Running came spontaneously. I became surrounded by people who run. Be careful who you surround yourself with because it is true that you become like five people you spend the most time with. Choose them wisely<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, my reaction to all those runners was: I don\u2019t know how and why you do that \u2013 what\u2019s the point of running and torturing yourself for long periods of time? It is not until you start and get hooked that you learn the answer to that question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I started slow. My first run was around 7,5km long and my only goal was not to stop. No matter how slow you go, just keep running – an okay first goal, but sometimes it’s what you tell yourself during longer runs later on as well \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few weeks later I did my first 10k race. It was November, it was cold and it started snowing. Not an ideal first race but that\u2019s what made it memorable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a balance in the Universe, so the weather for my first half-marathon was ideal. It was a cold, summer night and I prefer running after the sun goes down. I guess that is why I did not have a crisis after about 15th kilometer that everyone was telling me about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many shorter races in the country and abroad led me to my second half-marathon in Amsterdam<\/a>, which was an amazing experience. I did not see any race that well organized and with such great support all the way. They had people cheering during the entire race. Every kilometer there was a band, DJ or music playing. The positive atmosphere and energy during the races are amazing and something you must experience in order to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I did two trail races (mountain run). It involves a lot of ups and downs, it is harder but more fun and interesting than regular running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am an amateur, far away from a fast or a great runner. Many friends of mine train and run a lot more than I do. Still, it is an activity that brought so many good things to my life and my health which is why I am writing this post. Hopefully, someone will be motivated to start a new healthy habit and join us on the next race. <\/p>\n\n\n\n My goal is to be consistent and enjoy races. It is not to be faster than anyone or to chase a certain time \u2013 it is just to run consistently (2 or 3 times per week) and to enjoy long races the entire way. What\u2019s the point if you don\u2019t enjoy it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few reasons why you should join us on the next race:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You just need to have a good pair of running shoes. By this I mean shoes for running that are 2 sizes bigger than your regular shoe size. Trust me, I learned this the harder way. With the right shoes, you protect your knees and your toenails <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need any preparation nor special skill, just will. Okay, you can also get the watch later to track your speed and heart rate \u2013 because if you don\u2019t measure you can\u2019t improve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The hardest part is that first step, but once you start you know you must go on until the end. You start with a shorter distance and then make them longer. Some people like to run in a group \u2013 it might be easier for beginners, especially since when running alone you can easily stop and give up. When running in a group, others will keep you moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I prefer running alone because I keep my own pace and have no pressure from others. I can focus on myself, my thoughts and not be bothered if someone is faster or slower than me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While running, you are always fighting yourself. Many people say that running is more mental ability than physical and even though being fit is very important, long distances you often finish because of your mental strength. It is a great mental exercise \u2013 you are trying to beat yourself, be better than you were yesterday and finish the run without stopping, without giving up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You learn to push yourself. You learn how to talk to yourself and eliminate every negative thought and replace it with a positive one because you need to finish the run. There is no room for negativity. You replace every I can\u2019t with I can and I will \u2013 there is no other option. This is very useful for life in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember the quote saying: A marathon is not just an athletic discipline. It is a mindset that tells you that everything is possible<\/strong>. That\u2019s why people run \u2013 it is hard every time, you are struggling every time. Eventually, you learn that you can go on long after you think you can\u2019t.<\/strong> (this is true for life in general)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, when you cross that finish line \u2013 you know that there are no limits and you think: If I did this \u2013 I can do anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It teaches you discipline (and discipline is #1 skill for success in life and career). You can run a lot in one day, but if you don\u2019t do it regularly, you won\u2019t be able to finish long races. There are no shortcuts, no skipping, no leaving it for tomorrow. Every day counts, every run counts. Results are built only with consistency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I can\u2019t wait to finish the race even before I start You will feel the endorphins your body is releasing and you will want that feeling again and again. It might feel very hard at some points while you are running, but once you are done, it is all well worth it. You can\u2019t help but smile, you feel great, alive, you feel like you accomplished something very big and important \u2013 and you did. You did yourself, your body and health a huge favor. As Chalene Johnson<\/a> says \u2013 exercise only on the days you want to improve your mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many useful resources online. Check out NY Times guide how to start running<\/a> or Guardian stories about running<\/a>. You might decide to create art with your running paths like this guy.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"running\"](\"https:\/\/anabrzakovic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20171231_163754_807-1024x1024.jpg\")
![\"21k](\"https:\/\/anabrzakovic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20180624_011404_249-1-1024x778.jpg\")
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It is free, easy and for everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It helps you build mental strength<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/anabrzakovic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20180922_133725_767.jpg\")
You build a mindset that says that everything is possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It teaches you that consistency is the key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/anabrzakovic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/IMG_20180407_151637_288-1024x1024.jpg\")
The feeling after run is priceless <\/h2>\n\n\n\n