Stepped Out of Comfort Zone: My Initial Experience with a Running Club Participation
In the heart of Abu Dhabi, a resident who moved to the city a decade ago has embarked on a new fitness journey. With a history in fitness, having been a gymnast and participating in various group classes, the individual initially disliked running but was encouraged to incorporate more cardio into their routine by a nutritionist.
The individual's first encounter with running was not without its challenges. Nervousness about running was primarily in their own head, but they found the courage to step onto the track. The first run was difficult, and the individual was sore, but they persevered.
The individual found solace in the "Run Pack Berlin" social running club, which takes place at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports, located at Adnec. Initially, the running club seemed intimidating, but the coach and fellow runners provided support and encouragement.
The individual's first run was a success, completing three laps of the 1.2-kilometre indoor track. The individual felt proud of themselves for overcoming their anxiety about running. To celebrate their achievement, they posted their Whoop strain score of 13.1 on social media.
While running doesn't have to be a competition, measuring personal fitness gains can be useful. Fitness trackers, such as Whoop, can help by recording pace and time, making it easy to see progress. The individual found the endorphins that come after running make it worth the effort, even though running is still challenging.
After the first run, the individual returned for another session of the running club, but this time at a smaller indoor track with different members. The individual might attempt to find an outdoor running route when the weather gets cooler.
A friend replied to the individual's social media post, saying they were proud of them, and suggested that it doesn't get easier, but the individual gets faster. This encouragement spurred the individual on to continue their running journey.
No one on the track seemed to pay much attention to what others were doing, creating a welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere. The individual's nervousness about running was alleviated by the friendly and supportive environment.
Good trainers, proper stretching, and cooling down are important for running, especially for beginners. The individual is looking forward to continuing their running journey and embracing the challenges that come with it. The endorphins and sense of accomplishment that come after running make it all worthwhile.
