5 Tips For New RUNNERS I Wish I'd Known Back Then

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey from an overweight beginner to an experienced runner, sharing five key insights gained over the years. They emphasize the importance of simplicity in training tools, embracing slow runs for progress, the benefits of participating in group events, the impact of weight on performance, and the need to address discomfort in running. The script also cautions against comparing oneself to social media influencers and encourages finding a personal, pain-free running style.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Start Simple: When beginning running, a basic watch is sufficient, and focusing on social media stats isn't necessary for a good run.
• 📈 Progress Over Gadgets: Progress in running can be motivating without the need for expensive sports watches or apps.
• 🚶‍♂️ Embrace Slow Running: Incorporating slow runs is essential for training, and they should be done strictly to maintain the right exertion level.
• 👟 Minimalist Approach: Running without pain is possible by addressing discomfort and possibly adopting minimalist footwear or techniques.
• 🤝 Joining a Community: Participating in group events early on can be beneficial for motivation and social support.
• 🏅 Competition for Self-Improvement: Engaging in races can provide a healthy form of competition and a benchmark for personal progress.
• 🏃‍♂️ Overcoming Weight Issues: Being overweight shouldn't prevent someone from starting to run, but losing excess weight can improve running performance.
• 🍩 Avoid Painful Running: If running causes pain, it's important to address the issue rather than endure it, possibly through different techniques or footwear.
• 👀 Be Wary of Social Media Influence: Not all online running influencers represent the average runner, and their methods may not be universally applicable.
• 🌟 Embrace Individuality: Everyone's running journey is unique, and it's important to find what works best for the individual rather than copying others.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with running?

The speaker started running out of shape and unhealthy, making common beginner mistakes but gradually improved to become a proper runner.

How did the speaker's performance temporarily decline?

The speaker's performance declined due to a combination of injury and indulging in donuts, but it is fast returning.

What is one reason the speaker's running ability is recovering quickly?

The speaker's running ability is recovering quickly because they now know what to do and what not to do based on past experience.

What was the speaker's view on using a sports watch and tracking apps in the beginning?

Initially, the speaker had only a cheap Casio wrist watch and later upgraded to a sports watch with tracking apps, which became a trend to share on social media.

What is the speaker's current stance on the necessity of a sports watch for running?

The speaker believes that while a sports watch can be useful for tracking and motivation, it is not necessary for early stage progress and one can run with just a simple watch.

How does the speaker feel about slow runs now compared to when they started running?

The speaker now loves running slow, whereas when they started, they hated it and were obsessed with getting quicker by always running as fast as they could.

What was the speaker's experience with participating in organized running events?

The speaker initially delayed participating in organized events like park runs and later 10ks and half marathons, realizing they should have started sooner.

What is the speaker's advice regarding entering running events?

The speaker advises not to wait until feeling 'ready' to enter events, as participating among like-minded people is beneficial regardless of performance.

What is the speaker's perspective on the relationship between weight and running performance?

The speaker believes that while one can run overweight, running performance will improve with weight loss, and it's important to make an informed choice about one's weight.

What advice does the speaker give about dealing with running-related pain?

The speaker advises that running should not be painful and if there is discomfort, one should address it rather than ignore it, possibly by consulting a running coach or physiotherapist.

What is the speaker's view on emulating social media influencers in running?

The speaker warns against trying to emulate social media influencers, suggesting that one should be motivated by them but not attempt to copy their specific attributes.

What is the speaker's final advice for new runners?

The speaker's final advice is to be sensible about one's weight and health, to not run through pain, and to enjoy the process of running without the pressure of comparison.