So — you wanna be a runner, huh? Or maybe you already are one but you need a little motivation these days. This post is for new runners, the person looking to get started, and the runner needing an extra kick in the rear to keep motivation up during a hard training cycle. Basically, it’s for all runners so read on!
Running — specifically training — can be the most rewarding experience and the most trying one. Sore and tired muscles and IT bands; bruised, blackened, and even lost toenails; an insatiable appetite and truly learning the meanings of RUNGRY and HANGRY. These are all things that can, and likely will, happen when you take up the sport of running. You may not experience all of these things right away — hopefully you don’t! — and you may not even experience all of them during your running journey. But when things start to get tough and you start questioning why you’re still running, take a step back and remember why you started.
I asked some fellow runners for the one piece of advice they give to new runners. I think you’ll find value in what my cohorts have to say.
Advice for New Runners (and Those Looking for Their Mojo)
Go to a local running store and get fitted for the right running shoes for you!
-Coco from Got 2 Run 4 Me
Don’t compare yourself with anyone else. It’s very easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing but this is YOUR journey. Comparing and trying to do what everyone else is doing can demotivate you or worse, get you injured! So listen to your body and do what feels right for you. You are a runner whether you run a 15 minute mile or an 8 minute mile.
-Renee from Low Fat Pie
Take it slow! When are you first starting, it can be tempting to run as hard and as long as you can… it’ll burn you out. Start by going out for a walk/run mix for 10 minutes and slowly build yourself up… you’ll enjoy it a lot more!
-Lora Marie from Crazy Running Girl
Forward is a pace!
-Tara from A Daily Dose of Fit
Find a running group that welcomes all paces. They will push you in ways you didn’t know you wanted to be pushed. Before you know it you will see them at races and want to race as well. You will walk less (walking is perfectly ok at first), and find you’re pushing harder to keep up.
-Katherine from Jon & Kate Find Fitness
Make sure to include Omega 3’s in your diet to help fight inflammation!
-Julie from Sweat and Glow
Remember why you are doing it, and find the fun in running. Maybe it’s your running buddy and those teary runs you have commiserating, or that up beat GIRL POWER song that makes you run your heart out, or the alone time and quiet of hearing your strong legs pound the pavement. Focus in on that ‘why’ when it gets tough.
-Autumn from Playing House Full Time
Every session has a purpose. Your easy runs should be just that, easy. Just as your hard runs should be hard! Remember the purpose of your session every time you lace up. We are never logging miles just to log miles.
-Amber Rae from Eat 2 Save Your Life
Do not compare yourself to others! Run your own miles and remember, you are stronger than you know.
-Nanci from This Crazy Life of Mine
Every training cycle, every run, every week is different from the last one. No two are alike — learn and grow from each one.
-Rachel from Running on Happy
Settle those running nerves. Trust in your training, trust in your coach, and remember that all good things take time. And most importantly — if you haven’t started running yet — what are you waiting for?!
Take heed, keep your chin up, and let’s go running!
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new or struggling runner?
Do you find value in running with a group or do you prefer running solo?
Loading InLinkz ...Also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday.
