Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
The Topic for today is: What is the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?
You know me, I can’t just pick ONE thing…
So here’s a few of the most important ones:
- Join a Running Class
Some persons just start running on their own. They risk acquiring bad habits. This may lead to injuries.
One day after a tennis match, one player suggested that three of us enroll in No Boundaries, a Fleet Feet-based class for those wanting to learn to run. The class culminated 16 weeks later with a 5k race. It was a great way to start my running journey. I still recall many of things I was taught by my coaches.
with my partners in crime (back in 2008)
- Find Your Tribe
Of course, it is more convenient to run when you want, where you want and how fast you want. But you will definitely find more benefits in running with others.
When I first started running, I blogged and read other running blogs. One day in 2010, a local blogger (The Happy Runner) asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race. This group grew immensely to include runners of all ages and levels. I bump into someone from that group at almost every race.
the larger group at a 2013 half marathon (yes, we had shirts made up with the group’s name)
Currently, I am fortunate to be part of another group called the Sole Sisters (as a result of a race-cation for the Wine Glass HM). They support me, motivate me and have become friends, in addition to running partners.
most of the group at a local 5k
- Run longer distances.
It is perfectly fine to be a short distance runner. It certainly is much easier to fit in a training plan and to focus on speed and PRS.
That was my plan for several years. I ran 5ks and I ran lots of 5ks. Nothing longer.
Then one day, a running friend insisted that I was capable of running a half marathon. I was so skeptical that I signed up for one and didn’t tell anyone (in case I failed.)
My first (2011):
My 41st (2020):
obviously the colors of my running outfits haven’t changed lol
Yes, I got hooked.
In fact, before the Pandemic of 2020, I was planning to run one each month this year. (Yes, 12 in 12 months!!)
- Run the NYC Marathon
No one needs to run a marathon to consider herself a runner. And if you do, it doesn’t have to be a BIG one like NYC.
Running a marathon was NEVER one of my running goals.
In 2018, I ran the Brooklyn HM fast enough to get into the 2019 NYC Marathon. I was told that it was a “no brainer” to run it since it is so hard to get into and I would not likely get in at a future time through the lottery.
However, my job in 2019 did not lend itself to training for one. Again, I was reminded that there will “NEVER be a perfect time.”
So I signed up. I trained (supported by my “Sole Sisters”). I connected with fellow bloggers Lacey and Cari during Marathon weekend. Most importantly, I finished those 26.2 miles with a smile on my face.
best weekend ever!
I could go on and on. I am sure I was given a lot of other good advice related to fitness. (Much of which I have probably ignored LOL)
I’m also linking up here:
Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.
Happy Running! What is the best fitness advice you have ever received? Does any of the advice I received apply to you too? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
I love your running tribe, Darlene!
Unfortunately, I never had a tribe, only a few people with whom I run sometimes.
I did the NYC marathon in 2010 – it was the best running experience ever! I would recommend that to any runner, too.
I’d love to do the Boston one day. Have you done that one?
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No on Boston. Not fast enough. I’m sure that would be an awesome experience.
I got lucky with this group of women.
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Oh, I really could have benefited from a running class when I started running. Instead I ran right into an injury that I could barely walk through — some ITB/piriformis thing. Find your tribe is great advice on and off the running course.
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I was lucky to start that way. Most runners do not.
Friends help in all areas of life.
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My running journey actually looks much different than yours, Which is one of the cool things about running.So many different ways to do it.
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Yes there are. Sometimes we end up at the same point but we could start the same way and end up differently.
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Like you, I did a lot of 5K’s (for a few years) before I got up the courage to do a 20K. And, the rest is history. I think I’ve done 41 half marathons and 8 20K’s, and I cannot wait until I”m able to do another. Air Force Marathon would have been my 10th marathon…sigh.
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Wow – 10 marathons! I’m not sure I will do another. I also can’t wait to run another half marathon. How weird that we’ve both done 41 halfs.
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I guess technically I started running when I was in HS sports but I dont really remember getting much advice about it. I wish I had learned more about injury prevention when I was starting out! I’ve said this before but I’d love to run the NYC marathon someday.
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Hope you get too. And hope it happens again. I know you would love it.
Even you learn about injury prevention, we still may ignore it lol
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Finding my tribe was the best running decision I ever made as well. You cannot underestimate the power of finding the friendship and encouragement of like minded women
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Amen!! I feel so blessed.
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When I first started, I really focus on the shorter distances. Once I started training for longer distances, I was surprised at how much I liked it.
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Same here. Less pressure on finish time.
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I haven’t been fortunate enough to find a running tribe, at least not where I live. I have an online group of runners I’m part of a team with and that’s been fun. Before the pandemic, I was all set to look (again) for a local running group that I felt like I fit in with, but well, that didn’t work out so well since all running groups are on hold here. It’s something I definitely want to look into when I can, though.
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Virtual running friends are great too. I feel very grateful to my running tribe.
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When I first started running, I stuck to shorter distances as well. Once I started long distances, though, I was hooked – and so glad that I pushed myself to build up to them.
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Yup. I am glad that someone pushed me to try it,
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A running tribe is so important. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to join a running club.I met new friends, learned about speed work, and started racing. Best advice ever!
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Agree. We are both lucky for the opportunity.
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I’ve never had a running tribe. I mean I’ve run with a group here and there but for the past couple of years have run solo. I like it. I don’t mind it at all.
Right now i am enjoying the shorter distances. I don’t think I will be doing marathons anytime soon (well, when we go back to racing).
Thank you for linking up with us!
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That’s fine that enjoy running alone. I don’t mind for shorter runs. It the long ones. It’s hard alone. At least for me.
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