Getting Started Running

I am a runner.  It’s weird to say, because 4 years ago I didn’t run anywhere and would joke that if I was running you should run too!  How I became a runner was so gradual I didn’t realize it was even happening, but now people come to me for advice when starting their own journey, so I want to share some tips and information I picked up along the way.

First, my story.  My exercise every night used to be a 2-mile walk.  This was 3 laps around our neighborhood.  One day, I was tired about how long it was taking- so I jogged a few driveways and then walked again.  Then I kept jogging a little more, and a little more.  I never jogged the whole circle, just enough to cut the time it took to finish 2 miles.   One weekend my dad was at our house and wanted to go on my “walk” with me.  After a little time, I asked if we could jog a little.  He said he couldn’t jog.  I asked him to try for a few driveways anyway and we did.  After that, HE started reading about running and starting trying to do what we affectionately call the “fat man jog” off and on until HE could run a whole lap without stopping.  In his reading and looking into running, he discovered RunDisney and the races at Disney World.  He signed himself up for a half marathon and asked if I wanted to do a 10k.  I had done a few 5ks years ago- walking- so why not.  Sounded fun and I had around 8 months to train. 

I started running with my daughter on her bike carrying water for me and telling me how far I needed to run each time.  She was actually a very good motivator and it got her physical activity too.  I read more about running and found out I was pushing myself too hard.  **Tip 1** If you can’t run the distance you want- try slowing down and shortening your stride.  This will increase your endurance and once you have the distance you can start trying to speed back up.  I was exhausting myself but once I slowed down I could do 3 times the distance with changing nothing else!**  My training runs I had gotten up to 4 miles, but not a full 10 k before the weekend came up.  My goal was to run at least the 5k without stopping, then figuring out what I could do from there.

Enter a rainy early morning in the Epcot parking lot.  I was cold, I was wet, and I was excited!  I had not done many races and the sheer number of people, not to mention fireworks when we took off running was amazing!  The first 5k is mainly street running, then you get into the park and get to run around the resorts!  I ended up not stopping at all for the full 10k and my dad and mom were at the finish line to see me cross!   It wasn’t terribly fast, but it was such a great accomplishment!!  Not to mention, I fully had the Disney Run bug.  Seeing characters even without stopping and running in the park is an experience everyone should have!  

After my dad’s half marathon, we were both hooked and started planning for the following November and Disney’s Wine and Dine weekend.  I signed up for my first half marathon ever and started training with better knowledge and bumped up my mileage until I was up to 8 or 9 miles before that.  The half marathon is a whole different beast and I did need to walk some after mile 10- but once again, the sense of accomplishment crossing that finish line can’t be beat!  After this weekend I was ready for my first challenge and I signed up for all princess weekend races.  **Tip 2- this is also when I learned about getting fitted for shoes at a running store.  They can evaluate your gait and then you can try on multiple brand’s shoes that are for the way your feet hit the ground!  Worth the time and doesn’t cost any extra**

This was where in my running story I really got serious. I wanted a PR.  I trained for the princess 10k for a personal record and had an actual training plan in my planner.  **Tip 3- training plans don’t have to be complicated.  I did 3 days a week of either treadmill walk or short run, then a long run on the weekend.  I had written out how many miles for the long run and kept myself to it no matter what**.  I also got serious about eating healthier and fueling my body right.  This is when speed started coming for me.  I went from 12-minute miles to 9-minute miles with proper training and nutrition.  I kept with this training plan for another year and got PR for a half marathon, another 10 k and completed the Dopey (5k, 10k, ½ marathon and full marathon- my first full- all in 1 weekend). 

Life got in the way a little after this.  I would skip a work-out here and there.  My running buddy for long runs couldn’t run, so I slacked off.  Stress decreased some of the healthy eating.  It all crept up slowly (over a year total) but eventually I struggled to complete a 10k without stopping.   I decided to start from scratch.  I downloaded a couch to 10k app and started an accountability group on Facebook.  I have worked myself back up and have signed up for more races with goals to set new personal records.  **Tip 4- couch to 10k or 5k apps are often free and gradually work yourself up to running.  Much like when I started with going further and further, these apps will tell you when to walk and when to run.  If you want help doing this- it’s a great one to use.   

That is the start of my story, but it will be longer.  I want to break a 2 hour half marathon next year and I’m running with my daughter for her first half marathon.  My running buddy also wants to improve her half marathon time by next year. 

Everyone’s running stories are different, but the main key is to figure out what works for you, and run for it!

Blessings in health and happiness.