Under normal circumstances the first time you go running is going to be a lot worse. I’ve had plenty of terrible, horrible, miserable runs throughout my life and can tell you stories that’ll scare you away from running indefinitely. You could probably save yourself some misery on your next run if you follow these five steps.
1.
Go poop before you run! I’m serious guys, it isn’t even funny. The last place
you want to be is 3 miles into your long run with no bathroom, toilet paper or
privacy and the strongest urge to poo. To save yourself from getting the runs
on the run just use the bathroom before you head out the door. Don’t feel like
you need to go? Think again and do it anyway. Also don’t eat anything that’ll
make you need to use the bathroom before you run. I once ate mashed potatoes
and a corn dog before a 6 miler and I won’t go into graphic detail on what
happened but it was bad, and I’m not proud of it. You get the picture? Use the
bathroom before you run and don’t eat before you run either.
2.
Safety first. Always run with your phone or a running buddy, this one’s
important people. I’ve been attacked by a dog twice while running and followed
by men on different occasions, one of which required me to call the police. For
your safety run with a phone or at least a partner. Always be aware of your
surroundings when you’re out on the roads. I love to listen to music when I run
but always keep the earbud closest to the road turned on low or completely
silent. Also don’t be stupid and go trail running alone. Growing up in
Washington if you went trail running alone it meant you could potentially be
attacked by a bear. So be smart and don’t do that.
3.
Less is more. No, don’t get excited and think less running is more because it’s
not. But the less amount of clothes you wear while going running is. I have
made the mistake so many times of throwing on too many layers on a chilly day
resulting in having to cart heavy, sweaty, baggy clothes home on the last half
of my run. It’s better to start your run off chilly and take the first mile or
so to warm up than to sweat too much underneath all those layers and end up
hot, grumpy and dehydrated. That goes for gear too. If you are going on a 5
mile run leave your fuel belt and gu gels at home. Trust me, you’ll survive
without it. You’ll also save yourself the embarrassment of being laughed at by other
runners who don’t need to strap 47 water bottles to their chest to make it
through such a small run.
4.
Wear the right shoes!! If you’re going to take anything away from this article
please learn to wear the proper shoes. It’s taken me a long time to find the
right pair of running shoes for my body. I’ve unfortunately learned from the
consequences of experience. Five years ago I fractured my foot in pair of
Nikes, this caused me to lose my regional title and my spot in the state
championships. In order to train right and be healthy you must have the right
pair of shoes. This might require you to learn more about how your body
responds to training; your running economy, and your form all play a part in
keeping you healthy. If you’re training or racing in the wrong pair of shoes
you will get injured, 100% guaranteed. Running shoes are the most important
gear for our sport. For your health, comfort, and safety please wear the right
pair for you.
5.
Have Fun! That sounds pretty cheesy, I know. But it's true. If
you don’t remember to make running fun you will lose all motivation and passion
for the sport. Last track season I got really injured and had forgotten how to
have fun in my training. I was miserable because I’d gotten so caught up in
having success as an athlete that I missed the point. Running is supposed to be
fun! Running is natural, primal almost. Even when it’s hard running is what our
bodies were made to do. You can’t forget why you run. For every hard workout
you do, take the time to relax in your training and enjoy just getting out there,
logging those miles and having a good time!
This blog can also be read on www.runfittedblog.com
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