Running has been my favorite type of exercise for many years.
I started running because it was free.
When my husband and I first got married, we had very little money. I couldn’t afford a gym membership or my own workout equipment. I could lace up my sneakers and go for a run without requiring specialized gear. I would sometimes utilize the school’s outdoor track or simply jog around the neighborhood. At first, I had no stamina. I could only run about half of a mile before I felt winded and needed to slow to a walking pace. However, I quickly built up my endurance and improved my speed. For a few years, I was running everyday and putting in anywhere from eight to twelve miles. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of the importance of proper stretching, hydration and running shoes. I would take off without warming up and finish without cooling down. I wasn’t drinking enough water, and I’d bought my shoes for ten dollars at a Walmart. I eventually developed issues with plantar fasciitis. It felt as if the bottom of my foot was tearing open on every step. It was extremely painful to even walk. Running was out of the question. It took a long time for my feet to heal. Although I’ve gotten back into running for a workout, I’m much smarter about it now. I’ve invested into footwear that is designed for running. I never run two days in a row. I am always conscientious about a warm up and cool down, and I make an effort to drink lots of water before and after the run.