If I Knew Then What I Know Now

If only we had a crystal ball when we began running. 

Would we have foreseen the enjoyment and success of our future running?  Would we have avoided the mistakes, injuries, disappointment, and setbacks?  What would we have done differently?

As runners, we're living, breathing storehouses of experience, expertise, and wisdom learned over many miles.  So Runners' Lounge invites runners everywhere to share their lessons learned over time—your pearls of wisdom to pass along to other runners.  To get at your wisdom, consider about the following questions.  How might your answers to these help other runners?

• What have you stubbornly resisted learning or trying?
• What has led to breakthroughs in your running?
• What lesson about running has taken you too long to figure out?
• What 1 or 2 factors have made your running most successful and enjoyable?
• What training or racing blunders have set you back?
• What 1 or 2 pieces advice would you pass along to a beginning runner?
• What advice would you pass along to a veteran runner whose stuck in a rut?
• What has kept you from achieving your running goals?
• What is one mistake that has made a significant difference in your running that would you like to reverse?

This isn't about regrets.  Instead it's about maximizing what everyone has learned and continues to learn about running.  Learning by trial and error is only useful up to a point.  And no runner wants to spend buckets of time figuring out how to get the most success and enjoyment out of running. 

We're looking forward to learning your most profound "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" wisdom on your posts, and hope you'll share it with other running enthusiasts on tomorrow's "Take-It-And-Run Thursday."

Ha!  Who needs a crystal ball with a community of runners to tap into?

Crystal Ball on Google Images

Comments

[William carter]

Hi Tom

I have only been running for a little less than 5 years, but I may overwhelm you with my list of "What ifs". When I look at how knowledgable and well informed new runners are now (and people like you and Amy have alot to do with it) I am amazed at how clueless I really was. Should be a good one.

My best to you and your family.