RUNNING
So you’d like to start running By Fiona Trip Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear
IT SEEMS A BIT OF A CULT, this running thing. The Ottawa populous has embraced its beautiful surroundings and run with it. At any time of day, there are runners out there taking in the crisp autumn air. Whether it is in Gatineau Park, along the Riverside pathway, down along the canal or out along the Western Parkway, running is well past the start line. The past several years has witnessed a surge in running participation. Involvement is growing–both in recreational running and for those bent on competition. What has driven this increase? It’s simple really. Most people are looking for something that’s easy to do, does not require a great monetary outlay and can fit into any schedule. Running is it. Running will improve your fitness, health and social life, if you go about it the right way. If you are not inclined to go to a gym (which can be daunting), running is the logical thing to do. After all, you can just step outside the door and all you really need is a good pair of running shoes. The journey begins as you train slowly and build up time on your feet. How do you start? For those new to running, and those not so new, a run program can provide the much-needed motivation to get you started and keep you going. It’s that goal-setting thing. Program leaders supply us with knowledge. It can be as simple or as detailed as you want. They pass along information on a variety of topics: cross training, nutrition (always a favourite), running form, shoe selection, running in hot and cold weather, hill training, and speed training, to mention 10
a few. At the starter level, there is a great deal of camaraderie. Almost all participants are at the same starting line and heading towards a common goal. Classes generally follow a running/walking program that gradually increases the runner’s endurance. Clinics are often aimed at a race event, which provides a goal to motivate the group. Runners enjoy their own excitement and accomplishments, and share in those of the entire group. Many outlets in the area offer clinics for new runners. For some, large numbers can be intimidating and the beginner may get lost in the crowd. A smaller group can allow for more individual attention and still offer the support of others. It also gives the coach a greater opportunity to become more acquainted with each runner. When choosing a running program or clinic, consider your goals, the size of group that gives you a comfort level, the amount of time you can commit to your training and location. Also consider what is available for you after you complete a level. Will you be ready to jump into the next level or is a period of transition required to build endurance before the next level? Is there a transition level program available to you or are you left to “fend for yourself”?
There are a few other things for which you should probably be prepared. You will find that your eating habits may change as you become a little more conscious about what goes into your body to fuel you for running. Water will become a main staple. You may lose interest in regular clothing, opting to check out the running gear (which will serve double duty as your cross-country ski gear). Your dress watch may be a little more difficult to follow. Your posture will improve; you will have more energy and could become less of a couch potato. Your family will question how you can go outside in winter wearing just a fleece and shell, but you will and you will be warm. You will find it easier to get up in the morning and in fact may be up and running, and back before the kids are out of bed. Of course that can vary depending on the age of your children–if they’re teenagers, you could run a marathon before they crawl out of bed on the weekend. Whichever way you choose to approach it, running will be a lifestyle change that you can control and do at your own pace. There are lots of us out there and there’s sure to be someone or some group ready to run with you. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting out the door, but no matter what the pace, it will be faster than sitting on the couch. Go for it!
About the author: Fiona Trip has been coaching and teaching runners for three and a half years, from the beginner level to the marathon level. She works at Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear where she will soon be starting a series of run clinics geared for the starting runner, taking them to the National Capital Race Weekend.
Ottawa Outdoors Fall
Photo by Jean Levac and the National Capital Race Weekend
Here’s why it’ll be a great experience!
