Run Boy Run

This post is a personal observation about the last two weeks. It’s not about life in the agency but about something that I had almost forgotten about – fitness.

I started running again two weeks ago. The last time I actively practiced running I was still studying, so it’s been a while. The reason why I started is quite simple. My coworkers made me because they had this idea about taking part in “Tough Mudder”, an 18 km run through mud, ice-cold water, hurdles and holes with electricity wires in the middle of nowhere. Fun! I was not that amazed by that decision but it is a group thing so I accepted it. But it also meant for me to start training very soon, because the event is in July, so not that far away. Because I hate going to the gym I started running.

Preparing the first run

Because I am an Apple Watch owner I decided to track every run to analyze how much progress I make and to just be proud of myself for getting my ass off the couch. To analyze everything I use the Gyroscope App. It is the hub for all of your data. Heart rate, steps, weight, sleep tracking, locations you’ve been to and online activity. I know it’s kinda creepy to collect all of your very personal data in one place but the functionality and quality of this app is really great. I just trust the data policy and hope for the best.

Track everything

From my first running days until recently I used the Nike+ app to track my runs. Unfortunately it’s not really working any more and the problems with syncing the data to the Nike+ server never really stopped. I was looking for alternatives and tried RunKeeper first but the interface was so horrible that I ended up with using Strava. Strava is quite well designed, I was able to import my Nike runs and it also works for cycling as well as my Gyroscope app. While it’s fun for me to track my runs, it’s also a very strong motivator. I am quite obsessed with tracking my activity now. I also bought a fitbit scale to collect even more information. I already lost two kilograms because of my running efforts. It feels even natural to track all my activities now because you don’t have to do very much. It’s all done by those apps automatically and I also get my reports automatically.

Go to bed early and run in the morning

One thing that kept me from running in Berlin very much was the city itself. It’s always full, it’s loud and dirty (speaking about cars) so I knew I had to start running in the morning when most of you are still sleeping. And I did. And it was good. So good. I get up between 6 and 6:30 in the morning, eat half a banana (some energy for your run is very good) and start running. It was pretty creepy to run through an empty Mauerpark though. All in all it is about changing habits. While I run in the mornings I go to bed earlier now and I feel good. I also sleep better and feel that I get rest of better quality. So, if you think about going for a run, kick yourself in the butt and run in the morning. After one week you will definitely start to enjoy it and become a morning person. Another advantage of running early – your day is not interrupted by exercise and you are awake and fresh at work.

Eat balanced

A few weeks ago I started drinking smoothies in the morning, because I wasn’t that hungry in the morning but still wanted to put a little bit in my stomach. It was nice for two weeks but then my body started to dislike it for some reason. So that taught me that eating in a one-sided way is bad for you (duh, thank you Captain Obvious!). So now I switch from eating bread and cheese or some fruit every other day. When going out for lunch with my colleagues, I try to get away from the heavy shit. I also eat less meet and more vegetables in the evening. Right now I don’t take any calcium pills or whatsoever because my body seems to be ok with my eating habits for now. And one more thing that changed while I started running – I spend less time in the bathroom. Your bowel likes you for exercising.

Wrap-up

I forgot how great you feel, when you do sport. I don’t feel tired all the time, I sleep better and tracking all my activity motivates me to do more. My buddy Lars and I already signed up for the Müggelsee half marathon and I am actually looking forward to it. Today I did a 10km run in the rain and it was great.