Contagious Running

In the past I've happily served as a volunteer coach with people training for the Peachtree Road Race 10K and the Atlanta Half Marathon. I enjoyed working with folks who had caught the passion for running and set goals of participating in major races. Recently, I've been encouraging some of my colleagues to embrace running as a means of weight loss/control and fitness. Most of them have not done much in the way of jogging previously.

In this situation, I've found it's a hard sell to get people to sign on to think about running as a part of their lifestyle. Road blocks in the process include running takes a fair amount of time out of a daily schedule, initial shoe costs and of course the ubiquitous physical aspects. Breathing is difficult at first, and for some throughout the run. Aches and pains come in places one never considers (ear and belly button) these and others have been issues for my friends.

I've suggested they keep an exercise journal; write down their weight weekly, take measurements and before and after pictures. Last week we implemented interval cardio cross training. My ultimate goal is to get them through the initial difficulties and encourage them to be long term runners. To my delight they keep coming back to run. Each outing begins with high energy and a positive attitude. My favorite part is an institution they started. After each two mile run/walk the group sprints up a hill. I find this a great symbol of triumph and victory for the day.

Run with friends.

Tom