The Realistic Run Diaries: “At 30, I’m Now Healthier And Fitter Than I Ever Was In My Twenties”
Hong (@nothongry) works out almost every day. The runner gives an insight into a typical week in her life and shares how she maintains her drive.
Hi, my name is Hong and I live in Berlin. I used to be one of those people who thought they weren’t runners. Now, I’m training for my seventh marathon. I exercise almost daily and it’s important for me to feel good while doing it. I value comfort a lot. Like others, I often hit the snooze button and really need my morning coffee before I attempt to do anything. Sometimes it’s challenging to incorporate my training into my busy week and still enjoy it. To maintain my motivation I focus on feeling comfortable. This can include things such as picking the right running shoe, finding your running community and your post-workout snack. Here’s what a typical workout week can look like for me:
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Monday
I’m a designer and also work as a flight attendant so my weeks are quite packed. If I want to stick to my weekly workout routine I can’t afford to lose the joy of running. The absolute essential: my running playlist. I don’t always listen to music while running, but when I lack motivation, it’s my lifesaver. If I run out of breath during a run, I slow down and start singing. It makes me regain control of my breathing. The run becomes much more enjoyable, and I notice people smiling as I jog past them.
I’m a designer and also work as a flight attendant so my weeks are quite packed. If I want to stick to my weekly workout routine I can’t afford to lose the joy of running. The absolute essential: my running playlist. I don’t always listen to music while running, but when I lack motivation, it’s my lifesaver. If I run out of breath during a run, I slow down and start singing. It makes me regain control of my breathing. The run becomes much more enjoyable, and I notice people smiling as I jog past them.
Today, I borrowed my friend’s dog, Mia, for some company on the way. Mia has a lot of energy, and it’s fun to race her. She pulls me at the beginning, but with time I end up pulling her. I may not be as fast as her, but when it comes to endurance, I win.
Tuesday
My training isn’t all about running. I go to yoga class a lot. Strength training is also crucial to prevent injuries, along with physiotherapy sessions. This holistic programme helps me when I want to push my limits during my runs. It provides me with a solid foundation, so I’m not completely exhausted after particularly challenging runs.
My training isn’t all about running. I go to yoga class a lot. Strength training is also crucial to prevent injuries, along with physiotherapy sessions. This holistic programme helps me when I want to push my limits during my runs. It provides me with a solid foundation, so I’m not completely exhausted after particularly challenging runs.
Wednesday
Rest days are as important as workouts. Besides, I still have work and a social life. As a flight attendant traveling the world, I try to meet as many friends as possible when I’m in town. Today, I’m taking a little break and going to see an exhibition.
Rest days are as important as workouts. Besides, I still have work and a social life. As a flight attendant traveling the world, I try to meet as many friends as possible when I’m in town. Today, I’m taking a little break and going to see an exhibition.
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Thursday
Some people think marathon runners jump out of bed at 5 a.m. and effortlessly run 20 kilometres. The truth is, I sometimes need an extra dose of motivation. That’s why comfort is essential to me, whether I’m going for an easy run or a tough track workout.
Some people think marathon runners jump out of bed at 5 a.m. and effortlessly run 20 kilometres. The truth is, I sometimes need an extra dose of motivation. That’s why comfort is essential to me, whether I’m going for an easy run or a tough track workout.
Today is one of those days I push myself to new limits on my run. After all, I’m currently training for a marathon. I love competitions because I enjoy challenging myself. During today’s track workout, I test my speed and how long I can maintain my pace. I like to wear the Nike Invincible 3 on my runs because they make me feel secure on any surface and I like the bouncy sole.
Friday
Yesterday’s workout really took a toll on me. Aside from a small yoga session, I’m taking a break today. I meet up with friends, and we go to another exhibition. Since I’m often away, working as a flight attendant, I want to absorb as much as possible when I’m back in Berlin.
Yesterday’s workout really took a toll on me. Aside from a small yoga session, I’m taking a break today. I meet up with friends, and we go to another exhibition. Since I’m often away, working as a flight attendant, I want to absorb as much as possible when I’m back in Berlin.
Saturday
I usually run along the Landwehr Canal. Sometimes on asphalt, sometimes on grass, and sometimes on mud. I listen to a thrilling podcast and forget about everything else for a little while. Sometimes I don’t listen to anything and just absorb the city’s sounds. I enjoy watching the people around me while I run. Afterwards I treat myself to a cup of coffee and a small snack at the market stand in Kreuzberg.
I usually run along the Landwehr Canal. Sometimes on asphalt, sometimes on grass, and sometimes on mud. I listen to a thrilling podcast and forget about everything else for a little while. Sometimes I don’t listen to anything and just absorb the city’s sounds. I enjoy watching the people around me while I run. Afterwards I treat myself to a cup of coffee and a small snack at the market stand in Kreuzberg.
Sunday
Thanks to my running group, the Joy Run Collective, I found a fantastic community. Today, we’re doing a long run together. It’s cold outside so I need to be well prepared. After conquering a long distance run through the Berliner Tiergarten, we all meet up for brunch. This time, the host made dumplings. I’ve been looking forward to these dumplings all week.
Thanks to my running group, the Joy Run Collective, I found a fantastic community. Today, we’re doing a long run together. It’s cold outside so I need to be well prepared. After conquering a long distance run through the Berliner Tiergarten, we all meet up for brunch. This time, the host made dumplings. I’ve been looking forward to these dumplings all week.
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I started running four years ago. At 30, I’m now healthier and fitter than I ever was in my twenties. But running is so much more than physical training. As a runner, I gained a lot of confidence because I know now how much I can push myself, even when I feel a bit low. I’ve learnt: Focusing on comfort helps me stay consistent. I can set new limits and feel comfortable doing it. The next stop? Running my seventh marathon.
Hong’s three tips to make your run more enjoyable:
• Wear comfy clothes and shoes
• Have a great running playlist, for example with disco, house and techno
• Choose a scenic route and a treat after
• Wear comfy clothes and shoes
• Have a great running playlist, for example with disco, house and techno
• Choose a scenic route and a treat after
When it comes to comfortable running shoes, you have to feel it to believe it. Learn more about the Nike Invincible 3 and try them for yourself.
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