This week’s Tuesday Topic is: Your tips for beginner runners. You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
Dear runner,
So you just started running? Good for you! I am proud of you. Running is fun. Running is a hobby. You don’t have to love running but liking it is good enough. When you start to “hate” it then that is when you probably need to take a break from it. That’s OK. It happens to many of us. Here are some of my tips. I hope you find them useful.
➡️ Invest in good shoes. I know shoes are expensive but they’re worth it.
➡️ Running should be fun. Remember that it is a hobby. Unless you are training to win a race and money, then it is more than a hobby.
➡️ Listen to your body. Feeling tired and need a day off? Go for it. Do not feel guilty about taking a rest day.
➡️ Walking is OK. Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t or make you feel less of a runner for walking.
➡️ A mile is a mile no matter the pace. Whether you finish it in 15 minutes, 7 minutes, or 9 minutes, make sure to celebrate it.
➡️ You can run a half marathon or a marathon if you want. It will take time and commitment but it can be done. I started running in 2005 and ran my first marathon the following year.
➡️ Remember that you are a runner. Whenever you’re in doubt, remember these wise words from Bart Yasso: “I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.”
So true that running should be enjoyable! It’s a hobby and for the most of us, it’s not as if our livelihood depended on it.
As long as we enjoy it, we will stick to it longterm. Great tips, Zenaida!
Glad you like them!
These are Perfect.
I like your positive approach.
I hate when people say Don’t …
Thanks, Darlene. I think whenever someone says “don’t” then we tend to do the opposite.
I love what you said about “you don’t have to love running, liking it is okay.” That is golden! Even now, after 16 years, there are many days I don’t “love” it LOL
Do people really LOVE running? I’ve heard people say that but I wonder if it is really true. 🙂
Running should be fun is always a tip that I try to keep in mind!
Definitely! If not then why do it?
Yes! A mile is a mile no matter the pace. I always try to remind myself (and others!) about that…. there is no competition (unless you run a race LOL) and you should enjoy every minute that you’re out there on your feet.
It bugs me that some people are judgmental and critical when someone runs slower than them. Let me run at their own pace.
Love this Zenaida! Great post!
Thank you!
I love that quote by Bart Yasso! Sometimes it takes a while to be comfortable calling ourselves runners. I wish I didn’t beat myself up so much for taking walking breaks. They helped me so much when I was increasing my mileage!
Even after running for many years, there are still many things we need to learn.
Yes! There are no fake runners. I think people just starting out now are lucky- there’s so much information available. Your tips are all great.
There are so many things I learned throughout the years that I didn’t know when I started running. But sometimes it is fun to compare how it was before and now (i.e. timing chips on the shoes).
I agree with all of these. I’d add “find a buddy” or two! Running with friends is more fun, goes faster and you’re less likely to bail on a run if a friend is waiting. If you don’t know other people who want to run, hit up a local running store for a group run!
That is a good point! I didn’t add it because I run alone but I know others could still benefit from it.