Photo by Dorothea OLDANI
I liked running, but running didn’t like me.
So this is a story all about how…
When I adopted M in May of 2019, I knew from previous experience that I didn’t want a cubby puppy.
I’d had very happy and well-fed pups in the past, but I also know that comes with a slew of health complications and limitations.
The best option I saw at the time: start running. So I made a playlist, downloaded an app, set a goal, and got to work.
For context, I was a sprinter + thrower in high school, but have never ever been a fan of distance running. At most, I’d run a mile non-stop in my life. And even that was a long time ago.
When I started running, I was very concerned about my girls jiggling, juking and jiving as I tried to get these gainz. I didn’t want any weird comments, or stares. Yes, both sets of cheeks jiggled, let’s move on. I felt super self-conscious about all the shake-shake happening, but I ran anyway. That’s literally the only option: keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I used Nike Running app to track my progress, and quickly set out to reach my goal. I started out by doing interval training, so sprinting full-speed, break. repeat. I worked my way up to 5km and beyond, all in the interval style.
It wasn’t until I started using Strava, another running app, that I focused more on distance and less on speed. I always felt in competition with myself when I used the Nike app and it wasn’t fun. I was afraid that if my km was 2 mins longer than normal, I’d bring my average down. It was a toxic and unnecessary cycle. I knew I needed a change.
Then the pain started…
I’ve spoken previously about my journey with Vitamin D deficiency…
Well, it was extremely apparent when I was running 5-7 days a week for months on end. In order to really ingrain a habit, I do it over and over again. I am a fan of streaks. It’s how I condition myself and habit stack. I ran 5-7 days a week for almost a year, then I allowed myself some wiggle room. That meant running 4-5 days a week, and eventually 2-3 times a week.
When lockdown began, I craved the freedom of running even more. I needed to feel free, uninhibited and full of life. Also, that I could breathe, because pandemic cabin fever is real.
I noticed my shins feeling like cracked marble.
Running became painful most likely due to my Vitamin D deficiency.
No matter how many rest days I took, no matter how much I stretched, I never felt fully recovered. I just imagined microscopic cracks shooting horizontally across my shins. It felt like tiny sharp, sporadic pains. I had to find an alternative because running felt more like punishment than exercise.
I asked for a stationary bike for my birthday, and I haven’t looked back since.
Riding has been such a joy! I can do it between classes and meetings with zero hassle. I can set the timer or the distance, and best of all, it doesn’t hurt! I’ve noticed tangible differences in my thighs and calves, and my core feels strong! It truly is a full-body workout!
3 Reasons Why Riding is Better than Running:
I can breathe. I can workout safely from my home without wearing a mask, or watching out for people not wearing masks. En fin, I feel safer.
No time wasted. Running means a change of clothes, running at an “off” time of day, and also needing a shower post-workout. For longer runs that’s a 2-hour process door to door, and that’s time I don’t have to spare.
It doesn’t hurt. I could ride for 50km, but since it’ low-impact it doesn’t hurt!!
I believe that I got shin splints that never fully healed. I believe that sprinting on concrete wasn’t the best move for me, so when the option of biking came on the table, I was ecstatic. The best part about biking is that I can set measurable goals and reach them between classes and meetings with zero stress.
I liked the idea of running. I enjoyed breaking new records like the time I ran a 3:56 km, but listening to my body was the best thing I’ve ever done. I can now workout without pain, and without feeling like I’ve used up a quarter or my day! 10/10 would recommend.
