A few years back, I was all in. I was that person signing up for every race that came across my radar—10K’s, half-marathons, marathons—you name it. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the camaraderie at the starting line, the way the crowds cheered you on, it was all so energizing. I didn’t even need music to get through a run, even a whole 42km marathon, which, I know, sounds crazy to most people. But there I was, in my zone, taking it all in and doing something I enjoyed.
I collected lots of medals and racked up plenty of podium finishes, but most importantly I had some memorable international races, and met tons of amazing people along the way. I discovered that running was a really accessible sport; all you needed was a pair of shoes and the will to go. I could literally show up to a race, put one foot in front of the other, and—boom—be part of a community of people all working toward the same goal.
So, what happened? Why did I stop running?
For me, it came down to how running changed my body. Sure, the endorphins were great, but the long hours of training stripped away muscle mass and left me feeling too thin for my liking. It wasn’t about vanity—it was just about the fact that I didn’t feel strong anymore. To add to that, keeping up with CrossFit, running and soccer was incredibly challenging, especially as I was trying to perform at a high level with all three sports.
But lately, I've found myself thinking: Should I return to running? Should I get back to those road races?
Many people don’t enjoy running, and not because it could make them too skinny. For most, running is tough. It’s demanding. The idea of pounding the pavement for miles and miles can be enough to make anyone reconsider. But here’s the thing: It’s all in your head.
When I first started running, I didn’t care about time or pace. I was just happy to finish. I didn’t have big goals like breaking records or hitting a specific pace—no pressure, just the thrill of completing something that challenged me. That mentality kept me motivated and made running fun.
In fact, when I ran my first marathon, I didn’t have some grand goal. My friend/colleague and I decided we would stop at every water station along the way. It was a strategy. It gave us small, achievable goals to look forward to, and honestly, it made my first marathon much more enjoyable. It wasn’t until later that I realized I was capable of more. I started to push myself for faster times, read running books and joined run clubs to train with others. That’s when the real challenge began—and with it, the true rewards.
If you're thinking of returning to running, or starting for the first time, here are a few things I learned along the way that might help:
Long Slow Distance Runs (LSD)
These are my absolute favorite. The premise behind LSD is simple: you run for long periods but at a very manageable pace, often mixing in short walking breaks. I’ll do something like a 10-minute run followed by 1-minute walk (10:1), and I can keep going for a while. The point of these runs isn’t speed, but to accumulate distance over time without overexerting yourself. If you're training for a longer race, this method is an absolute game-changer. It keeps you from burning out and helps build endurance without putting too much stress on your body.
If you’re looking to improve your times, interval training is where the magic happens. Short bursts of high-intensity effort, followed by periods of recovery, train your body to run faster and more efficiently. It was when I started incorporating intervals into my weekly routine that I saw my race times drop significantly. And let's face it, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your progress in real numbers. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your body adapts, and how much faster you can get with just one or two interval sessions per week.
Everyone Can Run
One of the most beautiful things about running is that everyone can do it. There’s no “type” of runner—no specific body shape or fitness level required. It’s a sport that welcomes all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to be competitive. You just need to start with small, achievable goals and build from there. Whether you’re running alone or with a group, running can be whatever you make of it.
So, here I am, wondering whether to lace up my sneakers and hit the road once again. The thought of participating in road races—the excitement, the community, the challenge—does bring back a sense of nostalgia. But this time, my approach would be different. It would be less about pushing myself to win and more about enjoying the journey (I say that now!).
Maybe I’ll sign up for a race sometime soon—no expectations, no pressure, just the experience of being part of something bigger. If I do, I know I’ll aim to run at my own pace, with the same love for the sport I had all those years ago.
If you're considering a return to running (or starting for the first time), I say go for it. Set your own pace. Find your own goals. And most importantly, enjoy the ride. You never know where a pair of running shoes might take you.
Happy running, friends!
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