Sunday, June 24, 2012

5 Things Nonrunners & Newbie Runners Need to Know


1. The racing isn't the hard part, the training is - When you race yes you have to wake up early and wait in line and do a million things to get there on time, but it is beyond worth it.  The atmosphere is amazing it's so empowering almost as if something is floating around in the air.  Plus you have thousands of people to race against, crowds cheering you on, people there only for the purpose of handing you water/Gatorade, and a medal (and in my case bagel) waiting for you at the finish.  When you train there is no one to race against & push against, no crowd to cheer you on, and nobody waiting to offer you water.  It is just you and your mileage, that's when you push yourself.  Don't get me wrong, as runners we are always proud of our races, but it is the training that allowed us to finish them that is the most amazing, difficult, unbelievable part.   
My first marathon
2. Running is an addiction - As a runner there is a point where you realize you have become a runaholic.  You may not even be sure exactly when it happened, how, or why, but suddenly running is a part of who you are.  You're the person leaving the party early because you are already thinking about your run the next morning.  You may say sorry when you head off to bed and leave you friends behind to prepare for a run or when they ask you to meet for a brunch and you tell them you already scheduled a long run.  They may laugh and think you're crazy that you can't reschedule a run when you're the only one running.  Why not do it later?  It's because while you say you're sorry you can't join them in fact - you're not.  You're addicted, you're doing what you love, and while they are sleeping, eating, beaching it you will be running. 
Loved this sub 2hr half
3. Runners love converts - When I first started running I made it to the mailbox and thought I was going to die.  I made myself run a little more each day and not only was I embarrassed at how out of shape I was, I was embarrassed that "real" runners would see me and laugh or feel sorry for me.  Here is the truth.  If you run, you're a runner.  Nobody will tease you, laugh at you, or think less of you.  In fact those of us who have been running for awhile love converts.  How awesome that instead of sitting at home on your butt you're out going for a run be it five minutes or five hours.  We'd give you a high five if we could, but a nod of the head or wave will have to do instead.  (P.S.- This is a running thing, feel free to do it back.)
Amen - great quote
4. Running is not easy - You have days you want to stop and it takes everything you have just to push through and days when you want to keep pushing, but know that for the sake of your body you should stop.  Not every run is easy, many are just okay, some are hard, and a few are horrible.  Don't assume that just because we ran a 5K, 10K, a half, or a marathon that means running is simple for us.  Every runner has good days and bad days.  You could be a newbie or a seasoned veteran distance runner go out for an easy mile and have a terrible run, sometimes it just doesn't click.
Over 90 degree 10 mile run -
My face started out pale white my shirt light purple (yikes!)
5. We will run with you - If you're a nonrunner who is thinking about trying running and someone who has been running for a while offers to run with you, it is because they want to.  Many nonrunners or newbie runners are scared to accept an offer from a more seasoned runner.  Yes, they may be faster than you, run further, have goals, schedules, etc.  However, if they offered to run with you they mean it.  Runners enjoy helping other people fall in love with running so take them up on their offer.  I promise we aren't jerks who will try to out run you or push you too hard (at first) we realize you are just starting out and we're fine with it.  This run is about you, not us.   
Supporting a friend through her first 5K
Runner's World Summer Run Streak -
Day 28 = 10 miles
Total Miles Run = 114
*Check my total mileage & workout update.  


LosingAMarthon Update -
Did okay at the party last night, not as good as I wanted, but I did control myself a bit.  Doing much better today.  It was a rough week though so overall I hope to be down just a bit.  Probably about a half a pound.

26 comments:

  1. LOL love this. I def agree that I get super oddly excited when someone I know starts running. I do, though, remember when I became a runaholic. It was a total epiphany for me.

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    1. I'm with you. I love when my friends discover running. They probably think I'm nuts because I cannot stop telling them how proud I am of them every time they tell me about a run. We can be oddly excitable together:)

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    2. LOL - I do the same thing. I get overly excited for them when they run 2 miles or 3 miles. I'm sure they think I've lost my mind!

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  2. I LOVE this post. So true, and so useful. I particularly like that you point out that even though we may have run a distance a few times, each time is different, and it's not always easy.

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    1. Very true. I think once my nonrunner friends hear I've done something once they think it's simple from there on out - wrong!

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  3. Haha, loved this post! Funny and true! :-D

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  4. Thank you for this - "If you run, you're a runner. Nobody will tease you, laugh at you, or think less of you." I'm a newbie runner and how to run my 1st 5k this fall.

    Stephanie Kay
    stephaniesmommybrain.blogspot.com

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    1. That is so amazing. Welcome to being a runner!
      I remember how worried I was when I started, but everyone is super supportive.
      If you ever have any running related questions feel free to email me at backatsquarezero@gmail.com. I was there not too long ago.

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  5. GREAT post. All of this is so true. I love me some converts, and as more people start to run the more you have in common with people from all walks of life. I feel like I've been favored my employers in the past because I, like them, ran.

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    1. I think Couch25K is an amazing idea. I feel like so many people are starting now because of it and it beings us all so much closer together. I like that you mention how it even helps you gain favor with people when they find out what you have in common.

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    2. woops somehow "by employers" became "my employers" I was writing that comment on my phone. But yes, I've definitely found that being a runner has helped me in the business world.

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  6. Love #5! Absolutely love to help people fall in love with running! Great post!

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  7. I agree with all of these! Great post!

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  8. I agree with all of these! Love them. Great post!

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  9. So true! Running never gets easy! If races weren't so fun, I would never get through the training

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  10. Just stumbled upon your blog, and love this post!

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    1. Thanks. These are all things I wish someone had told me back when.

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