Running is amazing. Not everyone will be able to play for the Reds or the Bengals. Not everyone will be able to travel on the PGA Tour. Not everyone will be able to play in the NHL. But anyone can finish a 5K if he or she is dedicated enough. There are a million inspirational stories regarding people who started from nothing and ended up finishing full marathons! That’s why they make the Couch to 5K app! Plus, it’s inexpensive. There is very little equipment needed, and some people will argue that it’s actually better to run barefoot anyway. The best part is, you can do this with your whole family. The sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line is addicting. Running programs that feature kids are springing up all over the nation like Girls on the Run (which also took place in Cincinnati in May), and the Kids’ Marathon, where children run 25 miles and run the last mile on race day so they can also claim they ran a full marathon! What a great way to teach children dedication, hard work, and encourage health and fitness!
If running is something you are considering, congratulations, you already took step 1!
Step 1: Find your motivation.
For me, this is my daughter, my family, and my health
Step 2: Read about running to really motivate yourself.
Runners’ World Magazine, “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes, “26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss” by Dean Karnazes, “50 50” by Dean Karnazes, “Eat & Run” by Scott Jurek, “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall (soon to be a movie!), “Pre: The Story Of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine” by Tom Jordan (also a movie!)… all are really inspiring and make you want to lace up your running kicks!
Step 3: Go to a local running store and GET FITTED!
Running doesn’t require much equipment. The most important purchase will be your sneakers. Go to a running store, talk to a professional, run on the treadmill so they can gauge your stride, and get fitted for the perfect shoe. Having the right sneaker could be the difference between continuing and quitting.
Step 4: Consider your diet.
A lot of foods make us sluggish. I could go on and on about nutrition, but research. Try to eat foods with only one ingredient. For instance, carrots are just carrots. Eggplant is just eggplant. Heavy foods, heavy drinking… they won’t inspire you to run! You’ll find that as you get going, your nutrition will improve as well. It’s just an extra perk!
Step 5: Avoid chafing!
Invest in some sweat-wicking clothing. You can find this anywhere these days, and for cheap. Vaseline, or Body Glide if you feel like splurging, can also help. Put this in areas where you might experience some rubbing–thighs are usually the main culprit!
Step 6: Go run!
Find a Couch to 5K program. There are a ton of apps, a ton of information on the Internet, and a ton of running clubs to help you set up a schedule. Stick to it! Here is a great place to start: Running For Beginners Also, try MapMyRun.com if you need to plan a route.
Step 7: Smile. Have fun.
Don’t feel guilty if you miss a run, have a “bad” run, feel tired and sore… This is a journey. Change your scenery. Try a trail. Sign up for a race; camaraderie is awesome! Every day you will get stronger. Running is not easy, but it can become meditative, it’s a great way to release stress, and it offers an excellent time to think. So go ahead, call yourself a runner, and be proud!
As for running in Cincinnati, here are some of my favorite places, though I am discovering new places all the time. I tend to run with a jogging stroller pretty often, so I am usually looking for something paved with minimal traffic or no traffic at all. But, if you are more of a “right-out-my-door” type runner, mapmyrun.com is my favorite place to map out a neighborhood run. Plus, you can see other routes that people have taken in the past.
PAVED TRAILS
1. Anderson Township: Beech Acres Park: PAVED .8 mile loop (and they plow in the winter!)
2. Lunken Airport: PAVED 5 mile trail loop. Often underwater and now under construction, so go when it has been sunny for a few days in a row.
3. Little Miami Trail: PAVED Mariemont, Connects to Lunken, Newtown, Milford, Loveland, Kings Mill, South Lebanon… I am missing a lot of towns, but you can find out more here: Little Miami Trail
Also, The Runners’ Club of Greater Cincinnati has some great resources for running routes and more: Cincinnati Running Routes via Running Club of Greater Cincinnati
They also have a great list of upcoming races in the area. You’re sure to find something run to sign up for! Running Club of Greater Cincinnati’s Calendar of Events
I’m always looking for new routes, so if you find something great, please share!
