The Key to Loving Running

By Myra “MeeMee” Taylor (@MTaylor_Writer) New Runners, have you ever wondered – When am I going to really enjoy running? Well 2 months after I started, I asked that very same question of my friend who has been running since high school. Don’t get me wrong—I was okay with running since I was doing the Couch to 5k program which was easing me into the activity, but I didn’t love it like veteran runners say they do. I mean, how could I when you have to remember so much! Lean forward slightly but not too much. Make sure the ball of your foot strikes down—not your heel. Don’t slouch! Keep your chin up. And, for crying out loud, don’t forget to breathe through your STOMACH! Oy vey! With all that thinking and trying to get the perfect form, running was stressful! I asked my friend how in the heck did she do it? How was she able to enjoy running so much? She shrugged her shoulders and quietly told me the key. She responded that she…just runs. Say what?! No counting her breaths in and out? No keeping her arms at a 90 degree angle? No putting any thought into it at all? Let me tell you, ladies, she was right. One day I was running and having a great time, feeling like Flo Jo, when I suddenly realized why: I wasn’t obsessing about my form! Even though I hadn’t counted my breaths in 20 minutes, I didn’t fall into a coma. Without consciously directing every little step, my feet still managed to hit the ground properly. I was totally relaxed. It was an incredible feeling. Dare I say it? It was…love! Here’s the thing for you beginners – you DO have to think about your technique, but once you’ve done it enough, it becomes second nature. You won’t have to think about it anymore. For me, it took a few months. For you, maybe it will be less. But it will happen. Don’t give up! You will love running too. Now I hit the pavement and guess what my thoughts are – “just run.” Myra “Meemee” Taylor is a proud member of the BGR-Los Angeles Chapter. Check out her humorous blog, www.cheapskate-a-holic.com, for tips on saving money and her short story “Lavender Sheets” in the sci-fi anthology The Memory Eater available on Amazon.com.  

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