There may be no other form of physical workout that has a wider spectrum of personal preference than the simple–yet extremely healthy–activity of running.
For some, it’s a “can’t-live-without-it” daily activity. But for many others, it’s a “can’t-get-myself-to-do-it” workout that is strenuous, exhausting and for some, boring.
Those who are immersed in a running routine claim there’s an addictive quality to it, and studies are indicating there is physical and chemical evidence this may be true.
No matter how you slice it, the health benefits of a good running routine are undeniable.
Scheels fitness expert Adrienne Manydeeds readily admits there was a time in her life when she was not enthusiastic about running. In college, Adrienne knocked down the barriers the kept her from developing a running routine and she has never looked back. Adrienne–who now runs 25 to 30 miles a week–shared her struggles and triumphs as a runner with scheels.com.
SCHEELS: When you started running, did you just jump into it or did you start gradually?
Adrienne: It took me a long time because I am not a natural runner. Even now, I would not say I’m good at running. When I started, I was so happy when I finished my first mile. It is hard! When I first started running, I started on the treadmill. There would be girls on the treadmill next to me. I’m pretty competitive, so seeing the girls next to me, made me want to be there just as much. I would run a lap, walk a lap. Then I would set a goal for the next week. I would run two laps, walk a lap. It was really a progressive thing where I didn’t just get into it right away. I just had to build my way up and eventually instead of laps it was in miles.
SCHEELS: Aside from occasional races, most runners don’t get to ‘compete’ when they run. Has this been a problem for you? How have you stayed motivated?
Adrienne: For me, there were always two girls running on the treadmill in college. One girl would be running for a long time and look like she wasn’t even out of breath, like it was the easiest thing ever. She wasn’t going slow either. She’d be on her 17thlap, while I would be on my 3rd lap and could barely breathe anymore. For me, I said that I know I can do it. Eventually I wanted to just get on the treadmill and look and see how she was doing it.
SCHEELS: Did you come up with your running routine on your own or have you consulted other runners?
Adrienne: I pretty much did it on my own, and I knew how to set it up, because I had personal training in the past. I knew how to listen to my body. By the time I was a junior (in college) I was running about 7-10 miles a day, 6 days a week. I don’t do quite that much anymore. I do more of a mix of workouts now. It’s better on my body. I know that when I run too much, my knees start to hurt.
SCHEELS: Do you have a preference of being outside or inside?
Adrienne: I really like to be outside. When it’s cold, I miss running outside because there are so many different places you can go. There are just so many trails and the lake that you can go to. It makes it more fun to see things as you go.
SCHEELS: Let’s say you’re talking to another “Adrienne” out there who’s in the early stages of running and maybe even scared to death to start, but still wants to get into shape. What kind of advice would you give her?
Adrienne: Basically, just don’t give up. It takes a long time. People don’t realize how much it takes. They might run for three months and not lose any weight. I didn’t notice any difference in my own weight until six or seven months into it. Then there was a drastic change after about a year. It just takes a while. That’s what’s hard especially for women. They want to see a big difference right away. You will notice a big difference in your endurance in the first few months, but you have to stick with it. Just don’t give up.
The Scheels community shares favorites from their running and training playlist.
