Running Tips

1Corinthians13

This past summer, I started running. It all started with an argument...I got mad and felt the urge to run. I've NEVER been a runner. In fact, when we had to run the mile in school, I walked the whole thing in defiance. I walked fast, but I refused to run.

Now, I'm regularly running 3 miles! My sister-in-law and I started doing monthly 5ks, and I'm so proud of myself!

I'm just wondering what tips you runners out there for relative beginners like me.

1Corinthians13

This past summer, I started running. It all started with an argument...I got mad and felt the urge to run. I've NEVER been a runner. In fact, when we had to run the mile in school, I walked the whole thing in defiance. I walked fast, but I refused to run.

Now, I'm regularly running 3 miles! My sister-in-law and I started doing monthly 5ks, and I'm so proud of myself!

I'm just wondering what tips you runners out there for relative beginners like me.

DjBliss05

Thats awesome! I have no tips because I am just starting, too. (Literally, today... :laugh: )

Just nice to hear that other people are able to do it, because I really would like to be able to run some day!

yellow_pepper

For runners of all levels, I recommend having a running coach look at your form...

Whether that's the track or x-country coach at your local high school, or the coach of a local running club, or a personal trainer - it matters a lot!

I see so many runners out there with bad form that is going to destroy their joints if they don't correct it!

- Women who hold their knees together and kick outward, like they're doing breaststroke
- Crossing the body and even twisting the torso when you pump your arms
- Striking the ground hard with the heel
- Not to mention, overpronation ...

It is so worth it, if you want to be able to run for life. There are people who can - they have good form!

yellow_pepper

And on a more uplifting note...

For beginners especially, try to bring to your running the joy of "running around" that you had as a child, whether you were playing tag or chasing a pet or just playing.

Running shouldn't feel like drudgery... The way we think about it keeps us lighter on our feet which makes you faster and more able to go on forever...

Try to think of those playful moments if you ever start to feel like a locomotive on the trail or treadmill.

:flowerforyou:

1Corinthians13

I'll have to look into finding a coach. I don't do any of those things you said except...which way is overpronate? My feet roll in, and I know it. I asked my mom for a gift card for a sports store for Christmas, and I'm hoping to find the right shoe for that.

Any suggestions?

As for the way I look at running, I read that in a book I'm going to reread about women and running. Excellent book. Anyway, the way I look at running has changed...but it's still easy to slip into the locamotive feeling at the gym. I prefer outside, but I am not a runner who likes to run in the cold at ALL. I'd much rather the extreme heat and humidity!

yellow_pepper

I'm also an overpronator, and I love my Mizuno Wave Alchemy 7! And they're now available at a discount on Amazon.

I definitely recommend going to a real runners' shoe store and having someone there watch you run a little to determine what kind of shoe you need, and which one is best.

As for not doing any of the things you said... it's hard to know unless someone taps you on the shoulder and says that you are... We can't observe ourselves very well.

I used to run with a bit of a twisty motion, and held my elbows out away from my waist - they should really be pretty close to your body... All runners benefit from evaluation from time to time.

1Corinthians13

If I go to a real runner's store, will they also be able to tell me if I'm running funny?

yellow_pepper

They'll probably only look at your feet, since they want to sell you shoes.