[satfix]

<p>You are runners - each of you. It's the one commonality we all have. Some of your have run for years and, combined, you have as much knowledge as any other group in the world as it relates to running. We also have another commonality - we all were beginners at one point in time. So.. I'd like to know:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What are your best tips for a new runner? Either something you've learned from another or something you've figured out all by yourself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Post'm here please:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's mine:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Take it slow - You don't go from the 'couch' to a 'marathon' in one week. No more than a 10% increase in mileage a week.</p>
<p>2. Stretch - Don't take for granted your stretch before the run - it's as important; and perhaps more than the stretch after the run</p>
<p>3. Hydrate - it will minimize your muscle pain after the run.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Expound on these or add others.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[Floridaboiler]

<p>Dress for weather at least 10 degrees warmer than it really is.  You will get warm in your run, trust me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Running in a group, or chasing a group, will help you run faster!  Don't be afraid to find a running group.  Someone will be running almost the same pace as you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Running should be fun so find some way to make it so.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>Sometimes training runs will suck and you just have to tough it out.  I think these runs are worth more than runs that go perfectly.  Come race day, when you hit The Wall, you've been there in training and toughed it out so you know you can do it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Any POJ that is unlocked is fair game.  Just check for TP first.</p>

 

[BigBuckSnort]

1. Get fitted for the right shoes at a running store and do not exceed the milage in them before replacing.<br><br>
2. Careful not to overtrain or over race yourself. I think rest periods are just as important as peak training weeks.<br><br>
3. Keep a good log of your runs. I always write down temperature, distance, and how I felt overall after every run

 

[Apple]

<p>three more...  some are repeats but worth repeating</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1.  Get fitted for good shoes, BE Good To Your Feet</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.  Don't over do it.  stick with a sensible plan & mileage</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3.  Keep it fun and love it.  Don't forget the challenge is what makes it fun and some days are good & some aren't</p>
<p> </p>

 

[gretriever]

<p>In no particular order of importance...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Be excited stepping up to the start line. Be nervous. But do <strong>not</strong> be afraid. If you're afraid, you've already put yourself at a disadvantage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't worry about the other runners. Respect them all. But in the end, run <strong>your</strong> race, not theirs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have fun. And if you do have a bad race (sooner or later it happens to everyone, and more than once), just shake it off. Take away positives and things you can apply the next go-round,</p>

 

[GOLFNSKI]

<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">1. Focus on elapsed time, not distance.  For me, it was a minimum 25 minutes per run (or jog/walk as long as you keep your HR going).  When I first started, I would only go 15-20 min., and I didn’t see measurable improvement at all.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">2.  Have a goal and/or find a running group to help keep you motivated & hold yourself accountable.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">3.  Speed does not matter - run relaxed. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'times new roman';">~Cheers</span></span></p>

 

[willrun4chocolate]

<p>Don't do too much.  the 10% rule is there for  a reason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sometimes just go for a run without a watch, enjoy the scenery without the worry of how long you've been going for just run.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't do too much   the 10 % rulei s there for a reason.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I can't repeat # 1 and #3 enough.</p>

 

[RandMart]

<p>The second most important thing to choosing the right shoe, is choosing the left one.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It is rude to count the people you pass ... Out loud, anyway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A side stich is like a car alarm. It signifies something is wrong, but you can ignore it until it goes away.</p>

 

[JJVoo]

<p>avoid speedwork until you've built a huge aerobic engine, keeping yourself aerobic, walking if necessary. Get a heart rate monitor and use it to keep yourself aerobic (training at aerobic heart rates), building the amount of time on your feet slowly</p>
<p>______________</p>
<p>run by duration, not distance. If an elite does her long run in two and a half hours, an amateur shouldn't be running any longer than that. It's overkill.</p>
<p>______________</p>
<p>if you are getting sore spots and minor injuries, you are training too hard</p>

 

[theia]

<ol><li>It will be tough in the beginning (and other times too, but especially in the beginning).  Don't give up.  It. Will. Get. Better.</li>
<li>Ditto about the right (and left) shoes.</li>
<li>Ditto about a running partner or group.  It doesn't have to be an organized, official club.  Just recruit a friend or two and run together.  The time will pass much more quickly if you're with someone.</li>
</ol>

 

[RandMart]

<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/72621/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="154977_1570314216224_1186541889_31392802_6924148_n.jpg" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15960" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15960/width/625/height/500" style="; width: 625px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>mahalo plenty</em> to <a href="http://www.kickrunners.com/user/mmoonptdeux">moonie</a> for the inspiration</p>

 

[melistic]

<p>1. slow down -literally- you'll go farther faster</p>
<p>2. if something hurts, learn why and how to fix it, don't be a toughguy, fix it before it hurts worse</p>
<p>3. remember, nearly everyone hates that first mile!  Celebrate your FIRST first mile and give yourself permission to hate the first mile. Running gets easier- that first mile never seems to ~</p>

 

[chances141]

<p>Some great advice here.  Here's my take.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1.  In your first marathon, sprint the first mile like your hair is on fire to bank 20 or 30 seconds.  Now you're in front, and there to stay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2.  If you get injured, ignore it.  You can train through anything, including stress fractures and achilles tendonosis.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3.  Your pre-run hydration plan should always include a huge glass of whole milk and three shots of Stoli Vodka.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Can't think of anything else. </p>

 

[gretriever]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">
<p>Originally Posted by <strong>chances141</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/71371/list-your-3-best-tips-or-advice-for-new-runners#post_1977133"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></p>
<p><br>
3.  Your pre-run hydration plan should always include a huge glass of whole milk and three shots of Stoli Vodka.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
I had those reversed. That may explain a lot of things    <span style="font-size:10px;">Lousy three shots of whole milk.</span>  <span><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"></span></p>

 

[Runninlaw]

<p>Great thread!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Slow down</p>
<p>2. Slow down</p>
<p>3. Slow down.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Seriously.  I know so many folks who have started running/training and were running each workout way too fast.  Their race paces were almost the same as training pace.  And they all ended up hurt (like stress fracture hurt).  Slow down and the speed will follow as you build your base endurance. </p>

 

[Grizzly]

<p>1) As spoken to me after making a foolish noobie mistake in a distance relay - my first race:  "Run your own damn race."  Many layers of advice there, but for beginners - don't gauge your advancement based on the performance of others.  You are your own measure.  But that doesn't mean you can't stretch it.... see 2.</p>
<p>2) Break your limitations.  Don't let anyone, most of all yourself tell you what you can't do.  And if you fail, don't give up.</p>
<p>3) Hills are your friend.  Trust me.</p>

 

[bekkib73]

<p>I just wrote about this!  Although I included my 5 top pieces of advice for new runners.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Essentially:</p>
<p>Use a beginner training program (I like C25k)</p>
<p>Get fitted for good running shoes</p>
<p>Get a heart rate monitor (because it will slow you down!)</p>
<p>Get a Road ID (safety is important)</p>
<p>Sign up for a race! (having something to train for!)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's the link if you want to read the whole thing!  <a href="http://www.wildchildgonegood.com/2011/05/running-advice/" target="_blank">So you want to run?</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm glad I found this website!  </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Happy running everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Beki</p>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bekkib73" target="_blank">@bekkib73</a> (twitter)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wildchildgonegood.com" target="_blank">Wild Child Gone Good</a></p>