Entries Tagged 'Beginner Running Tips' ↓

How much do you run?

How far do you run?

How far should I run?

These are just a few of the questions that pop up when I tell people I’m a runner. Right off the bat, I’ll say that I can’t answer how far or fast you should run. But I will tell you that I typically run for 30-40 minutes at 5 times a week. I take Sundays and Wednesdays off, though I’ll often still go for a bike ride, a hike, or on a walk…though sometimes I’ll also just sit around eating ice-cream (yes, I know, it’s a habit which needs to stop).

I keep track of the amount of time I run, but I have no idea exactly how far I’m going. I suppose this is somewhat strange, and I keep saying I need to go to a track and run the circles to figure out how far I can run.

Am I running a half-mile in 30 minutes? (Oh, I hope not)

Am I running a marathon? (Yes, I’m sure that’s it…)

But the truth is, I don’t know. So far, I don’t have any races planned and I’m fine with my relaxed running style, though it would be nice to find out how far I’m going. I’m not claiming that my way is best. Truthfully, I don’t really know. I just do what feels right for me.

I’ll also say that when I began, it was more like 10 minutes each time. And that’s okay.

So what about you? How many days per week do you run? Every day? Twice a day? Thirty minutes? Thirty hours?

For centuries, this question has haunted beginning runners. How fast should you run? How far?

My answer at one time was as fast and far as possible. But when I injured myself, I was forced to rethink this method. Years ago when I ran, I used to forbid myself to walk. Walking was for walkers, and I was a runner, not a walker!

Now I say:

If you feel the need to walk at first–then walk!

If you’ve never run before, it’s probably best not to sprint out your door at full speed. If you’re like most people, within minutes you’ll be huffing and puffing and crawling your way back home. Which is what I did. Many times.

When running, the conventional wisdom is to be able to hold a conversation.

While I’d always heard this “rumor,” I never took it to heart. I felt that if I wasn’t breathing hard, I wasn’t really working out. The other day, I blogged about breathing trouble. I think part of my problem was that I was simply running too fast for my fitness level. Of course, if it keeps bothering me, I need to go to the doctor (as the commenter suggested), but the past few days–since slowing down–I haven’t had any trouble.

Of course, the most important thing is to be in tune with your body.

If you feel like your shins are about to burst open, this is not a good sign. I learned this the hard way. I thought pain meant I was a real runner when really all it meant was I was about to be injured. Naturally, there is also a time you’ll want to speed up. Listen to your body, and you’ll know when to do this as well.

Last week, I had what you might call a “running epiphany.” Before, I never stopped to walk. But last week, I tried it. In the middle of my run, I stopped for about a minute. Normally, I would have “pushed through” until I made it home, but this time I allowed myself the break.

And the amazing thing was that after that minute, I ran so much better on the way home.

This doesn’t mean I won’t push myself. I will. Just in a different way–a smarter way, really.

I realize this may be common sense to many people, but to me it was common sense I never put into practice.

If you’re new to running, I hope this helps you. If you’re more experienced than I am–and many of you are–feel free to

a) tell me I’m a wimp, or
b) even better–let me know how you decide how fast to run!

I once thought about completing a triathlon. As it turns out, I’m more of a sinker than a swimmer. However, I still admire the sport, and I’ve always enjoyed the casual benefits of cross training. Today, rather than running, I’ll be bicycling like I’m the long lost sister of Lance Armstrong.

Or something like that.

About.com has a good list of cross training options here: http://running.about.com/od/running101/a/xtrng101_3.htm

I’ve bookmarked the page and would like to try them all at some point. I’ve never been skiing or rowing, but it sounds incredibly fun.

As I see it, the cross training benefits for a runner are many:

It breaks up the monotony, allows you to work new muscles, and ultimately–in my opinion–it makes you a faster runner. I remember the days of High School cross country when our coach made us do “core-workouts,” which essentially meant “okay, now lie down on the floor and do crunches while I sit here, but don’t worry–I’ll tell you when to stop.” While I hated it at the time, I do see the benefits. Having a stronger core means better posture as a runner. Plus, you look good (or at least better) in a swimsuit, right?

In other news, I feel myself getting back into shape, and I can tell this blog is going to be a major motivational factor. I love running, and I love writing. Put the two together and–bam!–I’m happy as can be.

One of the things I love most about running (and life!) is the view. It’s so easy to focus on my breath, my posture, the pain–that I fail to look around.

Yes, it ruins my posture. Yes, it slows me down. But it’s often worth it.

Running Tip of the Day: Look Up!

(Unless, as I explained yesterday, you’re running through a virtual car wash. In that case, come home and complain about it on your blog. )