Today's photo is taken from one of my first 5K's!
1.) Don't take yourself too seriously.
2.) Enjoy the journey. Seriously. Enjoy it...it's one of the best rides of your life!
3.) Every single race is not going to be a PR and that's ok.
4.) Having a goal and not reaching it during a race is ok, too....there will always be another race opportunity. However, when you do finally reach that goal, the feeling is like no other!
5.) Your running group friends will become some of your best friends for life. Appreciate them.
6.) It's OK if you miss a run here or there. No one is perfect and life happens.
7.) Take time to cross train more - this is so important!
8.) Injuries will happen. How you overcome and adapt will make you a stronger runner.
9.) Running will take you so many places and open up so many opportunities for you! Embrace it!
10.) Last but not least, don't wear a cotton t-shirt to run a 5K, especially if it's 100 degrees outside. (See my ridiculous self below...)
It's amazing to think how much knowledge has been gained over a 9 year time period. We learn so much and come so far, it's neat to go back and remember how things were when we first became a runner!
What advice would you have for your former running self?
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This is great! Of course my first 5k was a Disney race and I indeed sis wear the cotton t shirt they provided...haha
ReplyDeleteOf course! Haha! Oh well, we've all done it!
DeleteMy first half marathon was a disaster! I wore cotton everything. Never took a sip of water, and didn't even know what a GU was back that. Glad I have smartened up a bit!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Isn't it funny to look back at how far we've come over time?
DeleteGreat advice.
ReplyDeleteSkirts are more comfortable than shorts.
They definitely are! I couldn't agree more.
DeleteMy advice would be to do better strength training. I thought I was doing agood job and then ITBS happened. I did lift and cross train, but the hips and glutes are so important.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!! That's definitely something I wish I'd taken more seriously in the beginning, too.
DeleteAll great advice, especially not to take it too seriously. Running is great and challenging ourselves is important, but keeping it enjoyable is key.
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I could not agree more!
DeleteHaha I love this! Especially the last comment about a cotton shirt. :) Sometimes getting out there and completing a race is an accomplishment in itself...some days are good run days and some are not!
ReplyDeleteThat's SO very true!!
DeleteAll great tips!! Gosh, didn't we all wear cotton until we knew better? ;-)
ReplyDeleteRight?! Hah!
DeleteI would tell myself to cross train and do more speed workouts. I guess I can still do those things now, right?
ReplyDeleteRight! It's something I'm learning now after 9ish years of running and it's making a world of difference!
DeleteDefinitely number 5 for me! My running friends have changed my life. I wish more runners would realize #3
ReplyDeleteRunning friends are the bomb!
DeleteIt's ok to do sometimes, but sometimes you just gotta loosen up a little!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely "have fun - you paid to do this." and "respect the distance" - like don't run 8 minute miles in the first half of your first marathon if you don't want to pay for it in the second 1/2.
ReplyDelete