you want to become a runner … but where to start?

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You might be on the fence becoming a runner. Running is a serious love/hate relationship some days. No matter what anyone tells you, running isn’t necessarily a “cheap” hobby, but it is an easy one to pick up. I’m going to share with you the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past three years.

Running Shoes

First and foremost: if you’re going to take running seriously, you absolutely need properly fitted shoes. I cannot stress that enough. Shoes can make or break your running experience and can DEFINITELY hinder becoming a runner. I ran in bad shoes for my first 3-4 months and BOY, LET ME TELL YOU WHAT – I PAID FOR IT IN PAIN. The bottoms of my feet, my shins, knees, hips and lower back all hurt, a LOT.

I went to a running shop (ie Fleet Feet, Big River Running, etc) and was professionally fitted for a proper shoe for MY feet. It was a literal night and day difference in how my body felt when I ran and when I was recovering. 12/10, worth it. Just remember, depending on how much you run and the terrain you run will determine how often you need to replace your shoes. Think of them like tires for your feet. You don’t let your tires go bad (or YOU SHOULDN’T).

Set Goals

Next up, consider setting some goals for yourself. Maybe you start out at 14:30 pace and want to get down to a 10:30 pace. There’s a goal. Maybe you want to run a 5K? Or complete a marathon within two years, lose a couple of pounds or just create a healthy habit. No goal is too small or too large. That’s the beauty of setting goals – they are YOURS and YOURS ALONE. Once you achieve a goal, CELEBRATE THE HELL OUT OF IT! You deserve it!

Join a Running Community

This last one may not be for everyone, but I do want to throw it out there because of how beneficial it was to my personal running experience. If you’re able to, join a run club! I’m very lucky to have found a very active, local run club, especially due to the rural nature of where I live. I’ve been blessed with some of the greatest friends and motivators I’ve ever known. I was very, very apprehensive about going running with a bunch of strangers the first time, but the running community is incredibly warm and welcoming.

Once I started running with my run club, I noticed not only my pace improving, but my endurance as well. I’m sure it had to do with having someone to run with, but the camaraderie made the improvements seem effortless. Two years later, I still try to meet up with my running friends at least once a week for a quick 5K and its SO much easier to find a long run buddy for the training runs that go on for hours. Running friends are true friends for life!

Running may not be for everyone, but I do believe it’s at least worth a try. I went from being super anti-running to getting hooked and actually becoming a runner! With the new year only weeks away (thank dog, 2020 can suck it), do something for your mind, body and soul. Running will always be the cheapest therapy for a bad day, a way to keep your fitness in check and a safe haven for friendship. Happy Running, friends.