Note: This is part 1 of a 2 part series this week on the sport of running. On Thursday, I will tell you about 10 MUST HAVE products that I USE and LOVE!
So I’ve been running for just over nine months now. Last check, I am nearing the 450 mile mark which is HUGE for me! As detailed in a previous post, How I went from sitting on my couch to running a Half Marathon in 5 weeks!, prior to 2010, I was not a “runner” or anything close to it.
That’s all changed now and for those just getting into the sport, or looking to take the sport of running a bit more seriously, I will detail some things I’ve learned and some products I love in two separate posts this week.
Up first, 8 lessons that will take YOU from the Couch to the Finish Line!
1. Get a Running Partner!!!
When I began my running journey, having a running partner was THE most component of my success.
The reason…when my mind and body pleaded, “QUIT, RUNNING IS DUMB,” my running partner kept me going and helped me push through.
If you can choose, find a partner that is currently in better shape than yourself.
Think of it like anything else you want to get better at in your life. If you are surrounded by people that are in a better situation than yourself (currently) then that person or people will raise your level of success.
Running works the same way.
2. Get out and RUN!
The toughest part a lot of times is merely putting on the shoes.
So simple…yet at times so tough.
The more you do it, the better you will become and the more you will enjoy it!
For me, I have the vision of matching up with Michael Jordan one-on-one to fuel me when I don’t feel like running.
Use what you need to use, but get out and Run!
3. Set running distance goals and stick to them!
There are a lot of publications out there that will give step by step running guides based upon the kind of run for which you are training.
Even if you aren’t training for a particular race, but want to get in better shape, set some goals.
Like all things, goals will hold you accountable and give you that push when you feel like skipping your workout.
Completing each run, one by one, will also give you a nice sense of accomplishment along the way.
4. Find runners and ASK questions!
Just like any facet of life, find the experienced ones and expand your scope! I have found the running/triathlon/cycling community so open and friendly.
Visit your local running/triathlon/cycling store and ask away. Beyond knowledge gained, friendships grow and inspiration is exchanged.
5. Enjoy the Process!
If you are just beginning your running journey, don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes time to get your body in tune to run longer distances and to improve your times.
Celebrate each run and each accomplishment!
I have a friend who recently ran her first 10 miler two weeks ago, which is AMAZING! 10 miles is like the official indoctrination to being a runner!
Last week, she had scheduled herself to run another 10 miles, but stopped at a little over the 9 mile mark. She was very disappointed that she hadn’t made it to her goal of 10 again.
When she told me about her 9 mile run, her voice was powdered in frustration. I was so excited for her though! The reason behind my excitement is that two and half months ago, she wasn’t running more than three miles at a time. Now she is running 9 and 10 milers and is officially a runner!
Enjoy the process, remember where you came from and celebrate your success!
6. Running is a Mental Journey
Running is a mental journey, as well as, a physical one.
For me it was actually more mental.
Knowing this going in always helped me prepare for the longer runs/races.
To combat the mental warfare, I came up with Stay Alive, Finish, and Never Walk. Because I began from zero, this helped me keep perspective along the way. If you are starting from the couch as I did, maybe it will work for you as well.
Soon enough, you’ll be a “runner” and won’t need such things. 🙂
7. Run with the wind
Run with no music (sometimes).
In my MUST HAVE products, which I will detail on Thursday, I mention that you should buy an iPod (if you are one of the 2 people that don’t have one). Every now and then though, I run without any music.
If I’m really pushing myself, running without music helps me keep better track of my breathing and more in tune with how my body is reacting to being pushed.
Recently, when I went over to my brother’s house and ran his 2 mile course, I purposely ran without music. My iPod was in the car, but I wanted to listen to my body since I would be pushing it like I had never done so before.
When asked, what I’d be listening to…I told him, “The wind.”
A mental play? Sure, but that’s what we do, we’re brothers. 😉
More than the “brotherly love”, I really just wanted to be mentally and physically in the same space.
Try it out sometime.
8. Invest
When I began my running journey, my head was harder than a 30 minute boiled egg. I refused to buy any running gear, other than a watch and I really did that because I love technology.
Don’t make the same mistake I did.
On Thursday, I will tell you about 10 MUST HAVE products that I absolutely USE and LOVE! These products will definatley help improve your running experience and make it more enjoyable.
See you then!
All of the things that runners may think is common knowledge may not be for the average person looking to get into the sport. I think it’s great that you shared these steps that you took!
Thanks! I appreciate it! 🙂
Kenny, you are such a inspiration to me. Thank you, for sharing your journey with us.
Thanks Marie! I can’t wait to hear about how your half marathon turns out!
You are going to do great!!!
Great post Kenny! I like the running posts, it gets me motivated for my training. =]
#2 is always the hardest part for me. Lacing up my shoes and dragging myself to the gym or the park seems more difficult than the actually running. Once I get going, everything is fine.
Thanks Kellie! I’m glad the posts are helpful!
Your big race is coming up!! I’d like to run in Vegas someday!
Yea, getting out there was extremely tough for me when I began, but now I actually look forward to it. Crazy right! 😉