I went running today in our July, Memphis heat! Not a smart idea, but it did inspire this post. There are so many tips and tricks and advice out there on how to start running, how to keep running and everything else. It is a bit overwhelming for me. I know when I first started to run, I had to go get fitted and buy the most expensive shoes out there because that’s what all the “runners” were doing only to find out that the ones that work best for me are a kids pair of Adidas! I have been running for about 14 years, sometimes more off than on, but started my love in 2006. I will write up how I got started one day! Over the years, I have found what works best for me is to focus on these four simple things:

Tracking my pace
Setting goals for each run
Sticking with my group
Having fun!

Pace

Everyone said, track your pace. I never listened until I got serious about running my first half marathon. I had never ran over seven miles before (and the seven was on rare occasions). I couldn’t imagine running 13.1 until I had someone really slow me down. When Matt and I first got together we ran a lot and at the beginning of our marriage we ran a couple 5k’s together. He would always tell me, “don’t start too fast.” I always started too fast! Halfway through he’d pass me increasing his momentum while I was losing mine. Track your pace, it will blow your mind how much further you will be able to run when you find the perfect pace for yourself. I use my Fitbit Versa 2 and love it!

Goals

I used to just set out for a run and make it however far I make it. That didn’t do me much good when I was training for my half-marathons. I would get to mile 4 and be out of motivation with no goal in mind, it was easy to just stop. I really started to map out my weeks. On weekdays, I would run my shorter runs and really strive for pace, turning it up each time. On weekends, I would run for miles and slow it down a lot. During the hot summer months when running long distances seems impossible, work on short/fast runs. Don’t just say it to yourself, write it down!

Running Group

Find a group. This was so important for me. It’s hard for Matt and I to run together. One has to be home with the kids. We can’t afford to pay a babysitter for runs. For the accountability alone, it is worth it, but I received so much more. I have four new friends because I took that leap of faith and joined a group. I have rides to races and people to hang out with after the races. I get encouragement when I need it, not just about running, but about life as well. Motivation through the tough times, is key too!

Have fun!

If you aren’t having fun, it’s not worth it. You will quit faster, make excuses easier and then start to resent it. Find ways to have fun. I listen to music. On my long runs, you can definitely catch me dancing! I block out all the sideline noise and just have fun! I remember one time counting goose poop! Find something to make you laugh.