So You Wanna Run?

10/06/2009

Running, Triathlon

Marathon (in camera motion blur)

Through out all my training for triathlons, the one question I get the most is I’d like to start running… What do I do?

Ahhh… well, let me tell you…

1. Set a goal…. Start with a 5k, which is 3.1 miles or a 1/2 marathon which is 13.1 miles.

2. Buy the right running shoes for you. Not just any shoe… but the right shoe. This means a visit to my favorite running store like, Fleet Feet, Endurance Sports, or ACME Multisport. If you aren’t in the Nashville area then ask around for a RUNNING store staffed by runners. Getting a proper fit for shoes is critical to your training and preventing unwanted injuries. If I catch you walking into Foot Locker or the Finish Line then I will come hunt you down… and make you buy me dinner at a really expensive restaurant!

You want to buy shoes from runners who know shoes. Its that simple.

3. Train with a friend, a group of friends, or a training program like Powered By Hope. Learning from each other helps, not to Powered-By-Hope-Country-Music-Half-Marathon-Finishersmention the accountability from your friends and the community you will build in the process is priceless.

For those who are looking to run in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon, Powered By Hope is building a community of runners (beginners to seasoned athletes) to support a great cause. Their training plan is easy to get into and well worth the effort. Training officially starts January 16, 2010 at Fleet Feet in Brentwood, TN

4. Find the right training plan for you. I use the Jeff Galloway system quite a bit to help me build my running endurance. It’s easy to get into and it’s not overwhelming. No one expects you to run far for very long when you are a beginner and there’s nothing wrong with a little walking. The goal is to finish.

5. Have fun with it! Take your time and learn to enjoy the benefits from your training and the people you meet along the way. The encouragement I got as a beginner was what made me want to keep going and eventually encourage others to experience the same joy and benefits I got from running with a group of people.

Benefits? Oh yes… You can lose weight.. That’s always a plus… but what most people don’t realize is how much your mind gets in better shape. Your moods level out, you tend to think more clearly and it’s a great way to relieve a bit of stress and bring focus to your day.

Take it from me. I went through a really big change in my life that was stressful, hurtful, and just down right sad…they call it a divorce. My counselor wanted me to keep running because it was helping me get through the really tough times.

I have to say… I’m much better for it. And now, all of this training I do – Swimming,Powered-By-Hope-Michael-Hyatt-Gail-Hyatt-Megan-Miller-Joel-Miller biking and running… is now just apart of my lifestyle. It’s something I love to do… not something I feel like I have to do as if it were a burden.

So… You wanna learn to run? Go for it!! and if you have any questions about the your first running steps, shoot me an email. I can’t give you all the answers but I will tell you how I got started and few things I’ve learned along the way.

Before Christmas gets here, make a decision to do something for yourself while helping others. Go sign up with Powered By Hope and run the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. You will thank me later for it!

And while you’re read Born To Run… it changed my running life!

Share
, ,
  • http://intensedebate.com/people/MaurilioAmorim MaurilioAmorim

    Spence,
    Running as been a great addition to my life. Last year I was going through a very stressful time and someone who knew the circumstances asked me how I remained so calm. "I run," was my answer. I also made some great friends who motivate me to meet them at 5:30 in the morning for several runs during the week.

    And, yes, "Born to Run," has rocked my world. Today I did 6 miles on my Vibrams.

  • Ron

    Spence, thanks for the post. I found it very informative and a great place to get started. I'm glad that Maurilio mentioned the Vibrams. Do you run in them and use them often?

  • Cindy Ngoon

    Hi Spence, its been a while since I posted on your blog. So, what is wrong with Foot Lockers?! I think those are the only sport shoes here in the Windy City. Besides, the these chains store like Sports Authority. Anyway, I just want to thank you for these excellent tips of information on running. I started back into running and this blog you have, have helped me tremendously. I hope all things are well.

    Cindy N.

  • http://www.whatpowersyou.org Megan Miller

    Spence,

    Thanks for mentioning Powered by Hope in your post. We really do have such a great time training together. Your fitness journey has certainly been an inspiration to us all. Thanks for leading the way, Friend!

  • amycourts

    'Born to Run' changed my life. Ha! As did 'Ultramarathon Man.' Which is why I'm bypassing the full marathon altogether in favor of my very first 50k. I. Can't. Wait.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/SpenceSmith SpenceSmith

      Amy!!! That's awesome and completely nuts!!! Way to go! Where is it going to be and when?

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/amycourts amycourts

    I know, right? But that's part of the fun of it: only the crazies do those kinds of races. Whittles it from a "competition" to a "can you survive?" Love. I'm doing the Stump Jump 50k in Chattanooga in Oct, and will be part of a 12 person relay team each doing 30 miles for the Ragner 185mile relay from Chat to Nash in Nov. I shall die. But enjoy doing it. If I do survive, I might consider training for (gasp!) an iron[wo]man.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/SpenceSmith SpenceSmith

      yes!!! i love that attitude! thats just it! yes… can you survive and at the end smile and be glad you did it! that all sounds great, nuts, challenging, and intensely cool.:) i'm going to be following you and your progression now. thanks Amy for commenting. I've always heard good things about you and glad to have met you… in blog comment world:)

  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/amycourts amycourts

    You've HEARD of me!? Ha! Nice. More pressure! I kid. But seriously…I thought I couldn't conquer a half-marathon, and these days that's small beans. It is unreal to me what the mind and body are capable of. And we wackos know that once one challenge is beat, it's on to the next!

    By the way…have you read 'Ultramarathon Man'? He's insane. Did a 200 mile relay race (consuming and using 29ooo kcal in the process)…by himself. I never want to be THAT crazy.