with the right pair of trainers for me, as well as making great suggestions with socks.
Go slower than you think. When I think of runners, I think of people effortlessly yet speedily gliding past by the river or in the Heath. But it’s better to go slowly and steadily so you don’t push too hard and panic the body. I just did my 5-minute session today, having built up from the initial 30second runs.
Wear a comfortable sports bra. Your body will thank you now and in the future.
Try bone-conducting headphones. When I first ran a couple of years ago, I had a scary encounter with two guys on a motorbike who drove onto the pavement and grabbed my phone. Thankfully I wasn’t hurt and I snatched my phone back, but it really brought home the need to stay aware at all times. Bone-conducting headphones transmit sound through the temples, so the ears aren’t obstructed. I know there’s a lot of information about the safety of Bluetooth, but I don’t think it’s practical to run with wired headphones, and it’s an enjoyable time to listen to audiobooks or music.
Treat your body to self-massage, epsom salt baths and body rolling to prevent the muscles from getting too stiff and tight.
I’m not overly goal-orientated with running. My wish is to do 5km regularly as it’s easy to do without taking up lots of time. I’ve been volunteering at my local junior Parkrun and want to give the adult version a go once they start up again. Being over 40, I am also thinking about exercise from a longevity perspective, so that I can take care of my body without overloading it and harming my joints.
If you’re starting running, I hope you find these suggestions helpful, and I’d love to hear any of your tips too.