I have a bit of a dilemma. I am debating the inclusion of running into my fitness repertoire. So, let me give you a little background into my relationship with running and then I welcome your thoughts.
I began running about six years ago when I quit smoking. I smoked for ten years. Quitting was difficult. Very difficult. However, I just stopped one day. And I never picked up a cigarette again. When I quit, I was constantly restless. Running allowed me to pound the pavement and release some of that energy. So, I would run a block or two, walk a block or two, etc. I struggled with running – as I have struggled with breathing since I was a child – due to allergies, growing up around smokers, seasonal bouts of asthma, etc. But, aside from hanging a punching bag in my apartment, running was the the only thing that helped me calm down. So, I did my best.
I stopped running after a while, for a year or two. Then, I slowly picked it back up again. I began to run on the treadmill as I did not have to worry about the weather. So, I would run in intervals. Two minutes of running, a minute of walking, rinse, and repeat. This lasted for another couple of years. I was not particularly consistent and I was not training for anything. I just liked to run at times.
A few months ago, I just decided to keep running one day. No intervals. Just running. I ran for about twelve minutes. And now I run for just over twenty minutes or so. For me, that is a great accomplishment. Although I did it over an extended span of time, it is progress. To me, it says a lot about who I was six years ago and who I am now – both physically and mentally.
Here is where my struggle comes in. I am not really a runner. I don’t run for an hour, I don’t do marathons, I am not into training. I just run because I am able to get that fabulous runner’s high in twenty minutes and it feels good stomping out restless energy at times. However, my body suffers because of it. I feel tight and confined in my hips most days after running. In my yoga class I see that this is common amongst runners. Running is indeed hard on one’s body. Most people are not able to run after a certain point in their lives even if they were dedicated runners before. It takes its toll.
In addition, thus far, getting to the gym every day is a feat in itself since we moved here. With snow every week and temperatures often in the single digits, the short trek to the gym is not appealing on most days. So, sticking to a schedule and/or running every day is not possible, right now. This may change in time.
Factor in that I am devoted to my yoga practice and I hope to acquire a job soon, meaning I will go back to getting up at 5:30 for a workout and have little time in the evenings (especially when I begin classes). If I had it my way, I would find a convenient place with adult dance classes and do those in conjunction with yoga. I grew up a dancer, it feels right to my body. But, adult dance classes are often not “real” dance classes or are very difficult to find.
So, here are my questions for you, readers.
1. Do any of you have similar experience with running and its effects on one’s body? If so, how did you overcome or change your routine to better accommodate your needs?
2. Do any of you practice yoga regularly AND engage in other methods of fitness? If so, how do you fit both into your daily routine?
3. Do any of you know of a dance studio in Northwest Arkansas that has classes for adults?
I welcome your thoughts as I ponder what is right for me at this time. Meditate on it, think about it during your run, whatever works best for you. For now, I have a yoga mat to attend to.
Hey Jen! I loved reading about this and can definitely understand where you are coming from. I think what my break from running and focus on yoga has taught me that it is all about balance and is most definitely not an all or nothing proposition. If you like running and find that you want to run, I’d say do it! It doesn’t have to be an everyday or even every week thing.
If you do decide that you want to run regularly, rest, new sneakers, stretching, proper nutrition and listening to your body is key to avoiding injury (and burnout). I have been very lucky (knock on wood) and have made it through strenuous soccer and cross country seasons without injuries resulting from running stress. That said, every body is different and you just have to be in tune with yours!
Em – Excited to discuss this more. Emailing you!
Hi, Jen.
I, too, have struggled with finding time to incorporate multiple exercise regimens into my daily routine, which has been complicated immensely by the recent addition to our family.
I do like to run. It would be fair to say that I’m somewhat addicted to it. But, I also really like yoga and appreciate what weight training does for my body. Before we had Jack, I had the time to run as much as I wanted and weight train and/or do yoga. Almost fifteen months after having him, I’ve come to accept that I can only do about an hour of some fitness routine on a daily basis. For me, that time is primarily dedicated to running because I don’t want to give it up to do anything else (though I would undoubtedly be a more balanced person if I did!).
So, my advice would be to choose a reasonable amount of time each day that you are able to dedicate to working out and then choose whatever you feel like that day. I don’t see the need to limit yourself to one form of exercise. If one day you feel like running, run! If not, listen to your body and do whatever would make you feel better, physically and mentally.
With sincere best wishes,
Stefanie
On a side note, some running advice I’ve received over the years: To prevent injury, stretch and stretch a lot. Also, buy good shoes and buy them often.
Jen,
We have oddly similar stories. I, too, smoked for a decade and replaced smoking with running. I also danced when I was younger. In college I worked at Get Serious Dancewear in Fayetteville and sold pointe shoes!
I digress…
1. Two years ago I was in the best shape of my life. I was the Forest Gump of this city. I wasn’t training for anything in particular, I just hit a spot in my workouts where I was really excelling. (Although I did end up running a White Rock relay!) At one point during all this I experience tightness in my body that I had never felt before. No amount of yoga or pilates classes were helping. A trainer at my gym told me she thought it was lactic acid buildup. Sure enough it was. A simple foam core roller and a trainer who knows how to use it can work the tight knots right out of your body. The trainer taught my husband how to do it so he could do it for me at home. Between foam rolling therapy and drinking more water, the pain disappeared! I suggest making sure someone at your gym is certified and knows how to do it first.
2. I hate yoga, so no.
3. I would call Get Serious Dancewear and ask. If the Fayetteville location is still around anyhow. If it isn’t, the main store is in Fort Smith and you might call them. Oh and I took a pretty good modern class at the UofA several years ago.
Coy – I am so glad Jason brought you to me. :) We do have remarkably similar health and fitness histories.
1. Lactic acid, yep. I try to get a deep tissue massage (mostly as it helps my migraines) every few weeks and I find this helps a great deal with regard to lactic acid buildup. It is the meantime I was having trouble with. I think the running, in moderation, with yoga may be of help.
2. I am pretty much loving yoga. I think it happened at the right time though. I need centering. :)
3. I will definitely call the dancewear place for a referral – thanks! I also had a conversation with someone in yoga class this past week and she mentioned an ex-SF ballet dancer who teaches in Fayetteville . Rosalind on Second Street? I will investigate. Also, if I get the position at UofA (fingers crossed) I fully plan on taking advantage of the group classes in the fitness center.
4. (a bonus response) I kind of love Fayetteville.
Em, Stefanie, and Coy – I love each of your comments! Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement. I am gradually working on finding a good combination. This past week I spent at least an hour per day doing yoga – in class and at home – and feel as though I found my flow, so to speak. I ran on Monday, and followed it up with an hour yoga class that evening. That seemed to help as I was able to fully stretch and open my hips in class. That may be the key for me – running on mornings when I follow with a yoga class in the evenings. I will keep you posted!