“Some say success is the best revenge,” Emily Ann Willcox, who refers to herself as the British Gossip Girl on Instagram, said at the beginning of a reel. “I say it’s running 26.2 miles just to prove you can.”
It was Willcox’s Instagram reels slowly appearing on my page every week that somehow got me to participate in the sport itself, running that is. She begins most of/all (whatever is more accurate) of her Instagram reels with phrases like this one.
Although running can feel like an exclusive sport, reserved for those with the best equipment, perfect form and years of experience, it is truly meant for anyone. Today, apps and social media are quickly changing the perception of the “perfect” image of running into something that is attainable for everybody. In fact, Willcox films herself training for runs, as well as portions of her races on the internet. The documentation of running has recently become a trend on social media platforms. Did I mention, though, that I have no prior running experience?
In middle and high school, I’d simply walked the mile and accepted defeat when it came to the PACER test during gym class — a 20-meter course set with timed beeps that increased in pace, making it more difficult to keep up with throughout the process. However, the more reels I saw about running, the more advertisements that came with it as well. Eventually, I found myself downloading the “Runna” app. I wasn’t expecting to keep up with the program at all, but here I am, now signed up to run a 5K in Wisconsin on July 19th.
Here’s how it works: once you fill out your basic information, such as your name and email address, you choose if you’re (1) completely new to running, (2) getting back into it after a while or are (3) already active in the sport. Once you inform the system of your status, you then select the distance of a race you want to participate in — a 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon. Although you don’t have to actually sign up for said race, the app will prepare you to be able to run the distance within a specific time period. As I mentioned earlier, I was not a trained runner prior to downloading the app — I chose the option of being completely new. I was then able to specify, with the help of “Runna” and it’s free version of their recommendations, that my plan was to run twice a week: Wednesdays and Sundays.
On my first Wednesday, I began with a five-minute walk for a warm up followed by running at a conversational pace for one minute. After each minute of running, I was instructed to walk for one minute and 30 seconds. This was repeated six times until I walked another five minutes to cool down and complete the session. I loved that running at a conversational pace was at my own rate, and not at a rushed time to meet someone else’s standards of what pace was considered running. In fact, at times, my running was more of a jog. I made sure to take it slow, and in the end, I wanted to enjoy myself on my journey of improvement. In fact, for my very first run, it took me over 28 minutes to run a single mile. I was so proud that I did it.
Don’t let me deceive you, however, the first three weeks were tough. After long days of school or studying for exams, I had to drag myself off the couch to go on my runs. According to Nike, running outside requires more effort from your muscles than running on the treadmill, but sometimes, just to stay consistent, I would find myself running indoors on the treadmill instead— and that’s okay! I prefer to run outside because it requires more effort, but consistency is the ultimate key and the most important thing to maintain. Even on the days when it was hard to start, I ended up grateful I did so and began to enjoy my runs a few minutes into starting.
The Better Health Channel claims that running helps build strong bones, strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular and overall general fitness . According to Dr. Baggish from Harvard Health Publishing article titled “Running for health: Even a little bit is good, but a little more is probably better” says it increases moods, claiming that “[Long-term runners] run because it makes them feel better.”
From personal experience, I relate to what Dr. Baggish mentioned. Running clears my mind, and gets me moving after a stressful or long day at work. It’s a dedicated slot to have time for myself. This summer I happen to be living near a beach, and it’s become my favorite de-stressor to run by the water.
Running can make you feel better and more energized. Two weeks ago, I introduced the concept of running and the app I used to my roommate, who’s now been running consistently since then.! She seems to enjoy it and was also someone who’s never run before.
Your background doesn’t matter — anyone can run! It doesn’t have to be fast right away, and you don’t need a fancy watch, expensive shoes, or years of experience. You just need a place to start and the drive to improve.
Aryana Amin-Tehrani (she/her) is a senior studying marketing, management and digital and social media business applications.
