Have you ever noticed how much extra tension you carry when you’re running, especially when things start getting a little harder?
This week’s ZenRUN Moment is about something that made a real difference to my own running: learning to recognise the difference between effort and tension. They’re not the same thing! You can be working hard, breathing heavily and giving your legs a proper workout without clenching your jaw, tightening your fists or hunching your shoulders. But it’s surprisingly easy to add all that extra tension without even realising it.
On your next run, especially when you’re heading up a hill or picking up the pace, ask yourself one simple question: “Is this effort, or is this tension?” Notice what your body’s doing. Are your hands relaxed? Are your shoulders creeping towards your ears? Are you holding tension in your face? See if you can soften those areas without backing off the effort. You’re not trying to make the run easy. You’re just trying to avoid making it harder than it needs to be.
And it’s a pretty useful lesson for everyday life too. We can put effort into something without adding unnecessary stress and tension along the way. Sometimes a little less fighting ourselves makes the whole experience feel better. So give it a go on your next run. Run strong, but not rigid. Small moments of awareness like this can completely change the way running feels.
💛 Running used to clear your head. Now it’s another thing weighing on it. Let’s change that.
If you’re tired of dragging yourself out the door, feeling guilty when you don’t, or comparing every run to what you used to do—Feel Like a Runner Again is for you.
This practical program helps you quiet the mental noise, drop the pressure, and rediscover running as time for yourself.
Less “I should go for a run.” More “I’ve missed this.”
👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/feel-like-a-runner-again
A couple of small favours
1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it.
2️⃣ Got a running story – or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.
Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club
or email hello@zenrun.club
