Running - 10 Common Rookie Mistakes

Ha, I totally thought I'd look at this list and be guilty of everything, but it looks like I'm doing okay so far. The only one I'm definitely guilty of is too much stuff. I can't help it - I love stocking up on new "toys" for things. At the least, I always run with my cell phone in an arm band with headphones and a garmin gps watch. On any given day though, I might add my fitbit, a hydration belt, or the heart-rate monitor that goes with the garmin... plus my two dogs on a tandem leash. That doesn't even count the quantity of running shoes, running socks, running shirts, shorts, pants...

I feel no shame using a gel and water belt. I'm not lucky enough to be able to step out my front door and run so I have to drive to a nearby neighborhood to get my run in so the belt comes in handy carrying keys and such. I need blocks (I prefer them to gel) about 4 miles in and then I'm good to go from there. Do what works for you. :drinker:

too far too soon, too much water, occasionally too much stuff. I often carry a water bottle with me, and it's almost like a security blanket for me. I shouldn't need it, but I feel better with it.

Too fast to early! I can absolutely not pace myself if I'm running alone! Still, I can not pace myself and have to take breaks!

Thanks for sharing! I like the last mistake "too much advice" on an advice column, but its true. I read tons of advice about running and its overwhelming sometimes. I'm not sure about #2 "Too far too soon." I began running just last year and have a goal to do a half-marathon in September, but by then I'll have been training for it for over nine months. Last weekend was the first time I covered 13 miles in one run. It feels like I'm going an OK pace but I'm not sure.

Lastly I think I'm guilty of "too many carbs". I don't carbo-load but I have to be careful since eating too many carbs definitely affects my weight loss. I am learning to balance food intake with long distance running and its not always easy. I'd love some opinions on what works for people who have lost more than 50lbs and are trying to maintain (like me) while running!

I don't think too far or too fast are necessarily mistakes, rather a way of testing one's limits. You'll never know how far or fast you can go until you say to yourself "Um, I think I overdid it."

using gel if not running for over 90 min.
wearing the race shirt on race day lol
asking random people what kind of shoes they wear- everyone's stride is different
saying your race pace for a marathon is 10:45 pace but trying to run 8:30 pace for the first 3 miles of your "long run"
not understanding what "chip" time is and panicing when you see the clock at the finish
thinking you have to carboload before a 5k
thinking you have to stick to a training plan
not listening to your body
thinking every day has to be a workout day/ not understanding the concept of a 'recovery run'

Hmm...last saturday I ran with a trail group and wore a race vest, carried 1.5L of water, a clif bar, my phone, a knee brace, a gotoob with honey mixed w/ freeze dried strawberries, and a hat. We had aid at mile 3.4 (for the folks doing just under 7mi) and we were told there was water, etc. at mile 7 (the mid turnaround.) It turns out there was no "aid" at 7 and most people with just a handheld water bottle turned back. I was one of three (of 30+ in the group) who went out 10 and back 10, despite several runners who on the way out said they were doing 20 but turned around at mile 7 (including the guy running shirtless with no water and no "stuff.") At mile 18 my knee started bothering me so I added the soft brace (actually an elbow sleeve.) I ate the clif bar and most of the strawberry honey. Having all that "stuff" allowed me to essentially run "unsupported" in heat and humidity for 4 hours on singletrack trail. If you're just going out for 2-3mi on a road I get it, but even then, one may want to check heart rate and, depending on the pace, might want some water on a hot day.

So, I'm not making any apologies for carrying too much stuff or too much water. Or for running a marathon after less than a year running and doing a 50 miler 10 weeks after that first marathon.

I dont plan my runs - dont know where or how far until I get there. LOL

I carry a phone & wear an SPI belt with Gu, house key, $20 bill & a band aid in a zip lock bag, and a water bottle huggie.

The huggie has a hand strap and is nylon covered neoprene. It holds a regular 16oz bottle. If the need arises I can stop at a drive in buy a bottle and continue on. When I empty it I can trash the bottle and clip the huggie to my SPI belt without missing a step.

This is similar to what I use, less the draw string. http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Bottle-Drawstring-Insulator-Cooler/dp/B009ITPB7Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1375632733&sr=1-3

Walmart carries them.

I like the SPI Belt and it can carry a lot more than what I need - ie glide, sunscreen, bug repellant, handy wipes, fruit, cookies, etc. The belt is not water proof and I soak it with sweat every run, thus the need to use ziploc bags.

LOL

On long runs, I carry a slender water bottle in my hand and stuff my snack up the back of my sports bra. I trained for four half marathons this way. My license and car key go in my arm band with my iPod. I don't carry my phone. I hydrate well the night before and don't drink anything in the morning.

Wow, I did pretty well back when I started running. I didn't fall victim to any of these. Though, I did actually add more "stuff" as I went simply because I prefer to have water on me since I get bad side-stitches if I don't stay hydrated so I run with a hydration belt. And I do use Shot Bloks during races, so I also have those on me.

There's also no way I'd go out without my phone for safety reasons. There was once I went out too late in the day during the Summer and got seriously over-heated. I ran out of the water that I had on my belt, had to take several breaks, and still only made it through 8 miles of an 11 mile run. Which, considering I was on an out and back trail, that left me three miles from home when I finally just couldn't go any further. I barely made it to the nearest trail exit where my hubby picked me up with a bottle of water. I honestly don't know if I could have made it back, even walking, so I'm definitely glad I had my "stuff" with me.