I’m going to start today’s post with a confession. This is not the post that I was going to publish today. In fact, this was not even written until after I woke up this morning, so it will be a little rough due to lack of editing, but I don’t care! The reason that I threw this together is because of a text that I received first thing this morning. Let’s go back a couple of days first.
Late last week, I received an e-mail from a friend with the subject “In Need of Some Inspiration”. She detailed in that e-mail that she and her husband have been struggling with getting motivated, “My husband and I need you. We have hit that: past 45 creeping towards 50, can’t find the time to exercise, need to make a change but I don’t know how; wall. So, if you can find the time to and have a coffee (see I do read your blog) with us it would be greatly appreciated.”
Just like that, BAM! I was put to the test. When I started this blog, I said that I wanted to reach out and help people to realize that they are capable of more than they think and provide support for them along their journey. Well, here was an opportunity to sit and meet with people asking for support face to face. It was time to nut up or shut up. So I asked if it would be ok to stop by and sit with them at the end of a 15k run that I had planned for Saturday.
As planned, I ran my 15k, and then immediately went to visit with my friends. I won’t bore you with all of the details of the discussion, but basically they knew “Fat Joe”, and they asked what I did to become “Joe the Runner”. I simply told my story and answered any questions that they had about nutrition or how I get my runs in etc. We just shot the breeze for about two hours.
The only point that I made clear was that I could not motivate them; they had to find that motivation within themselves. They have to be ready to make a change, but if they are, and they are committed, it is possible and that I would do anything I could to provide support.
On the way home, I called my wife, and since these are friends of our family she asked “What do you think?” I told her that I thought it was a great conversation, but there is no way for me to know what kind of impact I had, or if our friends are ready to make a change or not. Basically, I said we will have to wait and see. Now you are all caught up.
After breakfast this morning, I heard my phone buzz and there it was. A simple text with a video embedded. It was Gianni jogging across the screen! They went out for a walk/run this morning! I could not be more proud, and honestly, if the blog doesn’t help one more person, it’s already worth it. I don’t know if they will stick to this routine and become healthier or not. I am optimistic, but they have to make that decision and do the work. Here’s the video, the quality is not the best, but it’s gold to me!
Worst case scenario, the blog and our conversation played a small part in a husband and wife going out for 30 minutes together and spending time together. Best case, this is the start of their journey towards getting healthier and making sure that they are around as long as possible for their kids! If you are wondering what I meant by “Why it’s impossible to help one person.” That text probably helped me more than I helped them. Whenever you help someone else, you are helping yourself even more. So it’s always a 100% return on your investment!
Thank you Gianni and Inka for making my day!
Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps! If you have enjoyed the content please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
Joe you are an inspiration to us all! I have started the couch to 5k 3 days ago and am feeling inspired. Thank you for sharing your journey. Let’s meet up with inka and gianni very soon. Yours faithfully,
Tanya
Thanks Tanya! Yeah, I was stoked when I saw Gianni out for a run/walk. That’s how it all starts, so I will keep my fingers crossed for our friends! I’d love to grab a coffee with you, just let me know when. Let me know if there is anyting I can do to help with your 5k as well.
Morning joe, today is day 4 and I wanted to ask you tips on posture and breathing when starting out as a runner. I find myself struggling to find a good pace and position when I run so your suggestions would be most helpful. Once I start running longer distances perhaps it will come naturally. Also, what are your thoughts on stretching before and after a run? I tend to just go out and run!
I’ll be out of town for a few days but when I’m back let’s meet up. Can I whatsapp you? My number is 3478559700. Thank you Joe and enjoy this beautiful sunny weather.
Tanya
Tanya:
In regards to posture, breathing and form, I suggest a book called “Chi Running” by Danny Dreyer and Kathryn Dreyer. They discuss “staying long”, which means to run with your head up like as if someone had a string tied to the top of your head and was pulling it up trying to lift your body. Eyes straight forward and be “tall”. This opens up the airway. I take two breaths in and two breaths out on my steps so I create a cadence. This all takes practice, so start your running with a very slow pace and practice form, posture, and breathing. As the weight comes off and your form improves, you will speed up naturally, so be patient. I really suggest the book, it helped me a lot! In regards to stretching, I am not a static stretch guy. I like to walk and do lunges and high knees before my run, and then I try to foam roll my legs and hips twice a week. Static stretching is very much a personal preference. If you think it helps you, it probably does. If you don’t think it helps you, it probably doesn’t. Yes, you can Whats App me when you get back in town! Look forward to it.