Kyiv girls who are passionate about running told the site about what inspires them to exercise, what their secrets are, and how to force themselves to take up and run.
@izabelgoulart
Polina Mitloshuk, deputy editor-in-chief of the site
My favorite route starts right outside the apartment door. I don’t understand those who need to go somewhere to run, so I don’t belong to any clubs. I run everywhere - I take sneakers with me on all my trips. The most beautiful routes are in Paris. Mine, for example, was like this: Rue Lecorbes - Champ de Mars - Chaillot Palace - Pont Alexandre III - Les Invalides - Rodin Museum - and the finish line. These 8 km are better than any excursion. The most cinematic are around Green Lake in Seattle, the hottest are in Tuscany, the happiest are in Gorky Park in Moscow, the most complex are in Kyiv. Kyiv is full of hills, so many train on Trukhanov Island. In 2008, when I just started, all the runners knew each other by sight, waved, smiled when they met. Now I don’t smile at anyone anymore - there are too many people running, no training will work if you smile and show everyone thumb up. The fashion for running makes me happy, but running another fun 5 km every weekend or 12 marathons a year seems stupid to me. Although everyone has their own reasons, the main thing is to run not because it’s fashionable, but because it’s fun.
To make running enjoyable, you need rituals. For example, my husband, a three-time marathon runner, likes to drink a cup of coffee early in the morning - and then run 30 km, running to the Kyiv region. I have several rules: do not eat 3 hours before a run, and even better - run in the morning on an empty stomach; after – stretching or several exercises with a massage roller and ice-cold grapefruit juice. I like to run in the morning: I run and the whole day is free. Evening running is good to combine with the pool. The running-swimming combination, in my opinion, is the ideal workout.
The new uniform, of course, motivates for new records, but the best motivation is the goal. Why don't I run a 5K? Why not learn to run 10? Why not run a marathon in Paris? Why not run 60 km a week? IN apple watch There is a funny wording: “Training: running without a goal.” Without a goal, it’s boring, not just running, it’s boring to live. In English it sounds more interesting: Open goal. Only you choose the goal, route and playlist - that's what I love about running.
I love running to indie rock, alternative and electronic music: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Maccabees, Foals, Glass Towers, Mary Onettes, Drums, Ra Ra Riot. It’s best to start with funk and soul of the 60s and 70s: What Do I Have To Do To Prove My Love For You by Marva Whitney, Love Is Like A Heat Wave by Martha Reeves, I Believe In Miracles by the groovy Jackson Sisters, or the anthem of my every morning Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield.
When it comes to running clothes, the main thing is to dress for the weather. Favorite brands: Marmot, Montane, North Face, Nike, Adidas, Ivy Park, Alo Yoga (they have the best bras). Be sure to wear thick socks; the tighter the socks, the fewer water blisters. And the main life hack: sneakers should be a size, or even one and a half larger. I used to wonder why I kept knocking down my big toe nails. The problem disappeared when I got my Adidas Ultraboots X Shoes in size 42, instead of the usual size forty. Happiness!
@polinakerbut
Tatyana Ruban, model and restaurateur
My favorite route is the trails of the Nikolai Grishko National Botanical Garden. The botanical garden is a place of power, with all its smells that change from season to season, slides for any climb and churches. Every run for me is aesthetic pleasure, meditation and communion. Nothing beats a jog in the spring, when 180 varieties of lilacs are in bloom and the view of Kyiv is waking up. I know him inside and out! I can run 10 km practically without repeating the trail and without breathing exhaust fumes. The botanical garden is magic.
I don't drink water while jogging, I just try to keep it water balance body is normal, but before jogging, I make sure to drink a glass of water. I don’t like running around stadiums, I don’t really like asphalt, so a forest path is my ideal surface. I always run on my toes and with tense abdominal muscles: when you run uphill, it really helps to avoid shortness of breath, and in general allows you to spend full workout one run.
Previously, I always ran to music: all the catchiest tracks from drum and bass to hip-hol were played at full power; then I switched to Neo-Classics. This gave a special beauty to my run. Lately, I have completely stopped listening to music, I decided to be alone with myself, without being distracted by the lyrics of songs, but to listen to the birds singing, the wind and the bells at 9:00 in the botanical garden.
I can only run in the morning: my body is awake, full of energy and strength. I eat a small bar, drink a cup of tea or espresso and run. This is my time to myself before the day is filled with household chores, children and work.
I choose the most comfortable shoes with a good support system for additional foot comfort, comfortable sportswear so that it fits the body and at the same time does not pull or press anywhere - when running 10 km or more, this is simply a must. I run in Nike sneakers and really love the entire Adidas Stella McCartney line - it’s both comfortable and beautiful.
Ksenia Kargina, photographer
I love running around the Bannikov Stadium - for those who need motivation, there is a direct route there. The following pictures open up there: young and old all around, on the left a group in tight tights to peppy music and even more peppy commands from the trainer pedaling, on the right flank a group of graceful girls are concentratedly boxing, a little further away a group is pulling an elastic thigh to the very chin in running exercises future marathon runners, a granny is rushing around the outer circle, almost ahead of me, with with special sticks for walking - just a celebration of life and health. If you want a long run among trees and nature, go to Trukhanov Island. There you can leave the trail at any time and run right through the forest; everyone says hello and smiles at each other - you feel like you're in New York's Central Park. For variety - Goloseevsky Park, pine forests on Boryspilskaya, Botanical Garden on Druzhby Narodov. In winter, I signed up for a group that trains right on the tracks of the Olympic Stadium - there you generally feel like an intergalactic champion inside a spaceship. As they say, if there is a desire, a route will be found.
@karginaki
If we talk about motivation, I won’t say anything new. The hardest part is jumping into the sneakers. My signature life hack is to tell myself: “I’ll run as much as I can,” just to make it mentally easier to leave the house. Or I take money for a taxi with me so that without thinking about the return journey I can just run wherever I can, and then take a taxi and go home when I’m tired. And I run while I run, without thinking about the route. I also love adventures - for example, when snow piled up to my waist in winter, I just ran around the city, jumped over snowdrifts, skidded on the climbs and ended up running a half marathon with joy. This is if there is no training plan. If you are training and have set yourself the goal of running for a certain duration, at a certain heart rate, then what motivates you is the feeling of control over your life that you ultimately get. This is the feeling that right now you are in control of your life, doing what you decided, going towards the goal that you set for yourself. This is a very powerful holistic experience. It's worth a lot.
You always need to find clear reasons for yourself why you are doing this, for what perspective you are working, what is important now: stay at home or go towards your sincere desire to become stronger, healthier, more beautiful. The question is also about priorities, when you understand why exactly you need it. And when you answer it for yourself, there are fewer and fewer doubts each time.
In sports, I love variety - both in types and in the method of execution. For example, when you don’t want to run for a long time, I run intervals. Or a special pleasure is to run early in the morning, then have a delicious breakfast with a friend. When you start to get bored, the main thing is to find a creative approach and come to terms with your laziness.
Running time is at least an hour. I don’t drink water, I try to run less on the asphalt and don’t stop so as not to fall out of rhythm. The main thing is less things and cool music.
I have a lot of things in my playlist: mostly electronic music that matches the rhythm, often with “tribal” motifs - they set you in the right mood, if in the background. But often I include some artist directly from the Internet. For example, recently I was running very sweetly to the old tracks of Lenny Kravitz - I couldn’t be stopped!
I really like to run around the stadium early in the morning before all my work. In the evening, even late, when the city is empty, you are in the mood for a long run. I always listen to myself, what I want. I never eat at least 2 hours before a run - otherwise the workout turns into torture. I look at my heart rate - I usually train with a heart rate of 160-165, when you can run and at the same time, without losing your breath, carry on a conversation.
When it comes to shoes, Nike is my go-to shoe. I know that for some it is difficult and important to choose a really very comfortable pair. Good socks, a T-shirt that doesn’t rub anywhere - all this to make you comfortable and not additionally distract or irritate you. Of course, it’s good if it’s also beautiful. In general, runners with aesthetics are all “A” - it’s nice to look at a lean runner in these beautiful clothes. When it gets cold, be sure to wear a hat, gloves, and a windbreaker. Comfortable wireless headphones are a must. And also - the main thing is that there is somewhere to put a bunch of keys so that they don’t jingle - otherwise you feel like a cow in the pasture.
Instagram:@vogueua_beauty
Who said jogging is only for running? You can and should get acquainted during training! Especially if a beautiful, lonely runner appears in your sight. The chance that your desire to keep company while jogging will be ignored is great, but the attempt is not torture. Take advantage of the tips for unobtrusive, successful “flirting on the run”, and perhaps you will get lucky.
Here and now
The most good time to get to know the runner - start training. She is still “fresh”, full of strength, good mood and confident in its unsurpassed appearance. If you try to get acquainted 10-20 minutes after the start, there is a very high probability that the girl simply won’t hear you because of the loud music in her headphones, won’t be able to answer because “”, will smile sweetly and run on because she doesn’t want to interrupt your run. Getting acquainted after the finish line is generally a bad idea - a lady out of breath from running will be embarrassed by her “flushed cheeks and disheveled bun of hair on her head.” She will want to quickly run away from you.
Compliments
If the girl hasn't run away, be generous with compliments, but don't flatter her. If you notice that she has or sports watch, praise her for her excellent choice. Of course, only if you can tell good gear from bad. You can also praise her, etc. The main thing is that you need to understand what you paid attention to, or ask her opinion or recommendation. Like, you also choose, for example, a watch, and whether it’s worth taking the same brand as hers.
"Music connected us..."
Body language and the power of a smile
Is the girl running around with headphones on and definitely won’t hear your compliment? Show her with gestures that she is cool, smile, and someday she will definitely smile back at you if you are not a rare guest at the stadium.
The meeting place cannot be changed
The best way to get acquainted is while jogging. Especially if it is located in a residential area! This means that the girl lives nearby, and after a run you can take her home. An attempt to meet someone in a forest park in most cases turns out to be a failure. If the runner does not know the techniques martial arts, she may perceive you as a danger and only speed up the pace. Meeting someone in the park is also a good idea, but in this case the direction of the run is important. If you run towards each other every day, the time will come when you will start saying hello and smiling when you meet. The main thing is consistency of training. If you “go hunting once a month,” then the chances are low.
Heavy artillery
If not a single attempt to meet a girl while jogging has been successful, use the “heavy artillery,” namely humor. Don't be afraid to seem funny when the person is worth fooling around with. Come to the run with a poster or sign on which you handwrite words that will definitely make her pay attention to you. What to write? In each specific case, the words may be different. For example, “You are beautiful”, “Let’s run together?;)”, etc. Use your imagination, but most importantly, write without mistakes;)
Photo pexels.com
And float away into your thoughts... but only if you are a man. Otherwise, you will have to be vigilant all the time and think about your safety.
It all started with her post on Twitter:
“In one of my groups for moms, there is a thread where women list and recommend which self-defense tools are best to use when going outside alone (for example, pepper spray, an alarm key fob, a whistle, etc.). In case you were wondering what it's like to be a woman."
The tweet received more than 60 thousand likes and 15 thousand retweets, after which the girl turned to her subscribers, asking if they take anything with them when they go out for a run alone.
The result exceeded all expectations: thousands of pictures appeared under the post with tools designed to help women feel calmer when they go out alone. These are fighting dogs, knives, numerous homemade devices, pepper spray and much more.
Here are just a few of them:
“The sharpest little knife with serrated rings for collecting DNA.”
“My dad bought me this alarm keychain. It should confuse the attacker, and it also has a red flashlight» .
“I often think about how someone could grab me on the street and kidnap me, but most people cross the street when they see River.”
“I usually go for a run with this thing tucked into my running shorts pocket.”
"When I'm with my 105 pound bodyguard named Rhaegar Targaryen Dogo, no one messes with me».
"This guy."
Many men were shocked and wrote in the comments that they had never thought about the existence of such a problem.
Others talked about their wives and daughters:
“My daughter runs around in a vest, and we modified it to carry a knife, which she wields with amazing skill. Thanks to my beloved cousin, a retired special forces soldier."
“My wife started running in the evenings again, and our youngest asked to join her. Dressed like a ninja and carrying around a golf club (don't ask!) and a dog. The wife feels completely protected.”
Deibert herself admitted to Buzz Feed News that people’s reaction to her post and the thousands of pictures of self-defense equipment that girls are forced to use made her “very sad.”
Also recently, writer A.R. Moxon came up with a bright and harassing idea.
Sometimes we don't even suspect what can happen to us during the day. And some situations may require us to take immediate action, ingenuity, and sometimes physical strength. It was all these qualities that were used by the girl who will be discussed below. She just went to morning jog, not even suspecting that she would have to save wild animals with only a bottle of water and a phone with a camera.
Morning Adventure
Chloe Dorsey, as usual, was going to run in the morning at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. At some point, the girl came across a charming animal in dire need of help.
It was a small deer. He became trapped between the metal fence bars after other deer successfully jumped over it.
There was no one around who could help the animal. Without thinking twice, Chloe decided to do everything herself. She was determined to help. The only thing the girl thought about was saving the life of the fawn.
“You have to do what you have to,” she thought. “I decided to push the fence bars apart, no matter the cost!”
Liberation
She filmed the entire process of freeing the animal on camera, placing it in front of the fence.
At first, the girl had trouble bending metal bars with her bare hands. But the fawn, desperately trying to escape from the trap and clearly losing strength, forced Chloe to tense up.
Incredibly, after a short time the girl was able to move the fence and free the frightened baby. But she never managed to relax, because a more serious adventure awaited her next.
Trap again
A few minutes after the rescue, Chloe noticed that the small deer had gotten stuck in the fence again. Only this time the fence was very narrow, with even thicker and stronger metal bars.
And this time nothing stopped the girl. She also set up a camera to take pictures and went to save the wild animal. This task turned out to be more difficult than the previous one; the metal did not give in.
Then Chloe used a trick: she suddenly jumped over the fence, and the deer jerked stronger from fear and was able to free itself.
The girl posted footage from her phone on Instagram, where she quickly attracted the attention of the whole country. It received a lot of views and positive comments. Subscribers called her a modern superhero.
And this is actually true, because not every girl can push apart a metal fence with her bare hands. In addition, Chloe deserves respect because she was not afraid, but quickly made a decision in a difficult situation.
