I wondered if we could do a post on truths we've discovered on running.
I graduated four weeks ago, did four weeks of consolidation and actually ran my first 5K distance yesterday. My thinking is to start training for a 10K distance and start running parkruns and some other 5K challenges.
Here's a few for me:
1. The toughest step in a run is often the step out the front door.
2. One day's 15 (30, 40, etc) min run may be totally different than the next 15 (30, 40, etc) min run.
3. The Toxic Ten is real. Try to hang on through it...
4. Slow and steady wins the race. If you are having trouble with runs, be sure you are starting at an appropriate slower pace. (I used to say I walked faster than I was running...) and (OF) 'run at your own pace'.
5. Pre- and post-run stretching and warm-up and cool-down walks keeps the injuries away.
6. (F4L) There is often so much more within us when we really dig in than we realise.
7. (YLG) If it hurts, STOP!
8. (SH) Regardless the time or length of a run, you will always feel better when you get back than you did when you set off ( barring injury of course).
9. (OF) Run for 'PURE JOY'.
10. (Gt & RBTS64) JUST RUN - 'if you can't run the run you want, run the run you can'.
11. (CG2) Don't compare yourself to others.
12. (CG2) Don't talk negatively to yourself during a run.
13. (CG2) Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
14. (CG2) Make sure your shoes are in good condition and (OF) your running socks.
15. (CG2) Smile!
16. (PS) Hydration - both before and after your runs.
17. (PS) Find a super lightweight breathable windproof water resistant jacket that you can take off and tie round your waist if you get too hot.
Do you agree? What are yours?
Written by
drl212
Graduate
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Hi drl212 ! Those toxic 10s never go away for me- running 6 years now and they are waiting on the doorstep for me on every run Lol
I have learned to embrace them now rather than dread them - all part of the warming up process as I see it !
The main truth that is above all others for me is that there is so much more within us when we really dig in , than we realise- finding
that little extra when training intervals or going for a pb - so much of this running game is won and lost
In our heads !! A training partner or a running buddy on park run day , pushing and pulling the best out of us - is another truth - they encourage us to stay strong and run to pace . A nice topic for discussion drl212 😊
Thanks F4L~I thank you for your post. I'm told by NRC to view the Toxic Ten as the body changing from walking to running and the body needs some time to adjust. I like that view...
You are right...often times, I've found a little more fuel than I thought I would have and extended some of my consolidation runs!!
Great post and excellent points.Can I add: If it hurts, STOP!
If it still hurts after a few days of rest, ice, compression, elevation and possibly painkillers seek proper medical attention from a qualified doctor or physio, Dr Google (or even us lot here) don't know enough to help you recover safely.
Looking forward to seeing this conversation develop 😁
my running truth is regardless the time or length of run, you will always feel better when you get back than you did when you set off ( barring injury of course)
And … if you can sing whilst running the pace is right! 🎶
Only for some of course.... the advice is, as mentioned on the How to Run C25K post. Slow enough to hold a conversation...conversational pace, but fast enough not to be able to sing a complete song! It does of course depend on how quickly you speak and how long the song is... ha ha!🤣
😂You are right of course Floss but I use the term singing very loosely !! And I don’t really sing the whole song just a few random lines which I’m sure adds to the general euphoria of folks who are unfortunate enough to hear me🤣
Some good points made, many folk will identify with some of those. Remembering of course, running at the pace which suits us, is absolutely key. One size not fitting all
You have shown clearly what you have found out so far, in your running journey and are obviously going to build on that as you move forwards...
If I was thinking of what I have learned over my almost nine year journey.., the list may be endless... I learn something new on most runs... but an enduring fact for me, is enjoyment. From my very first run after Graduation... I ran, simply for Pure Joy... and that joy is an essential element of the runs I make...
I've only been running for a year and I feel better for it. I started for health reasons and many runs are out of a sense of duty. I've had some issues around running and am going through the mill with it now, but do feel better after a good run.
But for me JUST RUN is the key. I have gone out with the idea of running for x minutes, or x km, and that sometimes works, but it can also turn a run into a "failure" if I run for a shorter time or distance, or I walk for a bit. So when fit I now try for a long run and two shorter runs in a week. The long run can be anything up to an hour. The shorter runs usually 20-30 minutes. But until I'm out there I don't know which run it will be. And if I have five short runs in a row, who cares?
I agree with all those on your list. As one of the Nike Run Club coaches says, 'if you can't run the run you want, run the run you can' ! Ie get out that door and do SOMETHING 😊
Wow.. you’ve progressed and learned so many running truths so quickly.. well done!
I would add, drink plenty of water/ keep hydrated both before and after your runs. And find a super lightweight breathable windproof water resistant jacket that you can take off and tie round your waist if you get too hot (as I inevitably do).
Why is that Bruuuce?? I really found the C25K so inspiring and I loved being able to check off each run and accomplish the week. I think the app is well designed in that aspect and with the coaching.
For someone who hasn't been able to participate in running for years, I'm thrilled to be back and making progress.
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