I Tried Running for Two Years and It Changed Me

"I want to die." That was the thought I had as I looked up a staggering hill on my third ever run. I had just run for 15 minutes around my local block when I met this behemoth of a hill. The hill looked like Kilimanjaro or Everest; I would need a whole team to carry me up it. However, slowly, I put one foot in front of the other. Every part of my body was telling me to stop. My heart was beating too fast, my lungs were on fire, and my legs were reminding me how I always skip leg day.

Three days earlier, I had begun my 30-day running challenge. Little did I know I would be doing it two years later.

0:00 The Struggle
4:22 The Change
6:29 The Habit
8:48 The Transformation

Editor: Martino Gasparrini
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Who am I:

[casesully]

I've been running for 2 years now my self. My father ran the Boston marathon in 2:42:00, he ran every day for 28 years until he had a hip replacement. His health is deteriorating so in his honor I started to run just like him. Now running is a huge part of my life, and it always will be. Just have to get to Boston to honor my father.

[albertogarcien]

For people wanting to start running from 0: WALK-RUN-WALK-RUN. Even if you just run from one lamp post to another and then walk for 10 minutes. It doesnt matter. Just walk-run and slightly run more and walk less

[simongamez]

I want to give you a hug! Haha. Just a year ago I started running, after so many years, I finally did it. I was so insecure and self-conscious about it, but that change. I watched your video a year ago, and that not only made me suscribed, but it inspired me and motived me at the beginning of my running journey. I've grown so much since then, mentally and physically. It sucked at the beginning, I got injured many times, my body was always in pain due to my terrible physical condition and my anxiety was through the roof. All that started changing with time, I got better, I started to run longer, faster, easier and little did I know, I ran my first 5k, under the rain. I got better with the 5k's and then I ran longer. I finally ran my first runner's high and that was one of the best days of my life, I remember your videos in that moment. Last December, I ran my first 10k race and on the 31st I ran my second 10k, to finish the year with a great run. I went from being a very skinny, out of shape, insecure and anxious guy, to be a slightly bigger, in better shape, more confident and calm guy, all thanks to running. I was never good at sports, I hated sports but I've come to love running. It changed my life, literally, and helped me to be a better person in many ways. Unfortunately, I got injured this January and I haven't been able to run but hoping I can get back to it soon. So thank you, for your videos, specially that one. You inspired me since the beginning of my running journey and somehow you're part of it. Keep on going!

[kylewollman]

This is how I feel about running too. I don't do it just for physical fitness, but because it lifts my mental state more than any other activity I've tried. I have more energy throughout the day and just feel a positive glow in my mood. I liken running to the best drug you can get addicted to.

[LostLocketGaming]

Humans were born to run. Born to exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is one the of the best prescriptions, period.

[heymoe]

"Embrace the suck." A term I learned in the Army.

[malini]

Hey Zach, I don't normally comment on videos but I had to this time. I recently have gotten into strength training, but have always despised running. I watched this video last night and decided it was time to conquer my fear. My goal was to run a single mile without stopping. I ended up running a 5k. Your video was the reason I got on the treadmill today for the first time in 4 years. Thank you!!

[bafalosoldja]

I had a 2-month streak of running each morning, every other day, towards the tail end of 2022 but whether it was the weather or just a random bout of fatigue I just suddenly quit. There's always that nagging feeling after, where you feel like you're racking up a debt to yourself, and it just kept wearing me down while I was already very tired day to day. But the funny paradox about exercise is that, in the long run, it makes you much less tired on a daily basis. Sure, there's the 20 minutes of sometimes mental and physical discomfort, but it's nothing compared to all the hours in the day it makes up for.

I think this video is the push and reminder I needed. I'll run again tomorrow morning, 7:30 just like before. Thanks Zach.

[billylee]

Been working out since high school.Started running for the first time this year as a New Year’s reso.There’s nothing like it such a love hate relationship..Love this vid!!

[galex]

Thank you so much Zach! You've nailed the whole wonderful world of running. Started running at 18. Now I am 62... so, am I still running? Nope! I had to stop a few years ago because as you get older, you have to protect your body, especially your hips and knees. My chiro recommended I change it up and stop my running. At first, I resisted. I was devastated that I had to stop. And then, I thought, I will find a new way to get the same highs and benefits. So, I now do the elliptical and spinning. I applied my running techniques to it and it worked it all out. I go flat out on the elliptical for anywhere up to 75 minutes. I spin for up to 45 minutes. I do the elliptical 5-6 days per week; I follow up with spinning for 30-45 minutes 2-3 times a week. I walk on the treadmill for a few kms a few times a week. And, it all still works out. I'm as fit as I was 30 years ago. I also do weight machines 3-4 days per week. And most importantly, I stretch for 20 minutes after. Why am I telling you all this? Running is brilliant but you have to pace yourself and keep an eye on your body. But no matter what cardio you do, you can still be a "runner" just in a different form. I know a lot of people who had to stop running and did nothing and they fell into a heap. Just change it up! Once a runner, always a runner. It's not just about the activity, it's a mental state of mind! It's a way of life! There is always something you can do! And do I miss "running" anymore! Not at all! Because in my head, I am still running!

[papasquat]

I just started week 3 of a couch to 5k program and completely identify with everything you are talking about. Thanks for posting this for all of us struggling, but not stopping.

[imeldaduque]

One of the most inspiring videos I've seen about running. You really know how to share your good energy ✨️

[mijaresaldo]

I ran from 18 to 27 years old straight almost daily.
Life had changed and at 28 stopped doing it as frequently. Now I'm 31. Will take running back. Thanks for the video! :D

[blaze]

Can definitely relate to u. I usually do a lot of ~5km runs and when i actually start running, the initial 1-2 km r kinda boring and i just want to stop. But then about half way thro, i start to get a bit tired and out of breath and then m like 'yeah this is starting to get fun now'. I become more motivated and start to enjoy the pain. Almost as if i start to enter the 'flow state' or 'zone' which is another popular theory but that's for another day haha.

[BasmatiCake]

I am currently training for my first half marathon. The race is in 2 weeks and I am so nervous/excited! I have also been using the NRC app for my prep. Loved the video. Embrace the suck!

[acampos]

Thanks for sharing! I used to be an avid runner M-F then Covid messed up things for me. I am still running but not consistently, I haven’t given up on running. Yesterday I walked 5km, today I am definitely going for another walk and who knows maybe I’ll do some running. Thanks for the motivation!

[masonamccall]

I JUST got my Brooks Ghost Max's yesterday. I watched your 30 day challenge video last week (when I completed my 3rd run or so) and it definitely gave me a lot to look forward to. I'm setting new PRs everyday and I can't wait to see what running is going to do for me. Thanks for sharing your story.

I recently moved up to NH and told myself that I'd turn my life around. Got here last Saturday, started running on Monday, and then Wedensday, and then Friday, now it's 3 times a week and it's just lifechanging.

[PForPaediatrics]

Your videos are always so informative and helpful for us ! Keep running Zach

[chris]

You’ve inspired me to start running! Thanks man. I’ve had a few knee dislocations so always kind of hesitant to do any major physical activity but going to give running a shot.

[anjneyrai]

Your way of speaking is literally amazing. It feels so calm and pleasant. Your smile always adds to the quality of your videos. Great work. Keep going 🤝