By Erica Thompson, News Staff

The second my sneaker hits the pavement, my mind seems to go blank. Whatever I was stressed about that day falls to the wayside and the only thing that exists is the sidewalk in front of me and the occasional pain from a side stitch.

For me, running has become more than just a way to get in shape — it’s a way to unwind. As many of us know, running releases endorphins in our brains, leaving us feeling relaxed, at peace and a little high. But then again, so do all cardio-based workouts that force us to get our blood flowing and heart rates up. So why would I choose running instead of something more interactive or trendy, like Zumba or kickboxing?

That’s exactly it – running isn’t interactive. It’s independent, it’s unscheduled and, for those of us living on a budget, it’s free. Being on co-op this semester, my life has become dictated by dates and times. The last thing I want to do is watch the clock as I race from work to the Marino Center for a group fitness class, because God knows if I don’t make it on time more than twice I’ll get kicked out of the class and be out at least $25. Running gives me the luxury of flexibility.

It would seem that without a set schedule, skipping my workout would be far too easy. Originally, running was my method to get beach-ready. I did it because I wanted to lose weight. But now that I’m in a routine, my motivation is more of a psychological need than a physical one. Living in a three-bedroom apartment with five roommates is always entertaining, but it doesn’t leave me with any time to myself. Running is the one hour out of my day when thinking, speaking or laughing is not a requirement. And unlike cycling or pilates, I don’t have to follow instructions or pay attention, except for when I’m on the verge of getting hit by a car on Huntington Avenue.

In order to be a successful runner, patience and time are key. It’s important for new runners like myself to focus on time instead of distance.

Budd Coates, a four-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, recommends in the book “Complete Book of Running,” walking for 20 minutes a day for the first four days of your workout, then 30 minutes a day for the following four days before even beginning a consistent running schedule. From then on, gradually increase the duration of running by alternating running and walking. Once you are able to run 30 minutes without stopping, then you can focus on increasing the distance of your run.

Of course, a good run is personally impossible without the right gear. On a whim, I splurged and bought myself a pair of Nike Free minimalist running shoes. They look a little strange and were far from cheap but the shoe’s design forces you to run “correctly,” exerting your weight on the balls of your feet instead of your heel. But because they’re “minimalist” running sneakers, it’s important to transition your foot, according to a March 2011 article on athletic clothing store REI’s website about running sneakers.

The article stresses the idea of a gradual change instead of just abandoning your old running shoes once you’ve purchased new ones. Unfortunately, I didn’t take this advice very seriously when I made the switch about five months ago. I wore my old shoes on occasion, but because of my severe lack of patience, I couldn’t bear the idea of letting shoes that I spent nearly $100 on sit in my closet while I worked out in my old sneakers. My feet still hurt from time to time, but, according to my doctor, it’s my own fault.

My feet aren’t the only things that hurt. My calves and thighs usually feel like they’re on fire, and my knees don’t always take kindly to the constant pounding of my body weight to pavement. Let’s be honest – the best part about running is when it’s over. I used to laugh when people would tell me how fantastic the end of a race was and just assumed they were trying to rub it in my face that they were “runners” and I was not. Well, if we’re being honest here, believe me when I say as obnoxious as their spandex and marathon t-shirts may be, they may actually be on to something.