The first time I ever ran 6 miles, my mom drove the distance with me to celebrate and clock the mileage on her car’s odometer. I had done an out-and-back to the cathedral in St. Paul, MN, and it was the farthest I’d ever run. I was positively levitating with joy, and we marked the occasion with a photo, proof that my run existed because Strava did not.
That was 30 years ago. I am now the same age my mom was when we took that picture.
Since then I’ve gained oodles of running knowledge. I know my way around fartleks, tempo runs, hill repeats, and negative splits. I know how much fuel I need for every 60 minutes of time on my feet, and I know the exact spot on my heel that will develop a blister at mile 18 if I don’t smother it with Body Glide. Oh, and I now own a Garmin, so I don’t have to check my mileage by driving a car.
What I don’t have is a time machine, a way to transport me back to when I began running outside of organized sports. Sure, I was happily feeling my way through the baby miles of becoming a runner, but it was also a time of absolute stupidity when I knew nothing about pace, rest days, or fueling. It’s a wonder I kept at it, because most of my time pounding the pavement was a miserable mix of side stitches and chafing. I didn’t know what I didn’t know!
Cathy’s mom, Roberta, marking the turn-around spot in 1995
We asked the AMR community what they would tell their younger selves when it comes to running, and with their years of experience, they delivered. Whether you’re a newbie runner lacing up for the first time or you’re a marathon maniac that’s been around the block hundreds of times, take their advice. It’s never too late to improve your running game.
“Strength training is important and will be more fun than you expect.” —Sarah W.
“Put in the work to strength train! It will save you from injury…every time!” —Emily C.
“STRENGTH TRAIN! And don’t slack on dynamic warmups!” —Kelyn C.
“Do not skip the strength training and stretching. When you have an injury because you ‘didn’t have time’ for those things, you’ll be filled with regret.” —Brandy B.
Don’t Strain Your Engine
“Run the right pace, not the fastest pace. I plateaued hard because I was always running all out.” —Shana W.
“Rest and don’t go hard every run.” —Bethany J.
“Train for the endurance, not speed!” —Liz F.
“Run your easy runs easy, every run is not a race.” —Amanda R.
Invest in Yourself
“Run everywhere and with everyone. Roads, trails, track—yes to it all.” —Sarah W.
“Don’t be afraid to sign up for a race and also buy the good shoes.” —Patricia A.
“Get better shoes!” —Becky S.
“Find your why.” —Heidi S.
“Never let yourself quit.” —Eileen W.
Running is a Gift
“Just enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about the rest. Enjoy the run.” —Jennifer V.
“Don’t worry so much about times and ‘having to’ get in runs or distances. Enjoy the movement more than thinking of it as a chore.” —CeXochitl D.
“Run grateful. Every mile is a gift.” —Laura W.
“Don’t compare yourself to others. Do YOU!” —Patty H.
“Your greatest joys in running will be the ways you find to give back to the sport.” —Angela R.
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