Are you a new runner or thinking about becoming a runner in the near future? Have you wondered exactly how you would make it happen? I am not speaking of running form, that is a post for another day. I am talking about *what the heck do I do to make sure I am successful at this thing called running*? If you are like me, you want to know what you are up against before committing to something new. With that in mind, I came up with the…….
New Runner’s Check List
- Get yourself some running shoes. I have to be honest with you- I did not get REAL running shoes until after I finished my first round of Couch to 5k. I wanted to make sure I was going to stick with it before making a $100+ investment in shoes that I only wore for running and nothing else. That seemed like such a large amount of money to me at the time (and it is!). However, the right running shoes can and will make a world of difference. I now buy my running shoes every 3-4 months OR every 300-400 miles OR when my feet start to hurt- that’s my tell tell sign that it’s time to get a new pair. Also, when you make this investment in your feet, I highly recommend going to an actual running store where their employees are trained in analyzing your gait/running form. They will watch you run and then identify what type of runner shoe you need (neutral vs stability).
- Wear comfortable clothes suitable to the weather. This just makes sense, right? Nothing too tight, nothing too lose. You want comfort on top AND on bottom. Wear a hat/sunglasses/sunblock if it’s sunny. Do NOT wear long pants if it is 85 degrees outside!
- Make sure you are wearing a sports bra vs a regular bra. I have to admit that I double bag the girls with certain bras that can’t seem to do the job on their lonesome. True, I do own a few expensive sports bras that stand alone, but the rest require TWO to keep my hooters in place.
Yeah, I just said that.We want to make sure the girls aren’t flopping around, poking your eye out!I am a 34DD, not that you need to know that but whatever. - Get your mind in the right place. I think I can I think I can I think I can. Surround yourself only with positive thoughts.
- Pick a first time runner’s training plan. Couch to 5k is the most popular one; the majority of runners I know started with C25K.
- Commit. Some days are going to be hard because you are tired, your muscles are sore,or life events are conspiring against you from getting your runs done. You have to commit right now to JUST DO IT.
- Put it on your calender. Like any other appointments or activities you put on a calender, put your run days on the calender too. Trust me.
- Enlist a friend to train with you. It’s harder to back out of a run when you know you have to meet up with someone or that you are letting them down. Plus, having a friend next to your side will give you someone to talk to, distract yourself with, and commiserate on all the fun you are having!
- Register for a race. Yep, go ahead, register for a race and MAKE IT REAL.
- Have fun. This is so important. True, some training runs aren’t so fun for a variety of reasons but then again, you will have a run(s) that leaves you elated and breathless for more. There will be a run where at the end, you will fist pump the air and yell in your head – I JUST RAN THAT! Yes, you did.
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I’m a runner, on my way to becoming a marathoner. I am 42 years old and have found a peaceful acceptance of my body. Through running, I have discovered who I am, besides a mom to three kids and a wife to one. I truly enjoy sharing my love of fitness with others while empowering and motivating women to conquer their fear of the unknown. In my spare time, I manage the Run with the Sisterhood Facebook page, work here and there for Zooma Women’s Race Series, and work part-time at our local YMCA.