WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A BEGINNER?
BY Jack Gray
Our rank of runners continues to swell. That is a delightful thing; but what advice would you have for the newcomers? Perhaps every runner would have something that they consider words of wisdom. Don’t assume, however, that everything would be uplifting and encouraging. If you are really disappointed, at the moment, with your own running, you might be ready to say: “Don’t ever start! Running is addictive; it will try to control your life. Racing hurts! It will cost more than most are willing to give.”
Each of these thoughts has some measure of truth connected with it. Running introduces you to both agony and ecstasy. You can love it and dread it all at the same time. The positives, however, outweigh the negatives by far. Running can change and enrich you life in more ways than you can possible count. What, the, would you really tell those who are just beginning this life changing experience?
1. BEGIN YOUR TRAINING SLOWLY. One of the greatest dangers is trying to do too much too soon. So leave your first few sessions knowing you could have done more.
2. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS CONSISTENCY. This is more important than speed or distance. Strive for no less than three days a week. A flash-in-the-pan is not going to be productive, so begin a schedule that you can maintain over time
3. DEVELOP A HARD/EASY SCHEDULE. This gives your muscles a chance to adjust. Remember that recovery is just as important as work. It is fine in the beginning to do no running at all on your easy days; but it is still good to do stretching every day.
4. EXPECT SOME SORENESS. Any time muscles are put under stress this normally results. It will work itself out quickly if you will back off a little; but stay with your schedule. Soreness will leave quicker with activity than without.
5. AVOID UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Most of the valuable things in life come only through struggle. Getting better at running is no exception. Your progress will not come easy. There are no magic pills that will give you maximum results with minimum effort. You will have to pay a price; but the results will be gratifying.
6. VISUALIZE THE POTENTIAL YOU. Michelangelo said he could visualize an angel inside a rough block of stone. Then he just chipped away everything that didn’t look like an angel. Even so, there is a runner inside of you, longing to get out. All you have to do is gradually chip away everything that doesn’t conform to your vision. Over time this will change your lifestyle. You become the runner you have dreamed of being.
7. RUN WITH OTHERS AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. You will enjoy some runs alone; but your participation with others is what will keep you going. It is naturally best if you can be with those who are only slightly ahead of you in their training. This will help you get through injuries and discouragement. There is something very special about sharing your struggles with others. It will get you out the door when you would never make it alone.
8. DON’T HESITATE TO ASK. There are many things that may be new or even frightening about going to your first race. This is mostly unnecessary. Others will help if you will only ask; and most runners will be delighted to assist you in this way. They can vividly remember when they were right where you are now. Have them go over the simple procedures with you in advance. It will make you more comfortable than you would otherwise be.
9. KEEP CAREFUL RECORDS FROM THE BEGINNING. Few things will encourage you more than just remembering where you have been. This will also allow you to take courage from even small steps of progress. It will be all the more helpful when it comes time to so the same race again. Plus, it becomes a storehouse of good memories.
10. THINK BOTH IMMEDIATE AND LONG TERM. This Week is certainly important; and you naturally want it to be as good as it can be; but maybe even more important is there you hope to be in six months or a year from now. So be realistic about what you can do right now; but dream your dreams as well. Setting a long tern goal is the first giant step toward its achievements. Just allow yourself proper time for reaching that distant goal.
The Chinese say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step. You have already taken that step. You are on your way to the fulfillment of your dream. Just remember, you have a runner inside, yearling to be free. Wanting to experience the joy that children have in running. Now is the time to turn him loose and let him go. Let’s run!