Running Sucks! But I'm Running and Here's How!

Written by: Abi Ayres

April 13, 2024

Time to read 3 min

A Journey from Running Skepticism to Marathon Aspiration

Have you ever looked at runners with a mixture of admiration and bewilderment, wondering what drives them to push through the pain, the sweat, and the sheer effort of it all? If so, you're not alone. For many, the idea of running elicits thoughts of discomfort, self-doubt, and the daunting prospect of never measuring up to the elite athletes who seem to effortlessly glide across the pavement.

I used to share this sentiment wholeheartedly. Running, to me, was synonymous with struggle. The concept of pounding the pavement mile after mile seemed unfathomable, especially considering I didn't fit the stereotypical image of a "runner." Yet, as life often does, it threw me a curveball that reshaped my perspective entirely.

Last fall, I embarked on a journey that challenged my preconceptions about running and opened my eyes to its transformative power. Teaming up with Vox media and Milk, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of running like never before. My destination? New York City, where I trained alongside seasoned marathoners who showed me what it truly means to embrace the sport.

A Total Non-Runner Trains with NYC Marathoners | “Running Sucks” Ep. 1

Running Sucks. Or Does It?

The experience was nothing short of eye-opening. Surrounded by inspiring women who shared their passion for running, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose and determination. Gone were the doubts that had plagued me for so long; instead, I found myself filled with a desire to push my limits and defy my own expectations.

Central to this transformation was my collaboration with Jessie Zapo, an extraordinary running coach whose guidance proved invaluable in my journey. Through her organization, Girls Run, Jessie created a supportive community where women of all backgrounds and abilities could come together to pursue their running goals.

Under Jessie's training, I learned that running isn't just about speed or distance—it's about embracing the journey, one step at a time. Whether it was tackling challenging workouts or simply enjoying the act of moving, every moment spent on the road felt like a victory in itself.

Learn More About Jessie Zapo

Today, I proudly call myself a runner. It hasn't been an easy road; progress has been slow, and setbacks have been plentiful. But through it all, I've come to realize that the joy of running lies not in reaching some arbitrary finish line but in the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.

As I look ahead to the future, I'm filled with excitement at the prospect of running a marathon someday, potentially the Every Woman's Marathon powered by Team Milk in Savvanah, Georgia on Nov 16th! You can learn more HERE. It's a goal that once seemed out of reach but now feels like a real possibility, and I know I can do hard things thanks to the support and encouragement of those who believed in me.

If my journey has inspired you to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement, know that you're not alone. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or completely new at it, there's a place for you in the world of running.

And if you're in need of a little motivation to get started, I've compiled some resources to help you along the way. From essential gear to uplifting playlists, consider this your roadmap to a newfound passion for running.

Remember, it's not about how fast you go or how far you run—it's about the journey itself. Go ahead, embrace the suck, and discover the extraordinary potential that lies within you.

Favorite Gear:

Merrell Women's Antora 3 Sneaker: By far has been my favorite shoe to run in this far!
Garmin Forerunner Watch: I swear this watch keeps me going sometimes. I love how it tracks my pace, my heart rate, my route and more. So great to keep you motivated towards your running goals.
Heyoboy Women's Ankle Anti-Blister Socks: Even with good shoes you need good socks. These are amazing, they have great cushion and help you avoid blisters. ; they have great cushions

View the list of all my favorite running gear here!

Running Playlists:

Spotify Playlist: Listen Here
Apple Music Playlist: Listen Here

Shop Running Gear

Running Plan Download

A small guide to get you started.

Objectives for the initial training phase:

The main goals for the first training block are to establish consistent movement, start with run/walk intervals, improve breathing technique, develop warm-up and cool-down habits, address any discomfort, and maintain an easy pace while running.

This plan is widely credited to Jessie Zapo and input from all of you (our community of followers).

Download Here