Running Advice from a Non-Runner

(We interrupt this blog post for a shameless plug advertising the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Sprint 5K on Saturday, September 10th!)


So, I have probably ran about 15 times in my life, and the last 10 times have been in the last month or so. I am probably the person voted "least likely to run" so I figured if I can do it (and somewhat enjoy it), then it might help those of you out there going "Hmmmm....maybe.....me?"

So, here we go. My advice to those of you who are considering taking the big leap...er, stride?


1. Only run in perfect weather conditions. Too hot, too cold, too sunny, or too windy are unacceptable conditions and not conducive to a good running experience.


Oh, what's that you say? You live in NC? Or anywhere in the world pretty much except for Los Angeles, California? Oh, you can't count on perfect weather conditions? Well, then at least try and do it first thing in the morning before it gets too hot during the summer or invest in a treadmill. Unfortunately, you will probably going to be running 95% of the time in non-optimal weather, so you just might wanna get used to it.


2. Wear the most expensive, cutest, trendiest clothes when running. I mean, if you hate it, at least you look good doing it.


What? You don't have tons of expendable income? You shop at Target and Kohls? Well, me too. However, I do have one good sports bra, a pair of shorts that eliminate uncomfortableness between the thighs, and some sleeveless tanks. And I do laundry often.


3. Buy top of the line running shoes. Check and see what celebrity endorses what product and Just Do It.


Ok, this is kinda true. I need to take my own advice and buy a new pair of shoes since the ones I am running in now I have had since the Clinton administration. I think my shins and ankles will thank me for that small financial sacrifice. Maybe you don't need $200 shoes, but those of my friends who do run often and long distances do make the sacrifice and buy a good shoe. I love my New Balances so I will probably stick with those. Just maybe some that were made in this decade.

4. Music is Key. Good Tunes = Good Pace

Ok, so when my iPod is rockin to some Pink, Lady Gaga, or Glee Journey Covers, I get into my happy place and can keep the pace. When the shuffle fails me and I land on some Fleetwood Mac "Landslide," however, I tend to slow down and ponder for 3 minutes and 45 seconds just how out of shape I am. Now, I love me some Stevie Nicks or a great ballad, but not when I am trying to make my way home before dark. So, to alleviate this issue, I programmed a play list in my iPod for running that ensures I only get upbeat, motivational music.

And finally...

5. Be proud of yourself no matter what.

No jokes here. Straight up. Whether you are going from sitting on the couch to walking 10 minutes or from running a mile to running a marathon, be proud of your accomplishments! I seriously have never ran more than a mile before I started and that was in high school when they make you do the PE test and I probably wogged the majority of it. I ran 5 minutes straight a few weeks ago and when I didn't die or get struck by lightning, I thought "hmmmmm." So, then I ran for a bit longer and then longer still. I am up to running about 1.75 miles straight and though I probably won't be running the entire Thin Mint Sprint 5K, I will be proud of what I do run.

And a bonus pic for you for hanging in and reading this blog post. Here's an all-natural pic for you....unwashed hair, no makeup, baby belly gut, and sweaty from a 33 minute run-walk.

Just so you know I am all talk with a bit of action. :-)