Don't Eat Crap

With permission I have re-posted this blog post from http://fitfluential.com.

The post was written by Abby who blogs over at http://backatsquarezero.blogspot.com. I agree with every single one of the points Abby has made and I wanted to share it with you all.

Top 5 Things Newbie Runners (& Nonrunners)
Should Know:

1. The racing isn’t the hard part, the training is.

When you race yes you have to wake up early and wait in line and do a million things to get there on time, but it is beyond worth it. The atmosphere is amazing it’s so empowering almost as if something is floating around in the air. Plus you have thousands of people to race against, crowds cheering you on, people there only for the purpose of handing you water/Gatorade, and a medal (and in my case bagel) waiting for you at the finish. When you train there is no one to race against & push against, no crowd to cheer you on, and nobody waiting to offer you water. It is just you and your mileage, that’s when you push yourself. Don’t get me wrong, as runners we are always proud of our races, but it is the training that allowed us to finish them that is the most amazing, difficult, unbelievable part.

My first marathon

2. Running is an addiction.

As a runner there is a point where you realize you have become a runaholic. You may not even be sure exactly when it happened, how, or why, but suddenly running is a part of who you are. You’re the person leaving the party early because you are already thinking about your run the next morning. You may say sorry when you head off to bed and leave your friends behind to prepare for a run or when they ask you to meet for a brunch and you tell them you already scheduled a long run. They may laugh and think you’re crazy that you can’t reschedule a run when you’re the only one running. Why not do it later? It’s because while you say you’re sorry you can’t join them, in fact— you’re not. You’re addicted, you’re doing what you love, and while they are sleeping, eating, beaching it you will be running.

Loved this sub 2hr half

3. Runners love converts.

When I first started running I made it to the mailbox and thought I was going to die. I made myself run a little more each day and not only was I embarrassed at how out of shape I was, I was embarrassed that “real” runners would see me and laugh or feel sorry for me. Here is the truth. If you run, you’re a runner. Nobody will tease you, laugh at you, or think less of you. In fact those of us who have been running for awhile love converts. How awesome that instead of sitting at home on your butt you’re out going for a run be it five minutes or five hours. We’d give you a high five if we could, but a nod of the head or wave will have to do instead. (P.S.- This is a running thing, feel free to do it back.)

4. Running is not easy.

You have days you want to stop and it takes everything you have just to push through and days when you want to keep pushing, but know that for the sake of your body you should stop. Not every run is easy, many are just okay, some are hard, and a few are horrible. Don’t assume that just because we ran a 5K, 10K, a half, or a marathon that means running is simple for us. Every runner has good days and bad days. You could be a newbie or a seasoned veteran distance runner go out for an easy mile and have a terrible run, sometimes it just doesn’t click.

Over 90 degree 10 mile run -
My face started out pale white my shirt light purple (yikes!)

5. We will run with you.

If you’re a nonrunner who is thinking about trying running and someone who has been running for a while offers to run with you, it is because they want to. Many nonrunners or newbie runners are scared to accept an offer from a more seasoned runner. Yes, they may be faster than you, run further, have goals, schedules, etc. However, if they offered to run with you they mean it. Runners enjoy helping other people fall in love with running so take them up on their offer. I promise we aren’t jerks who will try to out run you or push you too hard (at first) we realize you are just starting out and we’re fine with it. This run is about you, not us.

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