Running at UCU! by Caitlin Roeltgen

Running can suck. But it can also feel fantastic. And it’s almost always both. The positive effects of running make it impactful, not just in theory, but also on campus. Current first-year student at UCU, Camille Grenot, has been running for two years. 

“I got into it a few years ago, and I’ve been hooked to the progress that you see,” Camille explained to me. It can take weeks for a less active person to get into running shape, but even for someone with a strong aerobic base, it’s hard to begin. Over time, though, runners may find that they’re stronger, both mentally and physically. As slower paces begin to get easier, runners may also see improvement in their average pace or the distance they can run. For Camille, when she started, “a five-minute run was already too much.” Now she regularly runs distances longer than five kilometers, both in her free time and with RunCo. 

 Regular runs are a simple and effective way to combat stress. Because all running requires is some sneakers and time, it’s a cheap and relatively accessible way to boost mental health. 

Beyond tracking progress, running can improve general mood and mental health. It can be hard to start sometimes, but for many, like Camille, the end result is worth it: “Sometimes you’re like ‘Ugh, I really don’t want to!’ and you feel super unmotivated, but then you remember that last time you felt so good after the run.” For Camille, the feeling is partly relaxation. “It [running] gets all the tension out,” she told me, “you get all the stress out.” 

Living in a community like UCU can be stressful, for both academic and social reasons. Anxiety can climb as assignments mount. Regular runs are a simple and effective way to combat stress. Because all running requires is some sneakers and time, it’s a cheap and relatively accessible way to boost mental health. 

Focusing on mental health is also beneficial to combat procrastination, which often results from stress. Knowing that a task will be difficult or take a lot of time can be daunting, and therefore, the stress can make starting even harder. Reducing stress through running can help students become more productive and enjoy their day-to-day. 

Running helps limit procrastination in another way, because, as Camille also mentioned, “it builds discipline.” Both through creating a routine and even simply getting out of bed in the morning, running promotes consistency and prioritizes long-term goals. So, what seems like just a simple workout actually has long-term benefits. 

“Running with others is a good way to make friends,” Camille brought up at the end of our conversation. On top of all the effects of simply running, going on group runs can be a social activity. Running groups might cheer each other on, help one another get better, or just talk throughout a run, all of which can help create meaningful connections. 

Nobody’s running path is the same, and running progress is completely individual. By comparing themselves to others, people can limit themselves by pushing too hard at the beginning.

Running is hard, but it can be well worth it. For anyone looking to get started with running, always take it slow at first. Maybe follow a plan, or grab another friend who’s willing to try. It’s okay to take breaks, and it’s okay to walk, especially when you’re just getting used to it.

Running/sports websites, RunCo, and even social media can be good resources to get started. One common program is the “Couch to 5k” plan, which maps out runs and other exercises to learn and teach your body to do a 5k. 

Camille had some important advice too: “Don’t compare yourself to others!” Though media can be a good way to start, it can also set unrealistic expectations. Nobody’s running path is the same, and running progress is completely individual. By comparing themselves to others, people can limit themselves by pushing too hard at the beginning. “Listen to yourself,” Camille warns. “Push yourself, but don’t push too hard. [And] be patient!”