Hey! I’m still here in Florida for another day before I head back home. It’s been a good trip, but I am very ready to crawl into my bed and watch my own TV and yell at my own cat.
But before I pack it up and out I want to share 5 tips that would have helped me as a new runner. I have been running for over 8 years now. I started with a 10K just to do it with a friend (since I had been running for exercise and to lose weight solo). From there I signed up for a half marathon just kept running like Forest Gump.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned from years of running and too many half marathons and marathons and chafing scars and sweaty selfies…
5 Tips I Wish I Knew As a New Runner:
1. All shoes are not running shoes. Getting properly fitted and wearing the best shoe for your body / foot / training can make running more pleasant, prevent injuries and more. Even ‘little things’ like the right sock and right shoe design can help prevent lost toe nails and blisters.
2. Chafing sucks. AKA Switch to wick-wear. I wore cotton shirts and even race shirts that clung to my body and got heavy with sweat. Get at least one or two complete running ensembles that include a wick wear top, bottoms that don’t chafe, running shoes and a sports bra if you have boobs.
3. Don’t run everyday. Even marathon training plans give you two (or more) days off from running a week. The endorphins are addictive, but running every day can lead to overuse injuries. Consider finding a training plan to guide you on how much you should run each day / week. If you unfortunately suffered an injury, then make sure to visit a foot doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Options:
Couch to 5K training plan
Couch to 10K training plan
First Half Marathon Training Plan
4. Stretch, foam roll and learn about injury prevention. Runners have a reputation for being ‘lazy’ (counterintuitive right?) about stretching and cross training. Consider incorporating a warm up and stretching routine. Pay attention to your body – if it is aching or telling you ‘Hey, I need a break or I’m going to be sore for 3 days to show you!’, take a day off or be gentle with that area of your body.
5. HAVE FUN!!! This is not cliché it’s truth. You are not a professional runner (unless this is Ryan Hall who obviously doesn’t read RER because of that time I accidentally made a joke about his dog). This isn’t your job or a life / death situation. You’re running because it’s fun or you want to lose weight or because you want to get away from your family or some other reason like that.
This is something you choose to do – have fun with it. This is your ‘Me time’. Enjoy every second.
Bonus Tip: Eat carbs. (But not stuff that gives you the poops.)
PSA: Last day for free shipping for the 24 Day Challenge!
Thanks for the tips! I am going to start running and it’s a bit intimidating. This is helpful!
~Mel
http://www.thegossipdarling.com
Run near a restroom…
When I first began running, I would get the poops within the first mile or two. Like “I have to go now or will die” poops. It resulted in many shameless bush scouring expeditions, which led me to running in areas that had a port a potty near by. I also carried toilet paper because one should always be prepared! I still do sometimes. Also, if you have a bad digestive system like me, running may be really painful on your tummy when you first start. But I promise that your body will adjust and eventually the pain will go away and it will be worth it. And you’ll be able to go a few miles before needing to poop.
So, I have a bum knee and everyone tells me I should be able to run and then I run and I have trouble walking for days. Any suggestions on how to improve?
That sounds like me. I dislocated my knee twice and was told I shouldn’t run. I have some suggestions. 1. Strength train. I go to barre and Pilates because it’s easy on the knees and its a great leg workout. I feel stronger and my knees don’t feel like they will off even when I just run three miles. 2. Good inserts for your sneakers. I run in a stability shoe to help support my weak knees. On top of that, I took out the insert that comes with the shoe and bought super feet. Depending on what kind of foot you have (high arch, flat etc.) there is an insert that helps support. Your local running store should be able to help you with finding a good sneaker and inserts. 3.Kinesio tape has changed my life. I had gone to the orthopedist and he had suggested physical therapy. I got some great tips including how to tape up my knees and ankles. There are a ton of different brands and you tube videos with directions on how to tape.. 4. Above everything else, I would go talk to your doctor. You know your body best and the doctor can help give suggestions that will work for you. Ultimately that’s what I did and it really made a difference. Good luck!
Hooley Dooley!!! Let’s give it a go, I have a plan to get together a cross-country team and will put the plan into action for 2016. Cheers 🙂
Hahahhaha “but not stuff that gives you the poops” – best line ever.
If you know it will be a crap run leave the watch at home. When I’m getting back into the swing of things I don’t want to know for a quantitative fact that I was slow. No need to have my mind bringing down my best effort for that day.
tip from me that i just learned…try lacing your shoes differently. i thought my shoes were to narrow and giving me blisters then i changed the laces and now they are perfectly fine again.
Run without gadgets, forget about time, distance and pace once a week – so basically tip no 5: have fun!