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4. Running journey 🏃

Everybody knows that running is great!

Is great for your cardiovascular health as it increases your VO2 max and endurance training increase heart size.

Is great for your mindset as it reinforces you that you are capable of great things and that you can reach your goals.

Is great for the mind as it allows you to explore your surroundings, enjoy nature, and take in some fresh air!

Running can be painful, but it is that exact pain that increases your resilience, making hard tasks feel mild.

Okay, okay, everybody might not know that!

The first time I ran was when I was 16. Encouraged by my uncle, I went to and completed a 5k race. I have also run with a couple of friends a few times. A couple of years later, I stopped running as I had different fitness goals and turned to weightlifting, powerlifting, and martial arts. More recently, in 2024, I started running to manage stress from my work life and regulate emotions from my personal life. Mentally and emotionally, it felt like a better alternative to weightlifting as it released more endorphins (search runner's high).

On May 11, 2024, I started to run 3 miles almost every day on a treadmill. In the beginning, I didn't want to be there, but I never gave up. I completed mile after mile, not focusing on speed but reaching the imaginary finish line. Eventually, it became a part of my routine. I enjoyed it, I liked it, and I became better at it. At the end of the day, feeling stressed after working intensely on my projects and going for a run, I noticed that I had achieved my best times! Sometimes I felt I could endure a little further, I set the goal and it worked! I increased my distances achieving my first 4 miles, then 5, then 6. Afterwards I started running outside, trying different paths and exploring my capabilities. There were minor challenges! For example, I started having blisters as my feet were not conditioned to that much running stress, and my old running shoes apparently needed to be replaced. Who would have thought that you are expected to replace running shoes every 300 - 500 miles! Anyway, after I replaced my shoes and my feet were still adapting to them, I got the fattest blister (click here if you would like to see it 😂). Then I learned that this is caused by chafing and is common in endurance runners. I also learned that you can put Vaseline or anti-chaffing products on the areas that tend to get affected to avoid having issues in the future, which helped a lot. Going back to running outside, seeing people run too was encouraging, there were plenty of running clubs and I got to share runs with a couple of friends who saw me running from social media. Eventually, at night when the weather was right I hit my first 10 miles! That was exciting but challenging and after finishing and hydrating myself I felt I could kept going. That made me realice that with enough hydration, energy, and good form I could go for longer! I read that some runners bring sugar gummies with them for long runs as an energy source, which I thought was kind of funny and will definitely try in the future! So I brought some water and a protein bar and head outsite nearly a month after my first 10 miles to run my first half marathon (14 miles)! Months before, I would have never thought I could run 22 kilometers straight but it was done and I proved my previews self wrong.

After three half-maratons and 360 runned miles at the time I joined the Panama International Marathon. The first marathon is always memorable, I have already talked about it on a previews social media post which I will quote below:

"A marathon is not only a test of physical endurance but also a challenge of resilience, discipline, confidence and strength. Running a marathon was a step-by-step challenge, consisting of many days and miles of exploration in technique, abilities, and limits. Clearly, one does not start by running a 42km marathon, first I started with a 5k, then a 10k, and eventually a 21k. After three half marathons (21k) I felt able to complete one marathon. and here I am!

It was not easy to train or finish, for some reason only 0.01% of the world population finishes a marathon every year. Training takes time and generates great appetite but it is an experience where you show you are capable even when things get tough. In which no matter how small the step is each one counts and is a victory.

A marathon is an emotional and moving experience that 5 years ago I never thought I would complete. The cheering cheers from the spectators and cheers along the way made the experience even more special for all participants. The glory and euphoria that one feels when reaching the finish line of the 42 km and when they place the medal on you are immeasurable. I will definitely be running a marathon again some day!."

4.1. Tips

On form: When running, everyone will have their own suggestions on what you should do. It is easy to follow their advice, but it is ideal to understand your body and your goals, and to do what feels right for you. I usually focus on endurance and techniques that minimize stress on my knee joints. What has worked for me is inclining my torso 25° forward and trying for my foot to hit the ground flat and below my leg joint or hip so that the knee cap do not take most of the force of my body weight. Your breathing techniques is also important when running. Experimenting with different techniques can help you find what feels less tiring. When I start to feel extremelly fatigued, I sync my breath with my steps, breathing in or out with each step, and take 1-3 deep breaths when I feel particularly exhausted. For longer distances, it is best to maintain relaxed breathing, aiming for 2-3 steps per inhale and the same for exhale.

Stretching is another important aspect if you are running intensely or frequently. I never believed in stretching but there was a point where my leg muscles, spetially the ones along my shin bone were very tight. This particular pain along the shin bone is known as "shin splints" and is common among runners. While tight muscles increase the risk of injury, they don't necessarily stop you from running—they just make it uncomfortable and limit your mobility. There are plenty of stretching excercised to follow if your muscles feel tight, I use a foam roller to reduce pain and swelling but massage guns work well too.

4.2. Closing

I hope my running journey has inspired you to tackle any challenges ahead. It is important to remember that everyone experiences things differently. Some people prefer other activities, and that is completely fine. I started running because it felt right for me at the time. If you decide to try it, be patient with yourself—start slow, take your time, and avoid injuries. Running is great for your mind and body. It is free, and no one will judge your pace. So, if it feels right for you, go for it—and enjoy the journey!


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Post date: 2024-07-22

Last edit: 2024-11-26