Chronicles of a Slow Runner: Guide to Being a Beginner
Anxiously waiting to press start on my Strava app, I look out at a sea of racers clad in their neon-coloured running vests and Garmin watches.
In a moment the bell goes, and we’re off. I’m swept up in a pack of over 100 trail runners and there’s no turning back.
Coming out a little too strong, I raced past others, trying to find a steady pace. My heart pounding from the nerves and not just the fact that I was already out of breath only a few minutes in.
The gaps begin to widen between runners and we fall into a single file line as we leave the gravel and hit the trails of Fish Creek Park in South Calgary. Winding along the creek, it wasn’t long before I turned the corner and let out a defeated sigh at the sight of the first hill. I gathered as much strength as possible for the sharp incline and ran until I had to power walk to the top. Just don’t stop, I repeated over and over in my mind with lungs maxed out and chest tight.
I steadily deteriorated throughout the race, feeling worse than any training run I had done in the park in the weeks prior. Twelve kilometres began to feel like an eternity, and I was thankful that my sister and I had only signed up for the 25-kilometre team race because I was struggling.
As I near the final kilometre of the course, snaking through the trees, someone darts from behind me with a surge of energy. I read the back of his t-shirt as he passed: “Tough grandpa.” Great, I’m getting passed by a grandpa, I thought as I hung on for dear life in the last minutes of the race.
As the cowbell rang and the finish line appeared around the corner, I used up all the gas I had left and didn’t care about anything else but finishing—what I had set out to do in the first place.
This past year, I discovered a love for trail running. My sister and I happened to uncover this passion around the same time, which meant I had someone to run with. It started on day hikes when we’d hit the downhill sections and just couldn’t resist bounding down the trails at near uncontrolled speeds.
When I get into a groove while running, it feels as if my body gets lighter. I begin to move with the trail features, finding the path of least resistance in only milliseconds of decision-making. Brain turned on to the highest level, flying through the terrain—this fills me with joy, and I love the fact that when I’m running, I can’t be anything other than present in the moment.
When we heard about the Calgary Ultra Trail Run held every June, the thought of entering seemed daunting, but after some humming and hawing, we both figured, what is there to lose?
Our training days became more consistent with this new goal to look forward to. The first time we went out to Fish Creek Park to practice running the course, I remarked to my sister, “My goal is eight kilometres, I don’t think I can do more than that.” Well, we ended up running the total wrong direction, and by the time we made it back to the parking lot, we had run 16 kilometres—the two of us aren’t known for our route-finding capabilities. But it was then that I discovered the cliche mantra “you’re stronger than you think” may actually ring true.
Though my time during the trail race was, well, slow, I had done what I set out to do and achieved my goal of simply finishing (and all without throwing up or getting lost). That was enough of an accomplishment for me and enough to push me onto the next objective of hopefully completing a solo 25-kilometre trail run next year.
Maybe your goal is to finally land that 180 at the ski hill or you’ve decided to take your climbing from the gym to real rock, being a beginner can be an arduous journey, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. It’s the opportunity to learn more about yourself, connect with others and discover you’re capable of more than you may have thought.
So, here are five things things I’ve taken away from my journey as a beginner.
So, You’re Starting a New Outdoor Activity?
Find a Friend
Find a buddy who’s willing to take on early morning starts and commit to training or just consistently getting outside with you. This makes an immense difference in motivation, encouragement and accountability. Don’t be afraid of training with someone who is better than you; you’ll improve much quicker this way.
Make a Goal
When you have something you’re working towards, something with a set date and time, it gives you that extra push on the days when it’s hard to get up and get moving.
Be Consistent
Not every time you go out has to be your best effort to date or some kind of personal best. Sometimes just showing up is what makes the difference. You’ll never regret getting outside and moving your body.
Get the Right Gear
Having the right gear can make a huge difference in your comfort as you try new outdoor activities. This doesn’t have to be the most expensive gear when you first start out, but make sure you have equipment that fits you right and will help you have the best experience possible.
Laugh at Yourself
Trying something new often means failing. Sometimes having the ability to laugh at yourself and take it all in perspective is key. We were all beginners at some point; even the best had to start somewhere, and failing means learning, so why not have a few laughs along the way.
