Two runners on what got them into the sport
image via nike
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“It started out as being a physical challenge but when I realised it helped my mental health it became a lifestyle choice for me.”
Before I became a regular runner, I never believed people who claimed to genuinely ‘enjoy’ it. Hauling your body out of bed to pound the pavements (in public, no less) while gasping for breath, with sweat pooling underneath your lycra garments, sounded more like my personal hell than an enjoyable form of exercise.
So no one was more surprised than me when late last year I found a rabid passion for running. I credit Fashion Journal‘s Managing Editor, Giulia, for igniting the running spark in me. A fervent runner herself (we’re talking marathons, baby), she suggested I try out the Nike Run Club App. She sang its praises so convincingly that I buckled, downloaded the app and went for my first run.
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Ever since that run, my life has changed in truly remarkable ways. My chronic, lifelong anxiety has improved greatly (my unprofessional estimate is that it’s eased by at least 70 per cent) and I’ve found a form of movement I don’t dread doing. In fact, on the days when I know I have a run to do later, I genuinely look forward to it (something I never thought possible with exercise).
Last year, I ran the 10km run at the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival – at the time, it was a huge achievement for me. This year, I decided to push myself and train for the half marathon. The training process taught me so much about resilience, persistence and listening to my body, but unfortunately, a foot injury has meant I’ve had to put a pin in it for now.
If it’s not already obvious, I’m fully on board the running train, and there’s nothing I like more than speaking to other runners who are equally as passionate about it. If you’ve been considering getting into running but don’t know where to start, I reached out to comedian Aurelia St Clair and model Malaan Ajang, both Nike ambassadors who are currently training for the upcoming marathon, for their advice and thoughts on the sport.
How long have you been a runner, and what got you into running in a big way?
Aurelia St Clair: I’ve been a runner since 2015 when I entered my first fun run and started going for jogs to prepare. Even though I ran the Nike Melbourne Half Marathon in 2018 and 2019, I didn’t think of myself as a ‘runner’ because I was only training for these races, but not really running consistently. Then the pandemic hit and I downloaded the Nike Run Club app again.
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I started with the beginner-friendly guided runs and entered a 50k monthly challenge in-app for motivation. Once I made a habit of running regularly it became easier, and then it even started being fun. As a podcaster, I love listening to stories. There’s a series of guided runs that take you on another athlete’s journey, like Run with Joanie, who is with the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon runner, Joan Benoit Samuelson. I’ve listened to it a few times now and keep revisiting runs I’ve found motivating again and again.
Malaan Ajang: For as long as I can remember, running has always been one of those activities that made me feel free. As a child growing up, we didn’t have toys, parks or playgrounds so kids were very creative with games to make the day go by. My favourite games involved running! In my schooling years I was part of every sporting team; basketball, netball and track and field. Honestly, in hindsight, I wanted to be a pro athlete when I grew up!
Fast forward to adulthood and my unpredictable career path and I am travelling the world. Not only did running improve my physical health but it helped my mental health (anxiety and loneliness) immensely. Once I discovered the relief I experience when running I started packing my runners, finding the nearest track no matter where I go.
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When the pandemic hit, I started to experience the same overwhelming feelings that I usually had when I was travelling. And, as lockdown rules tightened in Melbourne, I needed a sense of connection and community which was when I came across Nike Run Club app. I fell in love with various functions like the reward badges for your first 5k, 10k, Sunday runs, personal best and monthly challenges. I suddenly didn’t feel alone, so I started to share my experience on social media and involved my family and friends in running.
The app was motivating me and I was encouraging my community to move their body for their one-hour daily exercise. On days that I feel unmotivated I love using the guided runs by Nike coaches; honestly, they get me through a run when I didn’t think I had it in me. All you have to do is start! The app has also taught me so much about running. It’s not all about the distance, it’s the mental clarity and the mindfulness of what one feels after a run.
In what ways has running changed your life?
ASC: I get the best ideas when I’m running, I call it post-run clarity. I come to a lot of realisations mid-run and find it easy to make decisions after. Starting my day with a run feels like I’m setting myself up for success and makes me prioritise sleep over doom scrolling the night before a run. Usually, my dog Kenzo runs with me, and it’s been a great way to bond with him too because he loves running even more than me.
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MA: Running has changed my life in many different ways. It started out as being a physical challenge but when I realised it helped my mental health it became a lifestyle choice for me. The biggest/best reward is that my mental health is less overwhelming when I’m running and being free in the open with the sound of the wind, trees and water.
It has also strengthened my relationships with friends and family. I run every Sunday with my brothers, and this has become a bonding experience. I also run with my friends when someone is feeling down or anxious as the release of endorphins on a run is better than a night out.
What have you learnt about yourself during your recent training for the marathon?
ASC: Training has taught me how strong I actually am, and that consistency pays off. Looking at the duration and speed of my runs a year ago vs. now is super satisfying and motivates me to keep going. Earlier this year I was feeling a bit burnt out but somehow still found time for a run. As usual, I was listening to a guided run, and Coach Bennett said something along the lines of “You still have 50 miles left even when your tank is empty”. I think about that all the time when I hit a wall now. Running highlights the importance of resting and refuelling, which is something I’m still working on.
MA: Through marathon training, I have learnt that I can overcome any challenges and that I am never alone. It is truly the community of runners that helps me get through tough days or when I’m lacking motivation. The Nike training journey is specifically tailored to get you ready for the marathon and I genuinely feel stronger week by week and am building confidence in my run.
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I’ve also learnt it’s not about the distance or how hard you push your body, it’s about listening and aligning your mind and your body. I also love how the training is paired with strength and conditioning exercises as well as mindful yoga from the Nike Training Club app. Sometimes I coordinate between these exercises if I can’t run that day, and I still feel a sense of accomplishment and feel the benefits on track with my running.
What tips would you give to people looking to get into running?
ASC: Don’t compare yourself to other runners! It doesn’t matter how fast or far you go as long as you keep going. And if you’re like me and need a bit of external motivation, enter a challenge in the Nike Run Club app. You’ll be rewarded with a badge, you can visualise your progress and scroll back to see how far you’ve come.
MA: The first step is to just start! Here are my tips and steps that I personally take when I’m getting ready for a run.
- Music/podcast: A good playlist is sure to get me hyped up and energised to start. I love listening to my favourite jams when I’m getting ready and by the time I’m fully dressed I’ve danced my way into a good mood.
- Support: On days when I feel down or unmotivated I reach out to my support system to join me on my run. This could be a friend or a family member. I also love using guided runs on the Nike Run Club app as it really feels like the coach is right there with you! The support is incredible from beginning to end and you will be surprised how quickly you can reach your goal with the right guidance and push.
- Walk, jog, run: Just start! If you’re thinking about running, you’re halfway there. Once I start walking, I will warm up and encourage myself to do a light jog and before you know it, you’re running.
- Route: I switch up my running route every day depending on my mood and the run scheduled. If I’m after a short run, going to the oval or a running track nearby is great, easy and accessible. But my favourite ones are the runs where I discover new tracks and get lost in nature.
- Gear – Okay, let’s face it. Wearing something new instantly gives you a sense of confidence and action. Having the right pair of running shoes is a game changer. It’s so important to have a shoe that not only elevates performance but supports you. I’m a huge fan of Nike’s Pegasus family and am currently training in the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39.
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