Your best tips.

[sgeorge5]

What is your best tip or tips that helped you through the program?

A couple of things that helped me were.

After the first few weeks, I ran just a little bit further on each run. I found that the next week never seemed such a jump. I know this is more of a mental thing. Nearly every run my head still tells me to stop when I don’t need to. I have learnt to ignore the voices (most of the time).

Get the proper clothing that keeps you warm, dry, cool or whatever. If you feel comfortable when you go out you will probably stay out.

I am sure there are better tips but it’s a start.

[Twedders Graduate]

Keeping hydrated, did one run after an afternoon of one cup of coffee and really struggled.

Also good headphones, make the run fun without having to keep pushing them back in. I use sennheiser.

[Wickwarrunner Graduate]

Good thread! Looking forward to reading all the responses.

For me, I've avoided getting stitch completely (am now in week 7) by being really strict about leaving it at least 3 hours after eating anything, except fruit, before a run.

Psychologically, I try really hard to focus on the things that are going WELL while I'm running; e.g. "My legs are feeling fine" or "I'm not out of breath" or "I'm not too hot/cold" or "isn't it nice to be outside?" This strategy is very simple, but seems to crowd out the negative gremlins.

[alcopop Graduate]

Knowing when to stop if you are in pain. Learning when to take a rest.

[Hidden]

For me it's best to run on an empty stomach, and I second good headphones that don't fall out.