Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux on what has made her healthy new habit easier to stick with
I’m not a runner by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I have always had an aversion to any kind of challenging exercise – but as I approach my mid 30s, I am increasingly aware of the need to factor it into my lifestyle. Along with classes like Reformer Pilates, I’ve been dabbling in the odd run, and while I don’t see myself entering a marathon anytime soon, I can already appreciate the health benefits.
Along with it helping to improve heart health and bone strength, I find it massively helps with clearing my head. Because I’m so focused on putting one foot in front of the other, I think it’s one of the rare times I genuinely feel present and in the moment. While it can feel torturous to keep going at times (especially in the wet, grey weather of the past few weeks), the endorphins I’m flooded with afterwards make the whole sweaty effort worth it. If you’re considering taking up running, but have a similar disposition to me, here are some things that have helped…
1. Join the club
This is what pushed me to get out for a run in the first place, spurred on by the social aspect, and meeting new people – and the idea of getting a coffee and treat at the end. Run clubs like the ones in my area of Trim, Co Meath (41 Social Run Club and Social Strides) have popped up all over the country, so it’s worth checking out what’s near you. I like to go at my own pace (which involves a lot of walking and bursts of jogging), knowing I have chats to look forward to at the end.
2. The proper gear
Wearing the wrong running shoes is not going to end well. I learned that the hard way. I like Nike Pegasus and I also can’t stress enough the importance of getting a good quality sports bra. For those who are regularly out running, and looking to improve speed and endurance, I’ve also been testing out Lidl’s Crivit Carbon-Plated Trainers, which hit the Middle Aisle on Monday, 9 March. At €49.99, they’re typically 80% cheaper than other carbon-fibre trainers on the market. They’re designed to enhance efficiency, thanks to the carbon fibre plate (an internal plate that helps to propel your foot forward) and high-rebound EVA sole, which cushions your steps and absorbs impact. I found them comfortable to wear, with a subtle bounce – they made running that little bit smoother. If you’re curious about carbon‑plate shoes and don’t want to pay hundreds, these are an accessible way to try the technology for the first time.
3. Playlist push
I went for my first few runs sans earbuds and soon learned that I am not the type to run and chat. I’m out here just trying not to pass out. So, for me, music has become key, and I’m not alone; it’s said it can reduce perceived exertion. For some reason, I like to listen to tunes such as Steve Aoki’s remix of Kid Cudi’s ‘Pursuit of Happiness’, which I can’t explain nor understand. Whatever works, eh? Find what gets you amped up and make it into a personalised playlist.
4. Just breath
One aspect I found difficult to master during a run was…breathing. I’d find myself getting breathless and dizzy, and my shallow breathing led to upper back pain due to poor posture. I began to make a concentrated effort on breathing from my diaphragm, through my nose; with practice this becomes second nature and makes the whole experience a lot easier.
5. Warm up and…warm down?
My muscles screamed at me after my first couple of runs – I didn’t warm my body up enough beforehand. Simple movements like ‘high knees’, ‘opening the gate’ and ‘knee hugs’ go a long way to helping you ease into a run and prevent injury. Find examples here. As for soothing muscles post-exercise, I have been bitten by the sauna bug. I’ve recently been very into ‘sauna rituals’ which I’ve experienced both at the new Hot Box at Boland’s Mills and Urban Sauna Co in Navan. These time-honoured practices from countries like Finland and Germany – such as Aufguss (aromatic steam infusion) or vihta (birch branch whipping) – totally elevate the entire experience of steaming and cold plunging, leaving both my body and mind feeling utterly refreshed.
