Slow your roll, buddy!
Slow down. Seriously. There is no “average pace”. There is no time limit, and there is no shame in going slower than you think you “should”. Slowing your pace down, especially when you are first starting, can help you run a little longer, not be so winded, and avoid possible injury from doing too much too soon. Even if you think you could walk as fast or faster, slow down.
These kicks are made for running.
Proper shoes are the most important piece of gear you will need. It doesn’t matter what shoes your friends wear, what shoes are cute, or what shoes are the “hot new model” in a running magazine. Hit your local running store and get properly fitted for you. Will you drop some cash on them? Of course – but investing in good shoes will help you run without needless pain, discomfort, or added stress.
Walk this way
It’s perfectly fine to walk. Marathoners walk. Ultra-runners walk. Sure, there are some that don’t, but most runners at some point on a run will take a short walk break. Trust me on this. Jeff Galloway, the modern patron saint of running, teaches this interval method and it has been a game changer with thousands of runners.
Where the mind goes, the body will follow
Running is mostly mental. Your body will adapt and let you run, your mind is most likely what is holding you back. Don’t let it.
This is not how I planned things
Your body is going to be weird sometimes. Legs that won’t warm up, tummies that get upset, weird “OMG I have to poop NOW” moments, and all sorts of other strange reactions to activity. Most are pretty normal – you’ll learn to adapt and deal.
High five, bruh!
There is no feeling quite as awesome as reaching the finish line for the first time, whether it be the finish line at a 5k or reaching the end of your first 20 minute run. It’s ok to get a little overwhelmed, we have ALL been there.
Have any other bits of wisdom you have learned in your running adventure?
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