Active Body/Steady Mind

By Carla Lisio, LCSW

Executive Vice President, Behavioral Services

So you are training for your first 5K. Maybe you will lose some weight, maybe you will feel stronger, lower your blood pressure, find new friends.

But did you know that having an active lifestyle can quiet your mind?

I am not always thrilled at the prospect of leaving my warm bed to run. It is 6:00 am. In the winter, it is dark and cold. Maybe it is even raining or snowing. How could making myself run up the hill, heart pounding, breath coming hard, be good for my sense of well-being? Shouldn’t I be finding peace on the meditation cushion?

Well, no.

I live in my body – so do you. But, so often, the stressors in our lives put us in our heads. I know that is where I go when I fight with my boyfriend, feel overwhelmed at work, wonder how I will pay for college. It is not a good place to be. At times, my mind runs around like a hamster on a wheel. I feel burdened and distracted by my own thoughts. I am not attuned to my body and my surroundings. I am not going to solve problems or improve my state of being this way. I need to get out of my head. And so I run.

When I run, it is like a meditation. My mind runs too, sometimes on the same topics that have burdened me. But this time the thoughts do not stick. My mind does not attach to the thoughts – I can watch them roll around but not hold on to them. They lose the intensity they need to weigh me down.

I don’t always want to run. I don’t always even like it when I am doing it – “Is this run over soon???” But I never regret that I did it when I am done. And I never feel worse after I have done it. I always feel accomplished, virtuous, clearer, steadier and incredibly fortunate that I have this gift of fitness that I gave myself. What else can you count on in life like that?



“So You Want To Run A 5K.  Now what?”

by Lori Zakalik, MHA intern

 That is what I asked myself upon registering for my first ever race.  After doing a quick Google search I realized I was not alone in my feelings of apprehension.  “What do I do to prepare for my first 5K?” “Good tips for running my first 5K,” and “How long do I need to prepare for my first 5K?” were just three of the many links that jumped out at me from behind my computer screen.  The internet is a fantastic tool, but it can be overwhelming…especially if you can’t complete the 5 minute warm-up jog before softball practice but you are planning on running a race.  Now, two years later, I am a running addict who’s preparing to run my first half-marathon.  Here are some helpful tips I learned en route to becoming a runner.

Where To Begin When You Don’t Know Where To Begin

                The hardest thing about running is taking that first step.  From a mental standpoint, being able to run more than a minute at a time seems an impossible hurdle to overcome.  You won’t be able to run a full 3.1 miles your first time out and if you try you may end up injuring yourself.  Building endurance is an uphill battle and it is difficult to know how to begin.  If you are a real beginner, try walking briskly for a few minutes, then running for a minute or two, and then walking again.  Each time you go for a run, increase the amount of time you spend running.  Make sure to allow yourself a rest day between runs so your body can recover properly.  While this process is not speedy, it does help to avoid injury.  Besides, endurance isn’t just developed overnight.

Once you are able to run 10-15 minutes, Runner's World has a great 5K training plan:

WEEK	TUESDAY	THURSDAY	SATURDAY
1	1.5 miles	1.5 miles	2 miles
2	2 miles	2 miles	2.5 miles
3	2 miles	2.5 miles	3 miles
4	2.5 miles	2.5 miles	3 miles
5	2.5 miles	2 miles	RACE 3.1 miles!

This five week plan allows you to build endurance gradually while never running two days in a row.  You should not, however, be completely inactive the other four days of the week.  Use two of your non-running days to cross-train by walking, riding a bike or using the elliptical and rest for the remaining two days.  As always, the key to a successful training plan is sticking to it.

I’m Stuck In A Rut

                Every runner goes through a period where the motivation to run just isn’t there.  You know you should run, but you can’t bring yourself to tie up your laces and head out the door.  So what do you do in those situations?  I have three methods to help me climb out of the deep, dark hole caused by lack of motivation.  One of my favorite ways to get out of a rut is to create a new running playlist.  Music is a great motivator and a great distraction if you find yourself bored with your running routine.  Another fantastic trick for getting out of your rut is the ten minute test.  Before I start my run I tell myself I am going to run for 10 minutes and depending on how I feel, continue my run or walk home.  Usually I feel great after ten minutes and I complete my entire run.  What holds most runners back is not a physical hurdle, but a mental one.  For me, the idea of going for a 90 minute run seems overwhelming, but if I say I am only running for 10 minutes I can get myself out the front door.  Then, once I am in my rhythm I don’t want to stop.  The best thing about the ten minute test is you can adjust it to fit your needs.  It can become the five minute test, or the twenty minute test, depending on your own personal preference.  My final strategy for getting out of a rut is to sign up for a race.  Nothing motivates me more than the fear of not reaching the goals I set for myself. Presumably, if you are reading this you are already signed up for the MHA on the move 5K.  Next time you don’t want to go for a run, just think about how that run will help you perform better on May 6^th. 

What Should I Wear?

                Of course the most important aspect of any running outfit is the shoes.  If you go to a running specialty store like The Bronxville Running Company or The Rye Running Company, you can get a pair of shoes to fit your foot type and running form.  Remember, running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles because running in worn-out shoes is a common cause of injury.  Another important tip is to avoid cotton clothing.  Cotton absorbs moisture and if you are running in the rain, or you sweat a lot, your clothes will weigh you down.  Be sure to wear technical running apparel as the material is breathable and doesn’t lock in moisture. 

Do you have any helpful running tips or suggestions?  We’d love to hear from you!