This week’s Tuesday Topic is:  Your tips for beginner runners.  You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Dear runner,

So you just started running?  Good for you!  I am proud of you.  Running is fun.  Running is a hobby.  You don’t have to love running but liking it is good enough.  When you start to “hate” it then that is when you probably need to take a break from it.  That’s OK.  It happens to many of us.  Here are some of my tips.  I hope you find them useful.

➡️ Invest in good shoes.  I know shoes are expensive but they’re worth it.

➡️ Running should be fun.  Remember that it is a hobby.  Unless you are training to win a race and money, then it is more than a hobby.

➡️ Listen to your body.  Feeling tired and need a day off?  Go for it.  Do not feel guilty about taking a rest day.

➡️ Walking is OK.  Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t or make you feel less of a runner for walking.

➡️ A mile is a mile no matter the pace.  Whether you finish it in 15 minutes, 7 minutes, or 9 minutes, make sure to celebrate it.

➡️ You can run a half marathon or a marathon if you want.  It will take time and commitment but it can be done.  I started running in 2005 and ran my first marathon the following year.

➡️ Remember that you are a runner.  Whenever you’re in doubt, remember these wise words from Bart Yasso: “I often hear someone say I’m not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner.” 

Tuesday Topics

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

18 Comments on Tuesday Topics: Tips for beginner runners

  1. So true that running should be enjoyable! It’s a hobby and for the most of us, it’s not as if our livelihood depended on it.
    As long as we enjoy it, we will stick to it longterm. Great tips, Zenaida!

  2. Yes! A mile is a mile no matter the pace. I always try to remind myself (and others!) about that…. there is no competition (unless you run a race LOL) and you should enjoy every minute that you’re out there on your feet.

  3. I love that quote by Bart Yasso! Sometimes it takes a while to be comfortable calling ourselves runners. I wish I didn’t beat myself up so much for taking walking breaks. They helped me so much when I was increasing my mileage!

  4. Yes! There are no fake runners. I think people just starting out now are lucky- there’s so much information available. Your tips are all great.

    • There are so many things I learned throughout the years that I didn’t know when I started running. But sometimes it is fun to compare how it was before and now (i.e. timing chips on the shoes).

  5. I agree with all of these. I’d add “find a buddy” or two! Running with friends is more fun, goes faster and you’re less likely to bail on a run if a friend is waiting. If you don’t know other people who want to run, hit up a local running store for a group run!

Thank you for your comment!