with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs,
Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice
and Patty @ My no-guilt life! 

This week’s topic is “If I only knew then…. What advice would you give your new runner self?

Another tough topic.

Before I took my first step, I joined a running group called No Boundaries.  They taught us what to wear, how to breathe, how to stretch, not to heel strike, etc. I had a coach and several mentors.

We had a training schedule and we ran outside no matter what the weather was like.

Being the impatient person that I am, although our first 5k was not scheduled until July, I ran my first 5k three weeks after my first run (which took place on April 1).  And I ran the whole 3.1 miles…not fast.. but I did it.

The picture above is funny because I never stretch.

I also started this blog, the day I signed up for No Boundaries and have continued posting even when I was injured and couldn’t run.

So what would I do differently?

• Run with other runners more often.

After no Boundaries ended, I used to do most of my running alone.  I did run a lot of races and made running friends there.  But I still was uncomfortable joining a running group because I was a “beginner,” I was “older” and I thought that I wasn’t “fast enough.”

Now that I have joined a few groups, I know that age and pace do not matter.  It is more fun to run with someone else.

• Run more miles in the beginning.

I ran about 100 miles the first year and 200 the second year.  I didn’t run when the weather was bad.  I took the whole winter off the first year.  And since I was only running 5ks, I could do them even if I only completed 1-1 1/2 miles for my weekday runs.

Now I run ALL year and my weekday runs are at least 3 miles.

• Run more than 3 miles.

I never ran more than 3 miles even on the weekends.  I was not building any endurance.  I got faster but I think I could have gotten even faster. I should have tried longer races rather than sticking to only 5ks.

Now even if I am not training for a big race, I try to run 5-6 miles on the weekend. I run a lot of 5ks but I have added 10ks, 15ks and other distances to my race schedule.

• Sign up for a half marathon sooner.

I don’t mean the first year but I waited a few years because I didn’t have the confidence that I could do it.  Finally I signed up for one and trained for it.  Then I discovered that ANYONE can run a half marathon.  You prepare for it.  And I realized for the half marathon, FINISHING=WINNING.

• PRs are hard and unpredictable.

When I first started running, I gradually got faster.  Before I knew it, I was finishing my 5ks under 30 minutes.  But I kinda plateaued.  I didn’t finish one in 27:XX until a few years later (after I started running half marathons.) Of course, then there were several injuries and I felt like I was starting all over.

I never know if I am going to run a good race.  My PRs are surprises.  I can run the same course and my finish time will vary tremendously.

I now realize that there are so many factors that influence our runs – weather, training, health, course, elevation, terrain, etc. We just do our best and the PRs will happen …or not.

• It may take years before you find the right running shoe.

I started with Saucony, then there was Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, even Hokas. With each new brand, I kept thinking that this was it!

8 years later I am wearing Nikes.  No far so good.

• Speed isn’t everything. Enjoy your runs!

When I first started, I was worried about getting faster (doesn’t everyone?) I had a Nike chip on my shoe that synced with my iPod. Then I got a Garmin. I always uploaded my data and fretted about my pace.

Now I only wear my Garmin for racing.  For my other training runs, I only care about distance.  I don’t look at my pace. I don’t upload it or post it anywhere.

And yes, running is a lot more fun.

Happy Running! What advice would you give your new runner self?