Advice and words of encouragement to beginner runners

Q:

“I’m about to get transparent with you…. I’ve not been running at all. I mean not even a block. I have been daydreaming about it for weeks now but for whatever reason just haven’t got out there. I think I just feel super intimidated and I know I need to get on it. I want to get on it. I feel like for some reason it’s just sooo big. You are all so inspiring to me though and this is one of the reasons I know I need to get out there and get it into gear. Would you mind sending up some prayers and maybe even giving me some advice and words of encouragement?”
— Emily

Answers from Favorite Run Fans:

“Put your shoes on ,start with a walk and before you know it you’ll be running again . First step hardest” 

“One foot in front of the other and before you know it you will be running. Runners are the kindest people I know (next to nurses)!!”

“Oh Emily – this makes me sad. I started running as an overweight middle aged woman who hadn’t done any exercise for 30 years. I joined a beginner’s running group which really helped – there’s safety in numbers! Allow yourself to be a beginner, remember that a 20 minute mile is still a mile. Doing anything that helps your health and fitness is a good thing and it really doesn’t matter what you look like. You’ll certainly look better than anyone crashed out on their sofa!

I really hope you can find your running motivation soon and join in the fun” 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

“I’ve be struggling getting out the door too. I told myself I only had to run 1/4 mile then could turn around and come home if I still wanted to. Sometimes that would turn into 5 miles. But I tried to never let myself feel bad if I only did 1/2 a mile.”

“Omgosh, Emily, your words can exactly apply to so many people in so many different situations! Don’t be hard on yourself. The day will come when you will take the first step. Once you do, the feelings will be so good you will find yourself excited for the next day so you can do it all over again!”

“I started on my own with an app – Couch to 5K. It was a great way for me to start – no pressure, set my own pace during the run, and move towards the goal on my own terms. Now I am training with a running group. The group keeps me motivated and also provides professional coaching and advice. I am currently training as a run/walker for a longer distance – the run/walk pace isn’t as intimidating as all running was to me.”

“Yes you can! Just start where you are and keep going. Take it slow; you don’t want to be so sore you can’t go the next day. Watch the shins! If they start to hurt at all, slow down or stop for the day. Shin splints put me down for several days when I started! Lesson learned! Don’t kill yourself, just get out there! It DOES get easier! Don’t get discouraged by bad days. They’re going to happen. Start each day new. I am praying for you. I know how hard it is to get started and keep going.”

“I’m with you Emily. I feel exactlythe same but i am going out of the door tomorrow. I will walk a bit, I will run a bit but I am going out tomorrow. Join me? ((Hugs))”

“My inspirational quote is: I’d rather finish last than never start. The distance is all the same whether it took you 10 minutes to do that mile or 30 minutes. My first 5k took me 1 hr and 15 minutes to complete but I finished which was more important. I just completed my 42nd race this morning and won my age group female 50-54 years old. Only 2nd time to do this in almost 3.5 years. Speed comes with time but until you take that first step you will never finish. Take that first step, Emily, you can do this!”

“Running is life changing. Start slow and you will get there in no time. I was never a runner before and now I’ve been at it 4 years. You got this, girl!!!!” 👍🏼

“This is me! Thank you for posting this question. The words out there for you are for all of us. We CAN do this. Let’s do it!”

“Every single day I procrastinate running. And, some days I do it and other days I don’t. But, I have NEVER gotten done and felt as though I wish I hadn’t done it. It’s been cold in Iowa, so I am running inside right now, but soon I can be outside. What helps me is just saying I’m going to go for a mile and see how I feel. I never quit after a mile. I’m slow, but I don’t care.”

“I’ve been dead last, the “turtle” they call it, but so many never attempted and so many started, but couldn’t finish. At first I was upset to he last, then I was so excited!!!”

“I started in October 2015. I could only jog a block or two, then walk for awhile, and try jogging again. Every time out a little progress made, and it added up. Now running 5Ks(finished 3rd and 5th recently in age/gender category) and working towards 10K. You never know what you can do until you start.”

“I know this sounds crazy, but sign up for a 5k that is a couple months out then you have to start preparing. It works even better if sign up with a friend, because you don’t want to leave them standing alone at the starting line. I did this 2 years ago. It worked!!! And once you do one race you will be ready to sign up for your next one. They are addicting! I used Hal Higdon’s online training guide for my 1st 5k. His plans are very doable.”

“You know it’s a joke😐but the “I run because choking people is just wrong” is SO true. It takes the stress out of everything🙂 you will feel amazing even if your body hurts, it is so worth it, and pain is just negativity leaving your body😀 Go forth and be amazing!”

“Run from the living room to the bathroom. I AM NOT KIDDING! Crank the music and do it, inside is as good a place as any. Start by songs, not time or distance. Crank the music up and say I will run through these

“I trained so hard for my first Full (almost 4 months ago) that afterward I didn’t want to run. Felt like I lost the joy of running. I’m still struggling with it, but it’s getting better. I always feel so good afterward that I try to hold onto that feeling to get me out again. The hardest part is just getting out the door. Once you conquer that, the rest seems to fall into place. I don’t HAVE to run…I GET to run. You got this!!!”

“Why do you want to run? I love it simply because I can. When I run I feel powerful, strong, capable. I love the way the wind lifts my hair and how much more air my lungs can hold. So why do you want to run? Take the steps (regardless of speed) to be the person you admire. Even a small run can bring you a big grin.”

“Felt the same way when I thought about running. The best advice I can give you is BUCK UP AND RUN. Those words are what I was told by a friend and I remind myself that every run”

“I took time off as well, but I hear the call of the run. My running buddy and I are going out tomorrow to start again. I don’ know where you are located, but we are meeting up at 7:00 am mountain standard time. Join us and be our across the miles running buddy. We will be cheering you on.”

“Put on an ipod and just go. Cruise around and don’t be in competition with anyone but yourself. I’ve been running my whole life, just enjoy the “you time”. It may be hard at first but will get easier.”