How to become a sucessful runner

            We spend so much time in our daily routine providing for others.  Our client’s, boss', families’ and friend’s well being often take precedence over our own.  It is not necessarily a bad thing to provide for others in the ways we do, but we often forget to take time for ourselves.  At the end of the day, we end up settling for a well-deserved sweet dessert, a night in, watching American Idol, or some retail therapy.  We neglect to take care of what is important though, our minds, bodies, and souls.  If these go neglected for too long, we lose the energy to adequately provide for others day in and day out.  Running gives us the opportunity to connect and revitalize what is lost in the daily grind.

            Though running has many benefits to physical and mental health, I see far too many people who throw up barriers as soon as the idea is presented. “I was just not born to run.”  “I have bad knees.”  “I get bored.”  All of those are typical responses to the thought of running.   Running successfully isn’t measured by how far or how fast you run, but by the feeling it gives, and the positive energy it creates. With a few minor adjustments, anyone can become a successful runner.

           

Specialty running stores:

            The first step to becoming a successful runner is to stop into a specialty running store.  Typically, the employees in those stores are experts in their field.  They participate in local events, talk about running for eight hours a day, and are runners themselves.  This is the best place to go to be properly measured for shoes, and have your gait analyzed.  Finding the right shoes for your gait can be the difference between a great year of running, or a year of running injures.  Furthermore, this can be your one stop-shop for all your running gear and events.  A Foot Locker is not a specialty running store.  The best way to find a good running store is to look it up online, or ask some running friends. 

Goals:

            I see so many people start their running resolutions without an obtainable goal in mind.  Typically these people want to lose weight or live healthier lives, so they decide to run.  Quickly, they lose the enthusiasm after a few short weeks due to boredom.  The best way to solve this problem is to pick an event and set a goal.  Setting a goal for your running gives you motivation to a finish line, and the chance to celebrate once you have reached it.  Today, running events are easier than ever to find, and are created for all experience types.  If you are a beginner, Pick a 5k that is a couple months away, and then find a beginner’s training plan.  This will give you a goal to reach, and gratification once you have reached it.  You will also notice that you have become a healthier and better person at the end of the training. Don’t stop there though.  Now that you have a 5k down, try to run the next one faster.  Train for a 10k.  Work your way up to a half or full marathon!

Friends:

            Some people deeply enjoy running in solitude.  They can be alone with their thoughts, recharge, and hash out all of life’s problems with a lonely run.  In fact, they don’t feel alone at all when they are out there by themselves.  But this is not for everyone, and not to be done on every run.  Some of the best running experiences are shared with friends or groups.  Finding like-minded people, who will support your goals, give you advice, and help you along the way, is a key element to successful running.  Some of my best friends are people I have met along my running journey.  If you don’t have friends readily available, find a running group.  There are multiple clubs and groups in every city that are dedicated to reaching goals and supporting each other along the way.

Runny happy:

            It took my seven marathons to learn to smile.  My seventh was not my fastest my any means, but it was the most enjoyable so far.  Why? I learned to smile along the way.  I took in all the energy from the people around me, thanked the volunteers, gave high fives to the kids, and I smiled.  Filling yourself with happiness, and enjoying the moment while you’re out there on a run is reason enough to be out there running.  Run during sunset, or sunrise.  Run along the beach, or in the woods.  Take in all the sights and sounds of a city.  Whatever you do, enjoy that moment, and smile.  That positive energy will radiate, it will inspire others, and for that run you’ll be free.