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Before I begin, let’s get something straight.
I am not a runner.
I do not run marathons, or half marathons, or even 5ks (anymore).
I run short distances (1-2 miles) several times a week, and I have to push myself through it.
I have been a non-runner for about two years now.
I like the way I feel after a short run. I like that I can get outside, enjoy the scenery (while looking for snakes), and get a quick workout in. But as I said before, I have to push myself through every single step.
I have a friend who is thinking of taking up running, and thought that since I am such a skilled non-runner, maybe I could share some tips.
My actual run – looking at this at 10pm, I’m kicking myself for not running every day.
Running Tips For Non-Runners
1. Buy good shoes. Notice I didn’t say “super crazy expensive shoes.” You should buy those after you decide that you like running. Or, in my case, decide that even though you dislike running, you’re going to keep running.
2. Get some music. Or a friend. I become very, very bored when I run, so I need something (or someone) to distract me. For a while, my friend Tracie and I would meet up at 5 a.m. and gossip for an hour while we ran. Now that it’s dark and freezing at 5 a.m., I run after I drop the boys off at school. Alone. With music. Always with music. I change my playlists often, but one constant is that my fourth song in is a “power song.”
3. Run the same route. Every time you run (at least at first), run the same route. It’s a mind game, but it works. Take note of where you get tired. Where do you have to stop and walk? For Tracie and I, first we would make it to the cattle guard. Then, the next week, to the yellow sign. The third week? The white sign. Every week we ran, we would push ourselves a little further. Eventually we were saying, “Do you remember when we could only make it to the yellow sign? Pssssht… that was so long ago…”
4. Talk to yourself. When you want to walk, ask yourself why. Are your legs tired? Are you bored? Is it uncomfortable to breathe? If you’re not going to fall over, push yourself a little more. Usually when I want to stop, I’m really just bored. But then I remind myself that running is faster than walking and I’ll get home quicker.
5. Pace yourself. Concentrate on the music you listen to. If I listen to my “angry day” playlist that’s full of (language alert) Eminem, I run way too fast. I sprint, then walk, then sprint, then walk. If I listen to mix regular mixes that I tweak constantly? I run at a more consistent pace. I still listen to both of them, depending on my mood, but it’s just something to be aware of.
6. Take note of your body. When I run I tend to clench my jaw and shrug and tighten my shoulders. Running isn’t a leg-only sport. You’ll figure that out the day after your first run. My arms, back, sides, and legs are usually sore after I take a break from running and then start again. Listen to your body, and make sure you aren’t being too hard on yourself.
7. Pick your power song. My current power song is ‘Till I Collapse by Eminem. It has been my power song for a while because it’s the perfect tempo and the lyrics are perfect. And I may or may not have a crush on Eminem. It’s usually #4 on my playlist (when I notice I start getting tired), and comes with the following rules:
a. You can’t stop running during the power song.
That’s it. That’s my only rule. I honestly have told myself that if I really want to stop during the power song, I have to fall down. And I’m not that dramatic of a person to be falling down while running on the side of the road.
—
Running is a great form of exercise, in my humble opinion. It raises your heart rate, works many muscle groups, and it gets you out of the house. I obviously have a love/hate relationship with running, but want to know your thoughts…
Do you like to run?
(Ultra-marathoners like Chelsea, Kendra, and Nicole need not comment… just kidding… sort of…)
oh those are wonderful tips…your title made me guffaw…non-runner, my butt. But you did a decent job supporting that idea…almost bought it.
I think this is such an awesome post!!!!
Very Cool tips. Thanks for sharing love!
Very cool, the only thing I don’t like – is running the same route when you are by yourself (no NOT A NEGATIVE feedback). Just feel you are still my little girl and don’t think any woman should run or walk by themselves. Unless you carry mace and just be careful you don’t do what I would do and point it backwards towards yourself. That would be a silly thing to do.
SO many comments…
1. LOVE all of your advice.
2. Grandma Teetsie… you got me laughing out loud again.
3. Making up rules like Lilly = Hilarious.
4. “Ultra Marathon” is a type of marathon that would kill me. Literally. I barely half marathon. Barely.
5. I need to make a playlist. Seriously. Doing that today.
6. Your route, beautiful!
Love this post!
As someone who enjoys running, I consequently enjoyed this post.
Any tips on how to make more time in the day to allow for running? Or, for that matter, tips on how to make my 18 month old sleep through the night so I’m not so dang tired each morning that perhaps I could fit in a morning run?
On a different topic (I love it when my students start a question like that): It’s funny that you are friends with Kathy Smith! I went to elementary and middle school with her son Matt. He was my boyfriend!
I couldn’t agree more with 2 points. MUSIC or a FRIEND and running the same route. Just this week my ipod died 10min in to my run and I wanted to cry…I need that to keep me going. Also running the same route and feeling yourself getting stronger is so great for you mentally. I just started running a year ago and have become addicted. Doing my first half in Jan- so pretty much every week I am pushing myself to a new distance then I have ever done before….it is a great feeling…just wish I could see the pounds drop off too but oh well….for now I enjoy the run outside.
I don’t run, but all those tips make so much sense!!
Great post! I have always loved to run but just recently started doing races (I only have two 5Ks under my belt so far since August). I joined a group of running Moms and it is wonderful having the support…not to mention our beautiful route on the waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg! Don’t you miss those EARLY morning runs in basic training?? :) I actually loved those runs…watching the sun come up in that Texas heat (except for on black flag days of course). There was something so liberating about those runs!
I was a non runner .. until I got involved in setting up this business audiofuel; we compose music designed to increase the enjoyment, motivation and performance of runners. Would you like to try some? Please do take a look here http://www.audiofuel.co.uk and let me know if there’s something I can send you. Cheers, Clare
Cool tips. Thanks for sharing such nice tips.
Julie
LifeSpace Running
OMGG – I have the SAME relationship with running and do some of the same things. Espesh the whole asking myself why I want to stop (and it’s always cause I’m bored) and then pointing out to myself that if I just KEEP running I’ll be done faster. I will say this though – a couple summers ago I had to run regularly to train for a tri and after a month or so of doing it on a regular basis, I kinda started liking it. Course then I stopped and now I loath it again. But just to know it’s possible……..:)
I wouldn’t say I love to run. I do it more out of necessity – to stay in shape, to maintain good health (and my sanity), and to be a good example to my girls. That said, I DO love the feeling AFTER I run. :)
Speaking of running, I need to get more consistent about it. Everything’s been a little out of whack since we moved…
I’m not a runner. Never liked running. I did track and field in high school and I needed to do the running stuff to get in to West Point (which didn’t happen b/c I’m a terrible runner). I’m a baby and a whiner – my knees hurt, my feet hurt, waaa, waaa, waaa. I think your tips are terrific for anyone really who wants to run or jog or bike or swim or exercise in general. When I stop whining, I’ll think of these.
Oh dear…I thought we were going to be friends, but now I find out you’re a runner (well, a non-runner, but still a runner). Not sure what to think of that…esp after I just broke up with running last month. ugh! ;) Seriously though…great post! I will have to TRY to run again using your suggestions…we’ll see what happens, lol
Becca! You are so inspiring! I would call myself and on/off runner. Mostly because of our weather. I don’t like running in the cold and I don’t like running on a treadmill. So that leaves me little choice and about 7 or 8 months of a running season. I don’t really like running but I like the way it makes me feel and I know it’s something I can sorta kinda be good at.
But I DO like powerwalking up huge hills while pushing both our kids in my Phil&Teds. That gets me going. And I’m also a yoga fanatic. Love me my yoga.
I’m not a runner. I think I’d like to be. I’m with Jen on the whole weather issue. Another reason to move there right?
These are GREAT tips, thank you! I have the same rule about not stopping during my power song (Paramore’s Brick by Boring Brick, highly recommended), but that’s only if it happens to pop up in my shuffle. I’m going to try sticking it a playlist at #4 and see if that helps me push through.
Excellent suggestions. I have a love-hate with a treadmill myself. And my power song? Don’t laugh at me: “2 Legit 2 Quit” by MC Hammer. Lol.
I’m a fairly new runner. Thanks for the tips!