Barriers to Running

Perhaps we should consider why they don't run. Maybe we can help them to break down the barriers and then get to enjoy the extra endorphins, energy levels and helpings of ice cream! So what exactly is it that's stopping them? Have they had a bad experience in the past? As an ex primary school teacher and P.E specialist I am sometimes asked to deliver courses to non specialist teachers who are delivering P.E. The first thing I do is to ask them to draw a picture of themselves with a happy/sad or otherwise face and write the first 5 words that spring to mind when they think of their own experience of P.E. when they were a child. They then share their memories and experiences with a partner who decides whether it is positive or negative overall. Most of the time the negatives out-weigh the positives. Words that often appear are "freezing", "cross country", "embarrassing" "team-picking". If these are their childhood memories of physical activity it is no wonder that they don't 'get' running as we do.

Age and gender may also determine why your friends shun your suggestion of a trot around the park. Until as recently as the 1970s women were discouraged from competitive sports and running in general. I'm sure we are all familiar with the story of Kathrine Switzer who entered and ran the Boston Marathon defying the attempts of a male official to forcibly remove her from the competition. Any middle aged woman or older may not feel they have the background to be able to put on a pair of running shoes and head out for a jog. They may see themselves as un-athletic and consider running to be out of their league.

Body image is a tricky one to tackle and anyone new to running may look at the kit that regular runners favour and cringe at the thought of putting on shorts or tights or anything else that exposes bumps, bulges or flab but the only piece of kit that is essential is a decent pair of shoes that will make the experience pain free. Which brings me onto another point. If money is the issue we should point out that shoes are the only essential and they don't have to cost a fortune. Last years model or colour is nearly always available with a good discount in any running specialist store. A word of caution though - new runners sometimes feel, as they may with their running, that they are not good enough to go to a running specialist, but this is exactly where they should go to get the right advice and the best shoe for their needs. Here they will be fitted with the best shoes for positive running experiences.

How many of us have used and heard "time" as an excuse for not running? We are so busy at work and our hectic lives that there is no time for a half hour run. Maybe work places should consider the benefits of giving employees that time to get out for exercise and fresh air. Has anyone else had work colleagues or family members say to them, "I'm glad you're going for a run - you are always in a much better mood when you get back." Say no more!

Both Scottish Athletics and England Athletics are currently running programmes to bring more people into the running community and encourage potential running and jogging leaders to start up groups in clubs, communities and work places. For more information go to 

www.runinengland.co.uk

www.jogscotland.org.uk