Hey all.
I wrote a new blog: marierunstothehills.wordpre...
Here it is:
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This is fun!
When I'm running, my brain starts to run too. I think about things and I get inspired to write a blog about them. So here we go. Today I thought about what I've learned so far and I'm gonna pen down some of my new-found wisdom – from a complete newbie to... well, whoever is reading this.
Now, keep in mind that I'm by no means an expert, and nothing I come up with on this blog should be taken as professional running advice. I might even invent complete hogwash – so don't take anything I say as gospel and, if you're an advanced or even professional runner, please point out anything that isn't spot on. Any tip from you guys is highly appreciated!
Alright, so here we go with 'Marie's not-to-be-taken-too-seriously running advice for beginners':
1. GIVE IT A TRY
Let's state the obvious: Running isn't for everyone. Same as with anything else, you really get into it or you might, for whatever reason, just not be cut out for it. I didn't think I was. Seriously. Running was my least favourite sport in school. It gave me excrutiating toothache, no kidding. Once I puked after a 1,000m run because I was in so much pain. Another time it set off the flu and I ended up in bed for two weeks. Yep, I hated running. I even hated running for the bus – and believe me, I missed quite a few. So when my brain suggested it might be time to give running a try, I thought I was going nuts. But I did it. I just ran. And it turned out I loved it. I still don't know why. That's just how it went. (Oh, and the toothache hasn't paid a visit so far either.)
2. STAY WITH THE PROGRAMME
Now I'm fairly sure, most people just run. But I found it easier to download an app that tells me when to run and when to walk (because you wanna vary between the two). There are countless running apps out there but I stumbled over the NHS's Couch to 5K programme and found it suits me well. It takes you through nine weeks of structured running. You start with eight 1-minute jogs, alternated by 90-second walks (and of course there are warm-up and cool-down walks included), then you move on to longer but fewer runs until you're running 30 minutes in one go. Phew!
I'm nowhere near that. I've repeated Week 1 this week and it looks like I will repeat it again – because that's how I run.
3. STAKE OUT YOUR TERRITORY
My running environment is crucial to me. I live very close to Chalkwell beach (which lured me into running in the first place) and without it I just don't run. I like to gaze at the water when I push myself. It's a nice distraction from my burning lungs. And I also like to tell myself that the air is better down there.
You might not have a beach – or any other relaxing bits of nature. You might also not care too much about your running environment – hey, everyone is different and people do run in busy cities. Then again you might discover that varying your running environment keeps you going. Well, whatever floats your boat, find it and make it yours.
I have one particular stretch that I like running along. It helps me focus on the finishing line. I start off with a brisk 5-minute warm up walk facing the sun. I enjoy the glitter on the water, and the sunlight energises me while I'm keeping my sights on a certain bench that signals the end of those five minutes. Then I run in the other direction, with the sun away from my eyes, until the sidewalk along the beach makes a natural U-turn. By this point I'm more than half-way through my eight minutes and I already feel some sense of achievement. The rest of the run kind of does itself by now. At this point in my running development, it actually takes me by surprise when I see 'my bench' appear on the horizon.
4. GET INTO GEAR
It's been said a million times before, good running shoes make a good runner. I actually started off running in my hiking shoes, simply because I didn't want to spend money if I didn't keep it up. But after a few runs I took a trip to Decathlon and invested in a proper pair of trainers. They make such a difference to my dodgy knees! I got them fitted by someone who knows what to watch out for and it's probably the best investment in my new hobby so far. I also got myself a mobile holder for the arm because my phone just slipped around too much in my bra. A sweatband – with pre-menopause in full swing, I'm boss in the sweating department – and some inexpensive running shorts completed my first purchase. You really don't need to spend big money on that stuff (mine came to just about 50 quid altogether) but some of these things are crucial for your running pleasure. And talking about mobiles, you might wanna turn on some music. It makes the run so much more enjoyable! Pump up your favourite music – in my case anything rocking from Seattle – and let yourself go!
5. TIME (OF DAY) IS MONEY
Find a time that suits your schedule but also helps you enjoy your run properly. I tried all kinds of day and night times and found – to my surprise – that I enjoy running early in the morning best. Another weird development, being a night-owl and all. But there's something about the morning light and cooler breeze that keeps me going. Not to mention there are far fewer people and dogs in my way. The earlier the better. My only 6am run so far was my favourite. There were about three other runners and, apart from them, only the sea and little moi. It was great!
The early morning runs also ensure that I don't waste my mornings in bed when I could be doing some (freelance) work, clean the house or get at least some yoga on the go. Because up until now, most of my mornings were a complete mental and physical wash-out – which had gotten worse since my anxiety breakdown a couple of years ago. I'd tried a lot to get myself out of that morning slump – and finally running sorted it out for me.
6. PACE YOURSELF
That's probably my number 1 learning so far: Run at your own pace. In my case that's a light jog. I really don't care if I'm overtaken by other runners or dogs or dog walkers... I just crawl along and run in the moment. Of course I got goals but I like them small: run every couple of days, run the whole eight minutes – that's it. And they're enough to push myself and get a sense of achievement. I'm pretty sure that if I pushed too hard and rushed through the programme, I'd hit a point where I'd start to despise it. But I want to be in it for the long run, if you excuse my pun. So I'm giving myself time to adjust, enjoy my 1-minute runs and, if I have to do the first week 50 times, so be it. At least I won't drop off.
7. SAY HI
This is one for extroverts or at least introverted extroverts like me. Engage with other runners, dog walkers or just simply walkers. And I don't mean invite them to your next BBQ. A little smile makes all the difference. If you're running the same stretch over and over again, maybe even at the same time every couple of days, you'll probably bump into the same people. Give them a nod, if you can bear it. It lights up the mood and gives you a feeling of belonging. Now, not everyone will return that nod. Hey, some people won't even make eye contact – we're in Great Britain after all! 
Don't take it personally. They're all fighting their own running demons. But give it a try and just smile. I'd say I'm currently at a 30% response rate.
8. TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK
Last but not least something about refreshments. I read somewhere that you don't actually need to drink while you're running. Which gets rid of the need of dragging a water bottle with you. That said, my own research shows that about 90% of runners are carrying water with them – and I'm one of them. When I first started, I went through the whole bottle by mid-run. I was so thirsty! I usually take sips during the warm-up walk and in-between the runs when I'm kinda speed-walking to keep my heart rate up. Today I noticed I actually don't need that much water intake during my runs anymore. I still finished my bottle but it certainly didn't feel like I was running through the desert. Main thing here is to choose a bottle that isn't too heavy and that you can easily clutch with your sweaty hands. There are many designs out there. I chose one that I can get my fingers around and that is branded with the Sub Pop logo – which makes me extra happy.
Anyway, if you drink while you're running or not, make sure you get some water in you before and after your jog. I start my day with a milky coffee but I'm not sure expert runners would sign off on that. And when I get home, even before I have a shower, I drink at least a glass of water, just to get some fluid back in my body.
So there you have it. That's my take-aways from the last couple of week's running. I'm sure there's more to come and I'm looking forward to learning more about the whole running business. Main thing is it's fun stuff so far.
Beginner 
Beginner 
Beginner! 
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Beginner!
