Running Mantras, Advice, and Lessons Learned

After reading friends’ weekend race reports and training summaries, I also met some bloggers who are new to running.  I didn’t leave them any advice, just a note encouraging them to get to know other blogging runners.

But…if I was going to give any advice to new runners—how's that for a self-serving set-up—it wouldn’t be technical, how-to type advice.  Instead, it would be more along these lines…

• You will get better.  The body can do amazing things!  It’s dang near impossible to keep running consistently and not get better.  Consistency is the key!

• Don’t worry about speed.  You’ll get faster just by running regularly and by applying new levels of energy and effort.

• Progress slowly.  Nobody became a runner overnight.  We all start with a distance and routine works for us and then move on from there.  Probably each of us have overdone it by running too much too fast too soon.

• Recovering is part of running.  When your body is not running, it’s adapting to get you ready for what’s next.  You’re not a wus if you’re not running—you’re actively recovering!

• Listen to your body.  Discomfort is different than pain; tired is different than exhaustion; challenging is different than foolish.  Also, be wary of Marcy’s body-related posts, but we all learn from her and enjoy her.

• Make connections with other runners.  You’ll make overnight friends on the running blogs who will share their experience, expertise, and support.  They're a riot!

• Running is not about extremes!  Sure, you’ll find countless runners who regularly run longer and train for half-marathons, marathons, and ultras.  But it’s not about others’ distances; it’s about your distance, whatever that might be.

• Call yourself a runner.  Don’t wait for some major running achievement to happen, like running a particular distance or completing a race.  If you run, you’re a runner!  Just ask Amy.

Never underestimate what a welcome and a word of encouragement can mean to a new runner you meet.    Stop by and say hi to Jen at Decided To Start Running.

Finally I enjoyed this insight about running at Amy’s Running Life about a recent run:

"It was FUN. And it made me remember how much fun running used to be...back when I didn't care about splits, or pace, or aches and pains. Back when I was just happy to run."

Thanks, Amy, that says a lot!

Advice session on Flickr by Ohad

Comments

[Sandy]

Tom,
Great post! I stopped by some of the blogs you mentioned. Sounds like Marcy hurt her hip flexors (a horrible injury!). You're right; it's great to know other runners through blogging.

How did your long run go this weekend?
Sandy

[Marcy]

LOL Tom!! Yeah I talk about scary stuff over there. Definitely not for everyone.

The last one is definitely true. No matter how fast you're going, no one is a jogger!

[David]

Good advice. I never get tired of reading things like this!

[David]

Good advice. I never get tired of reading things like this!

[Nancy]

Tom - Thanks much for this. It seems I am still quite the beginner. For those who didn't read my blog, I spoke to Tom this weekend and he was very encouraging -- he also pointed out in a very kind way that I should actually remove the old inserts in my shoes before putting new ones in. He called it the "conservative approach" to put the new ones in right over top of the old ones as I did!! Man is my face red (and my feet are alittle worse for the wear, but not too bad).

I'm going to print this one and keep it to help me remember not to be in too much of a hurry or too hard on myself. Thanks again, Tom!

[August]

Very encouraging. Thanks. I needed this.

[Jean]

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Tom. And good luck at Chicago. Had such a great time there in 2003, loved the flat course and the crowd, perfect to set my PR (2:37).
Train safely in the meantime,
Jean.

[Bella]

That's a nice list of advice, all very true, otherwise running wouldn't be fun.

[pat monahan]

Great list. Lists like that should be read over and over. I'd add - Have Fun. Not every moment of running is going to be fun, but at the end of the day a smile should appear (if it hadn't already).

gotta run, pat

[bex]

I like all the advice, but especially the nugget about connecting with other runners. Non-runners always seem surprised when I tell them that I have running buddies all across the country - but it's so important to have them - they're an integral part of my training, even though I don't run with them. Just got back from a 15-miler - I ran by myself, and sure wished I had company in those last few tough miles.

[Penny]

Excellent post! I nodded my head at each bullet point I read. Running-blog buddies rock!

[Big Peach Runner]

Great post Tom. All points are excellent advice! It reminds me of when I was just getting started. I love looking back on those days...all the learning and excitement of new milestones.

[Amanda]

I love mantras when running. Even the silly old one's like one foot in front of the other or left, right, left right. They all add up to make you mentally stronger which is half the battle!

[Doug]

Hey Tom,

You posted a brief comment on my blog this weekend; thanks! I really appreciate it, especially since I just started it, well, this weekend!

As a runner who has a habit of trying to get others hooked, I thought this was a great post. Definitely a few more things to help people get through their first few miles and into the real fun!

[Andria]

My favorite point is call yourself a runner. It really makes a difference in how you think about your training. Also, thanks for the comments you leave for me. I was so excited when I got my first comment from a fellow runner! It's great motivation!

[Bob]

thanks Tom,
Every now and again it helps to remember the reasons why we do this and just how far we have come. And we have come far, even if you just had your first run!!!

[runningkate]

Love this post! Thanks!

[Running Hawkeye]

Thanks Tom. I'm trying to listen to my body and not over do things early. Great advice.

[coach outlet store]

This is the one we did, isn't it??? It's one of my all time favorite runs.