So you want to be a runner??

So, you want to be a runner?

When I first thought about “becoming a runner” I didn’t have a clue where to start. I saw all my friends doing it and I wanted to do it too!! I know what you’re thinking, “If they jumped off a cliff, would you do it too”? Probably, if the cool kids were doing it!! I thought all one needed to become a runner was to throw on some athletic shoes and hit the pavement. I went to a running store for shoes; they watched me walk barefoot and told me I needed a neutral shoe. Ok, whatever you say, you’re the expert. They brought some shoes out for me to try on. They were ok but none of them were spectacular and I balked at spending $100+ on a pair of athletic shoes. So, I went to a sporting goods store, where I chose a pink pair of shoes because they were pretty and affordable. Newbie mistake #1!! When I started having low back pain, I never attributed it to my shoes, I just stopped running altogether.

About a year later, I decided to get serious about running again. I ran a couple of races in those pretty pink shoes but started having pain again so this time, I turned to a different running store for help and that was the best decision I ever made. They watched me walk barefoot and filmed me running on a treadmill. I was again told I needed a neutral shoe and was shown several choices. This time, I chose a shoe based on the way it felt on my foot. In addition to shoes and highly trained fitters, that running store had an array of gear and a training program for beginning runners. I signed up for that program the following week and I was on my way.

So, if you’re thinking about running but don’t know where to start, here are some tips:

SHOES: I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a new, properly fitting pair of shoes!! The wrong shoe can cause injuries. Shoes are expensive but much cheaper than MRI’s, co-payments, x-rays, etc in the long run.

CLOTHING: You might think any old t-shirt and shorts or sweat pants will do, but that’s not the case. Invest in some properly fitting, moisture wicking tops and bottoms to prevent chafing. Cotton is rotten!! Cotton retains moisture. When you sweat, it will become wet thus making you cold in the winter and heavy in the summer. I love the Nike miler shirts and tempo shorts. The shirts are soft and light weight. They come in a variety of colors and the shorts are just awesome! Ladies, make sure you invest in a GOOD sports bra. The girls need just as much attention as your feet do. If you find yourself needing 2 sports bras, you’re in the wrong bra. There are many good brands on the market, Moving Comfort and Champion to name a couple. If you have a running store in your area, get a proper fitting. Make sure that you have good moisture wicking socks to help prevent blisters. I prefer either Feetures or Balega brands. Lately, I've tried these Thorlo socks with pretty good results. Just make sure that your socks are 100% cotton free

PLAN: It’s a good idea to have a training schedule and stick to it!! Increasing distance, pace, etc too quickly can result in injury. There are several beginning runner apps available for smartphones or you can download a program from the internet. Check your area for running groups or stores that offer training programs. Honestly, running with a group helps with accountability.

GEAR: Other things that are optional but you might want to consider would include a belt to carry keys, phone, identification, etc. Spibelt makes a nice, lightweight one. You might want a hand held hydration system to carry water or Nuun (yummy, sugar-free electrolyte replacement) with you. Fuel belt and Nathan make good, lightweight ones to consider. A GPS watch will enable to know your pace and distance while running. I run with a Garmin 110 and my husband has a Garmin 10. I like these models because they are reasonably affordable and easy to operate. There are also smartphone apps such as Map My Run or Runkeeper if you want to check those out.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of important info, but this will give you a good starting base. Most importantly, good luck and have fun!!