6. RESPECT THE RUN!
Echoing Christopher McDougall’s observations in Born to Run (READ THIS BOOK, running enthusiast or not, it’s an amazing story.), people tend to view running differently from other athletic endeavors. If I wanted to learn to play basketball well, I’d recognize the need for practice, conditioning, and a general knowledge of the game, but with running? People think, “Hey, it’s running, of course I know how to run.” Sure, we know how to put one foot in front of the other at a heightened pace. But disciplining those muscles, becoming conscious of what our body needs from us before, during, and after the runs, and learning HOW to run are all things that need to be acquired to run, run without injury, and truly enjoy running.
7. Listen to your body.
As mentioned previously I was pretty brutal to my feet when I started running. It should have been obvious that I just needed to find a better pair of shoes, but I am stubborn and ran through the discomfort. I am a bad a$$, right? No…I was in need of surgery early on in my running career. I think I am finally learning to listen to my body and figure out what needs to be done to be pain free. I was having knee pain in college and when I finally went to the sports doctor he told me I needed inserts. They were uncomfortable and annoying so I started researching and realized all I did was run so I needed some strength training in my workout routine. A few years later I experienced reoccurring foot pain and waited to go see a doctor until it was so bad that walking was difficult. It was also accompanied by an attractive limp. I had a neuroma (inflamed nerve), a common running injury caused by narrow toe-boxes that squeeze your toes together (that’s right ladies…just like those narrow, pointy heels we like to splurge on). At this point all I could do was have surgery to fix the ailment. After another bout of knee pain I switched to minimalist shoes. I have been pain and ailment free ever since. Lesson learned…LISTEN to your body and don’t be stubborn. Figure out what is causing the problem and switch to something that will work for you.
8. Don’t freak out if you don’t follow a training schedule verbatim, but do train!
Following a training schedule takes an intense amount of dedication and planning. It is a difficult task. Unless you are asking for an injury it is important to find a schedule and allow some extra weeks for LIFE to intervene because it loves to throw bumps in the road. During training for my last full marathon I got sick a couple times and I fell in the middle of a run and really beat up my body and training schedule. It happens, that was my most extreme example though. Follow your schedule the best you can. My general rule is to run an equal or greater amount of miles during the week than your weekend long run. Allow for some flexibility. Above all else, your long runs are the most important. Do your best to get them in.
9. Run against traffic and remember, bike paths are our friends.
This should go without explanation but it amazes me how many runners I see running with traffic. Respect how dangerous drivers can be and face traffic so it is easier to see what happens.
While I was training for my second marathon I realized just how amazing the bike path is. There are no cars, it is relatively peaceful, miles and miles of routes, and usually you have easy access to a water fountain and bathroom. Priceless.
10. Hills are a Love/Hate Relationship: Learn to Love Them.
You don’t want to be caught off guard and unprepared to run a hill during a race. Work some elevation into your training routes. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you get when you run a difficult hill without stopping really pumps you with endorphins.
11. Stay Positive.
You will have tough runs, you will feel sore at times, you will struggle for motivation. Training is hard, but you’re doing something awesome. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a rough day or miss one run.
12. Share the racing experience with your loved ones.
Racing starting and finishing festivals are the HAPPIEST places I have experienced. The overall excitement of the racers and supporters is addicting. Thousands of people are gathering at an insanely early hour to celebrate the runners accomplishments. There is nothing cooler than seeing your family or friends at the finish line. It is even more fun if you can get them to run with you! You’re working hard and you are doing an awesome thing so share the experience.
To the right is my family. My little brother Noel, Noel’s girlfriend Chelsea, and my big brother Jason just ran their first half marathon. This was my sister Crissy’s third race (she got me to run my first race). Sharing the racing experience with my family was priceless.
13. Your first race is gonna hurt. It will be worth it.
I hurt so much after my first half and my first full marathon was worse even though I actually worked hard at training for that one. It will hurt, but the endorphins coursing through your body will have you on cloud nine. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Every race gets easier after your first race.
No matter what your finishing time, know that you are doing something that challenges and tests you beyond belief, you are dedicated and committed, you are striving to be a stronger healthier version of yourself,
YOU ARE AMAZING.
Disclaimer: Common Room members are not professionals. Consult a personal trainer or doctor before trying any fitness challenges. Results may vary.
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