. . . When You Start Running
Runners will tell you how great it feels. They’ll tell you the great people you’ll meet. They’ll tell you how wonderful it feels to train for and complete a race. Runners don’t usually give new runners the whole picture though!
I am joining the Friday Five 2.0 from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy to share with a few things that might surprise a new runner.
Running ain’t cheap
Even if you don’t race, you still need decent shoes (more than one pair a year) and decent clothes. It adds up quickly.
And if you race, those race fees can add up quickly, too!
You could gain weight even if you want to lose weight
Yes, running can be a great way to lose weight. It’s also very easy to overestimate how much you really need to eat to recover or reward yourself with more food than you burned off.
Even if you don’t gain weight . . .
. . . your clothes might actually feel a little tighter after a run or a race. You need carbs to fuel your runs. Unfortunately those carbs will also cause some water retention.
It’s much easier in a group
Running always feels easier when you run with someone — even when that someone is faster than you. Don’t be afraid to try out some running groups!
It doesn’t get easier . . .
. . . but you do get better.
Talk to me. Leave a comment or answer a question:
What do you wish someone had told you about running before you started?
Did you start out in a group or on your own?
Do you feel you’ve become a better runner over the years?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I played tennis for 10 years so Running is very similar except more expensive.
I started running with No Boundaries. Never would have on my own.
How do you define better? Faster but not as much as I would have thought. More relaxed and more confident. Less rigid about a plan.
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I think the definition of better will vary from person to person. So it’s whatever you think it is (and no, I don’t necessarily define it by pace).
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Tennis is more expensive I meant.
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Wow, all of these are spot on. People are always surprised when they end up gaining weight when they start training for long distance running. I think mainly because they overcompensate on the food and way overestimate how many calories they are burning! Especially when someone goes from a high intensity type of workout to more steady runs. And yes, running ain’t cheap!
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Yeah, I learned the whole gain weight thing the hard way. 🙂
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So true! Running itself is a cheap sport because you don’t need any additional equipment. but who only needs shoes? With race belts, Garmin, fuel, water bottle, etc.
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It should be a cheap sport. I guess it could be if you just have a couple of outfits & a GPS watch. 🙂
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❤
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No, it’s certainly not cheap but there are other sports with more expensive equipment and fees. For example, PoPo and his golf…which alleviates any guilt I have associated with the money I spend. LOL.
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You have no reason to feel guilty whether or not he spends money on another sport! Anything that keeps us active & happy is a win-win to everyone around us.
Within reason, of course. 🙂
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I started out running on my own, then I ran with a group on the weekends for years. Now I’m mostly alone, unless I’m running trail, then I prefer to be with friends! safety…
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I don’t know if I’m a better runner than I was but I’m certainly a more experienced runner!
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Better doesn’t necessarily mean faster. 🙂
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I wish someone had told me to slow down! Finding an actually easy pace was key to me consistently enjoying running.
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I am constantly telling new runners to slow down!
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Did you start out in a group or on your own? On my own. Now it’s hubby & I.
Do you feel you’ve become a better runner over the years? I do. When I started I couldn’t run for 1 minute but now my average running day is 4-5 miles & I am doing my first half marathon this Saturday & @ 55 it is a big deal.
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You’re lucky that your husband is running now!
How was the half? I want to hear all about it!
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