google images I love to run. Well, scratch that. I love the feeling after I have run really far. I do not love the time spent running very much at all. My husband and I started training for a marathon because we wanted to get in shape for our honeymoon, and the race was one week before we departed for gorgeous Aruba. I have run two half marathons, and trained for a full (that story later). I am training for a full right now with a half and a Ragnar relay mixed in before then. A friend I worked with last year and has since moved to Phoenix to teach kindergarten emailed me and asked for tips because she is starting to train for her first half marathon. Where do I start??? I have learned so much from other runners, reading magazines, books, and websites. But, I started an email to her, and way too much writing later here is what I sent her:
1. Take your old running shoes and go to a place that analyzes your stance and will recommend a running shoe for you. Bad shoes, no fun.
2. I followed this running schedule the first time out, it is totally the best for beginners. If you can’t stick with it 100% don’t give up. You can totally miss a day and pick up a day later, or swap out runs, do your long runs on Saturday or Sunday, etc. I just wouldn’t miss a long run (weekend run).
3. I would eat something easily digested if you are running for an hour or more (ie. 6+ miles). Good items are graham crackers, bananas, Gatorade primes, bagels, english muffin with pb (give yourself at least an hour with more difficult to digest items like these).
5. It is possible to chafe when running long distances. I slather my feet with Vaseline before a run, especially where I callous and the tips of my toes. You are thin so you won’t have thigh chaffing, but you get it in other places you wouldn’t think. They sell this stuff to help with that.
6. Bring water, always if you are running in Arizona. Always. Get a water belt or a Camelback for women if you are going to be somewhere where you won’t have water readily available. You can always plant water along your route so that you don’t have to carry anything.
7. A Garmin or Nike Plus is so wonderful. I’d go for the cheaper one if you are not going to be running many races, otherwise not worth the money, in my opinion. I have a Nike Sport band you can totally borrow if you want to!
8. If you are running alone in the early morning, or at night, wear this and this, bring this, and always run against traffic if you are on the street, so you can be prepared of oncoming traffic. If you are alone on a path, always wear one ear bud, and the other out so you can hear someone coming. Running tights are good, too. They are difficult to get off if you are attacked….always tell someone if you are going and your route.
9. Gu or Gels are your best friend…. I usually take two throughout a half marathon. Play with what you need. Once every hour, at least. They have shot blocks and jelly beans that are de-lish! Make sure you have food before trying these, they may mess with your stomach and that is not a fun situation being on the side of the road wiping with a leaf.
10. STRETCH!!! Always, before and after. If you are feeling too exhausted, or have an injury, your body may need to rest. Don’t push it, if the outside of your knee hurts it can be IT band injury, which is very common and there are stretches and foam rollers to help. Shin splints happen, and they suck, but it has a lot to do with your shoes (see #1). But, one mile is always better than no miles, and running is entirely mental, so once you get out there, you may find yourself finishing what you never thought you could. I trick my brain all the time saying, ok, you only have to do 7 miles, and then you can stop, and I get to 7 and keep going. Running is honestly 99% mental, 1% physical. Promise.
11. Have fun, and ask me questions anytime. I am so proud of you!!! Running is hard, but to get better all you have to do is try. You get out of it entirely what you put into it. And- you can eat anything and everything because you burn 100 calories (roughly) per mile, so make sure you have enough nutrition to keep you going. Stay away from cheese and alcohol if you are running in the morning. Hard to digest and dehydration = no bueno.
Do you have any advice to give my cute, and so skinny it’s not even fair friend, Samantha??
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