Yesterday marked a significant milestone for me! I transitioned from walking to slow jogging in my daily routine. As someone who established the Redding subreddit, /r/slowjogging/, and having penned numerous articles about Prof. Hiroaki Tanaka’s slow jogging concept since December 20, 2017, it might surprise you that I hadn’t actually been slow jogging for some time. But all that changed yesterday!
From a peak of 350 pounds, I’ve reduced to 300. Given my size and fear of tripping, for a long time, I mainly stuck to walking and occasional cycling. The memory of my carefree jog in Paris, along the Seine, with Mallie Fox, Tim Dennis, and Dave Schrader Darkness Radio podcasting into my ears, and another around DC, always inspired me. I desired to recreate those experiences.
However, regaining my confidence wasn’t instantaneous. At 350 pounds, I felt like a precarious, wobbling entity. Carrying a heavy backpack while rucking was my maximum exertion. But my involvement as a Tail Walker at Roosevelt Island Parkrun in DC was a game-changer. This position not only made me a recognized face within a running community but also gradually built my self-assurance. Each Parkrun, surrounded by encouraging smiles, reinforced my confidence.
As of last weekend, my vision became clearer. Instead of simply engaging in daily runs, I want my regular commutes—whether it’s to local cafes, the Arlington Libraries, or the grocery store—to transition from walking to slow jogging. My community’s positive response today only fuels my determination.
From tomorrow, I’ll be logging my slow jogs on my Garmin Instinct 1 Solar and sharing them on Strava. Because if it’s not on Strava, did it even happen?
Here’s to this exciting journey ahead. Your well-wishes mean the world!
Glossary:
- Bopping: A leisurely pace of walking or jogging.
- Rucking: Moving with a weighted backpack.
- Parkrun: Free, weekly 5km timed runs organized globally.
- Tail Walker: A Parkrun volunteer ensuring everyone finishes safely.
- Niko Niko pace: Japanese for “smile pace”; signifies a relaxed jogging speed.
- Slow Jogging: Jogging at a pace of 3 to 5 mph.
- Strava: A platform tracking cycling and running activities via GPS.
FAQs:
- What is slow jogging? An exercise method promoting a 3-5 mph jogging speed. It’s beneficial for burning calories, weight loss, injury prevention, tissue resilience, fat metabolism, and cardiovascular health.
- Who championed slow jogging? Japanese Professor Hiroaki Tanaka.
- What’s Parkrun? Free, weekly 5km timed runs organized in various locations.
- Tail Walker’s role in Parkrun? They ensure participants finish safely, earning credits for volunteering and running.
- How did the author rebuild his running confidence? By serving as a Tail Walker at the Roosevelt Island Parkrun in DC, gaining recognition and consistent support from its community.
Background: The story underscores the transformative power of community encouragement, steady growth, and finding joy in movement. Whether it’s recalling serene jogs around Paris and DC or receiving motivation from the Parkrun attendees, it’s evident that mental determination is as vital as physical endurance in a fitness journey.
More Slow Fun
- Volunteering as a Tail Walker at the Roosevelt Island DC Parkrun: Embracing Community, Fitness, and Fun
- The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering as a Tail Walker at Roosevelt Island DC Parkrun
- I forced myself to attend a Parkrun
- About Parkrun and the culture and how to participate and the benefits and what to expect and prepare and to bring
- My Personal Parkrun Report for Saturday, 5 August, 2023