10 things I learned while training for a 10k
You don’t have to be fast.
Find a time where you enjoy running the most.
Look for a trail (or several) that will make it fun
Bring water.
Carbs make everything better.
Different shoes serve different purposes.
Stopping isn’t a waste of time.
You can walk hills and still be a runner.
Running doesn’t have to be painful.
Hire a dang coach.
I am a slow runner, and I learned that it okay. There is no shame in not running a 6 minute mile (or hell not even running a 12 minute mile).
I love running in the morning and its really the only time it’ll happen because my legs are exhausted by the end of the work day (or its hot as hell lol).
I found a really fun park to run at it and that made it all the more enjoyable.
Bring water. Pretty obvious, but I wasnt since it was only 2-3 miles, but when my coach told me to, I did. And it made it so much more enjoyable.
Carbs make everything better, whether liquid carbs, candy, or gels, using carbs to stay fueled is a must.
I have trail runners that I love. Those did not serve me on pavement or the tread. However my pavement shoes, arent great on the trail. Shoes serve different purposes, just budget to have several pairs lol.
I am still working through the frustration of having to stop for water or to go to the bathroom. But taking care of yourself is not a waste of time. Take the time you need and get back on trail.
You can walk hill and still be a runner. period.
Running doesnt have to be painful. When I ran a half marathon a few years ago, my body would hurt sooo bad after long runs. Like so bad I couldnt do much the rest of the day. It doesnt have to be like that.
Hire a coach. Their expertise will help you run better, faster, and be stronger than anything you can do yourself. I was trying to get myself to run for about 2 years before I hired a coach and have got in every single one of my runs.
