A Running Start

One of my first blog posts was about running. You can read it here if you haven't already but I talked a little bit about how I got started and some of the people that were with me along the way and that I grew closer to because of a common interest.

I'm not sure I'll ever get over making fun of myself, so the above image is perfect. And, I know it to be true because I've seen a video of myself coming across a finish line. Isn't there a song "It Ain't Pretty?" That should've been queued for my little video. BUT, honestly, however painful it was to watch, the feeling I had in that moment was surreal. And, that's what running has been for me....painful, challenging, and mentally & physical draining yet empowering, strengthening, and very rewarding.....from one second to the next.

I've had an on-again/off-again, love/hate relationship with running. But, over the past few years, if I haven't been consistently running, I've been consistently active with other exercise...which has meant getting back into it much easier. And, because of this, I often hesitate to call myself a runner.  I'm not a runner in the sense that I've been avidly doing it my whole life or that I run more than 20 miles a week or that I'm fast or it's the only exercise I wanna do. But, I do it. I love it...especially when I'm done. It used to be something I couldn't get out of my head when doing and now it's something I do to clear my head. So, when I came across this image today, I had to save it. I'm not good at golf. I don't do it every day. Sometimes I don't even do it once a week, but I wouldn't really hesitate to still call myself a golfer. So, today, I'm calling myself a runner. Because I can and I do.

One thing I am definitely not is an expert...on anything...lol. While I'm not a running expert, I am a girl who wanted to give it an honest try. I am a girl who has failed at it. I am a girl who has succeeded at it. And, if my story of some of the things I researched and learned or learned on my own...often the hard way....can help anyone else get started, why not share?!?

• Look into an interval training program like Couch to 5k. Not only will training in intervals of walking and running ease you into a 5k distance, it can burn more fat and calories.
• Make sure you have good shoes! I've read before a lot of aches & pains and injuries are due to either worn out shoes or improper fit. Have someone at Scheels or preferably a running store analyze your gait and find a shoe in that category.
• Find a running partner! Having someone waiting for you will often be the push to get out the door. I had that in the beginning and I probably would've given up had I not!
• Bring your smart phone along and download the app for whatever program you choose. (I wish I would've had this when I was starting out! There were times I bet in a half hour training run I would check my watch or phone for time like 50 to 100 times.) Not all training apps will have GPS in them so you can also use an app like Endomondo or RunKeeper to track your distance, and with Endomondo, it's basically like a Facebook for exercisers. The social aspect is fun!
• You will find your pace....a speed your body is "comfortable" at. It doesn't matter how fast that pace is. If it becomes difficult to talk or you CAN'T talk, you're going too fast.
• Sign up for a race! It will be an extra incentive to stick with the program!
• Make sure you have proper form! I had no idea when I was starting that it mattered. It does.
• Make sure you're hydrated! If carrying a water bottle is too annoying, stash it somewhere along the way.
• If you get side stitches, a way I've found online and works for me is to exhale when your opposite foot hits the pavement or treadmill. So, if you have a side ache on the right side, blow out your air when your left foot lands.
• Get a good playlist!
• One of the best purchases I've ever made was wireless headphones! Extra cords really bugged me and I hate when the earbuds would fall out of my ears once I started sweating. Over the ear, wireless headphones solved both problems.
• Don't stretch cold muscles with static moves. You could do active stretching like side lunges or walking lunges, etc. But, really the best warmup is just a brisk walk ~ typically for 5 minutes.  Warmup & cool down are just as important before a run as for a workout. Cool down also for about 5 minutes before you stretch. AND, be SURE to stretch after. Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds.
• You could very well be sore as you go. It's perfectly normal. Listen to your body ~ if it feels like more than muscle or joint soreness or stiffness is probably is. Be sure to stay hydrated even long before and long after you run.
• Fuel yourself properly. If I do eat before a run, it's at least an hour before or I have something really small like raw almonds or a protein bar or a banana. 
• STRENGTH TRAINING! I became so much stronger and running was SO much easier after I added in strength training. I would definitely recommend 3 times a week! It WILL make a difference! And, you can find tons of circuit programs online that just use your body's resistance if you don't have weights at home or can hit a gym. Check out Pinterest! Be sure to study up a little bit before you start anything on proper form!
• Most importantly, have fun!

Even better than signing up for a race on your own is signing up as a group for something like a Color Dash. I recently did one with a bunch of girls and it was a blast!