WORDS BY MIA RISELEY

We all have that friend who, out of nowhere it seems, has made running a firm part of their personality. 

They’re signing up for half-marathons like there’s no tomorrow, strutting around and telling you about their super exciting run club that also happens to be a sandwich reviewing club... (We’re all a bit confused by that one, stay tuned for more later in this article.)

Running has taken social media by storm, with the emergence of running influencers, #runtok and the run club phenomenon being built into many individuals' lifestyles, the sport has taken on a whole new form as the 'cool' way to exercise.

So here is a runner’s guide for those who are eager to start their own fitness trend. 

My Running Journey

I started my own running journey a year ago, after a hospital stint that made me want to challenge my body and improve my health after my recovery. I signed up for the 2XU Wellness Run, the day after my hospital release, incredibly unfit and unprepared, with pretty much no running experience.

I won’t lie, the training was tough. I started running about 10 days later, beginning with three kilometre runs and even those felt difficult. The mental challenge was the thing I struggled the most with at the start. 

My body wasn’t used to being physically exerted to that extent, so my brain wanted to quit one kilometre in. The key to shutting up that nagging voice that was telling me to stop constantly, was a good upbeat playlist and a fair amount of self-talk, reminding myself of my goal to complete the half marathon and feeling thankful that my body was able to move.

From the moment I started, I was running around five times a week and naturally my fitness improved quite quickly. When the runs started to feel more comfortable, I would increase my distance, typically in increments of two kilometres. 

On November 18, 2023, I was headed to Samoa on a Monash Global Immersion Guarantee trip, with less than a month to my half-marathon set for December 3 and a successfully completed 14 kilometre run under my belt. On that trip, I found a few running buddies to run with every morning at 5:30 am before the sun came up (believe me, this was not by choice).

Training in that humidity had me feeling fitter than ever and confident I could tackle the daunting 21.1 kilometre run.

This might sound unbelievable, but the half-marathon was not nearly my toughest run! 

I finished feeling sore but beaming with pride. 

The run was a challenge but not the hardest one I had been on, despite my furthest run before it only being 14 kilometres. The most difficult part of running is pushing through the desire to quit.

This was a feeling I felt the strongest when I first started running and was uncertain of my body’s capacity to manage the distances. This was very unexpected for me, as I naturally assumed that my furthest run would be the most challenging. 

For anyone wanting to start running for improved fitness, I think signing up for a running event that is out of your comfort zone, like the half-marathon, is a great way to set yourself a clear goal to achieve. 

While I do have my eyes set on doing the 2XU Beyond Blue Wellness Run again this year and possibly a full marathon in the future, for now, I run for enjoyment and love the social side of it. 

Run Clubs

I have given run clubs a go, with my friend Georgie. We have been to a couple across the year, when they are held at the Tan Track, because I love that route at Melbourne's Botanic Gardens. The group environment is something that can be really motivating and it’s an awesome way to meet friends who share the same hobby. 

The excitement before a morning run, when the sun is shining, is electric.

Here are my recommendations:

1. EveryRun Club Melbourne (@everyrunclub on Instagram) is run by David Barrett and Caoimhe Conroy and is held on Saturdays at 9:30am. The location changes each week, but is usually south of the Yarra River, rotating between the Tan Track, Fawkner Park or the Catani Gardens. They also host a Wednesday night run at 7pm at Olympic Park Oval. This run club is awesome for beginners and is pretty laid-back. Everyone is encouraged to run at their own pace!

2. Run. South Yarra (@run.southyarra on Instagram) is for the more intense runner. This club is awesome if you’re preparing for a race and want some challenging runs or a bit of guidance, with their Melbourne Marathon Training Programs. They run on Saturdays at 6am - I meant it when I said it was for intense runners!

3. The Sandwich Run (@thesandwichrun on Instagram) is for the north-siders and the foodies! As someone who spends most of my morning runs thinking about what I’ll have for breakfast when I’m done, the concept of The Sandwich Run is very appealing – every run ends with a delicious sandwich from a different location each week. They run at either 8am or 9:10 am on Sundays, the earlier start is for those opting for the 15 kilometre or 20 kilometre run, while the 9:10am start is for the five kilometre or 10 kilometre runners.

4. Run Monash is also a great option for those on campus, running (pardon the pun) Tuesdays at 6pm at Clayton and most Saturdays at 8:30am at Jells Park. This is an excellent option for those who live on campus or just want to get a bit more fit whilst studying at Monash. 

Tracking Your Progress 

The other key to making running enjoyable for me was using Strava to track my progress. 

Strava is the Instagram of running apps. You hit record when you begin your run and it will track your distance, total time and split times (minutes/kilometres). It can also suggest routes, show your progress on a map and calculate your times for specific sections of the run.

Once you stop recording, you can upload your run to your feed, along with photos and a description, to document any details of your run with your friends. Your friends can also see your runs and you can see theirs and get inspiration for new routes.

If you’re anything like me and you’ve got a competitive streak, seeing my friends getting out for a run motivates me to do the same (and maybe run just a little bit further). I also loved looking over my previous split times and watching how I had become faster over time. Seeing how much my fitness had improved, especially when the change can feel super slow, was so rewarding. 

Running Gear 

As far as gear goes, I think any kind of athletic clothing is fine to run in. Unless you care about the aesthetics of your running kit, I don’t see it as necessary to invest in quality running clothes. 

Shoes however are absolutely necessary investment. A good pair of runners is the difference between a smooth sailing run or a painful case of plantar fasciitis (some terribly uncomfortable heel pain), gnarly blisters and shin splints- all of which I have experienced because I had the wrong pair of shoes. 

I think I’ve gone through about four pairs in the last year, trying to find what works best for me. Everyone is going to have a different preference but the brand I have found works best for me is Hoka. I have the Bondi 8s and love the support from the super thick soles - it feels like running on a cloud!

Also crucial, are a pair of gel insoles that you can find in your local pharmacy or sports store. Any brand is fine, you just want some shock-absorbing insoles that are designed for sport. Insoles will provide that extra layer of cushioning to prevent injury. 

The running community in Melbourne has grown massively in recent years and it is such a wonderful thing to see. Whether you want to run to clear your head, build up your fitness, or make friends (or all of the above), there has never been such a strong online and local community for running as there is now.

Maybe I’ll see you one weekend!