In today's episode, Coach Jessica Marie Rose Leggio speaks with Lisa Jhung about Simple Hacks To Love ❤️  Running 🏃‍♀️ (With Lisa Jhung). Lisa is a widely published writer in all corners of the running world and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It).  As the title of Lisa's book suggests, she didn't always love running. She flat out hated it – to the point that she was hiding from her high-jump coach to avoid running two laps around the track during warm-up. After being forced into running to make the college volleyball team, what began as begrudging runs turned into a daily activity she positively anticipated. Lisa's offers some sage advice with a dose of dry wit that will guide new runners and advanced runners alike to find joy in the simple act of running.  Focus on the journey, not the destination  Have you ever consciously asked yourself what keeps you running? Many people tend to focus on the end goal over the process. But while weight loss, finish times, and fitness goals can motivate you, they ultimately don't bring joy to the act of running. Some people set lofty goals of running a marathon – then they will be fit,' then they will be 'a a runner.' But there's no set distance, speed, or body type that makes you a runner.   "You need to dig deeper to find out what's going to keep you going in the moment." Instead of the finish line, start focussing on the process. Does a specific location inspire you? Does running feel good in the morning to start your day; or as a way to unwind in the evening? Do you like the social aspect of running with friends? Or do you prefer running alone, where all modern-day obligations and stresses dissipate to the side as you focus on moving your body through the landscape?  People's goals and underlying motivations to run can change over time. By asking yourself these types of questions that focus on the process, you will stay in-tune with yourself and on the path of finding joy in running.  Run Where You Are Every day you set out for a run, your fitness is at a certain level. So listen to your body and run where you are. Don't push beyond what feels right because you have a strict running schedule or training plan. Instead, take a flexible approach, as this will allow you to account for how your body feels on any given day.  If you are brand new to running, be gentle with yourself and slowly build up your time on your feet. The walk-run-walk method can be a practical way to build up your endurance without overly taxing your body.  Like many things in life, runners need to mix things up now and then to stay fresh. And sometimes it's best to acknowledge it's just not your day, and giving it a rest may be just what the body needs. Remember, you can do plenty of things that will support your progress that doesn't involve running. For example, if your body is still recovering and sore from your previous run, doing some self-maintenance such as foam rolling and mobility exercises may be the best thing for you. By approaching running with a self-care mindset, you will still get immense physical and mental benefits without being so hard on yourself. Running shouldn't be no-pain no-gain Lisa's book centers on a common misconception that running is always going to suck. As a beginner, it's hard to fathom how you're going to keep going for longer than a handful of minutes. Also, beginners will often encounter delayed muscle onset soreness (DOMS) as their body adapts to the physical demands of running. But as you progress, there will come the point where you pass these initial difficulties and run almost effortlessly.  "The sun was setting over the beach and I just hit this groove. I was like, oh yeah, this feels good!" Lisa says, have faith that that moment exists and know that you don't have to push each run to