Things I have learned.

I have only been a runner since July 2008 and I am not what you would call "elite". I started this sport because it fit my schedule, my budget and it intrigued me...it was something that everybody COULD do, but that so many people would NOT do. Everyone has their reasons for disliking running, heck, I don't like it every now and then. However, just like with every great love, I keep going back.
I have learned a few things over these months that I would like to share: mistakes that I have made that I have learned from and will not make again!
1) Ibuprofen is essential.
Knees do not like runs over 8 miles. Your heart loves them, knees just want to kill you. Ibuprofen is your friend, just as much as rest, ice, compression and elevation.
2) Always check the Weather Channel when planning your running attire.
This lesson was learned when I ventured out on a Sunday morning at 7:00. Saturday was warm and balmy. Without checking the weather, I dressed for warm and balmy: shorts, tank top and thin technical tee. Had I checked the weather I would have known that a cold front was moving through at the very time that I was running and Hurricane Katrina-like winds would hit me about 1 mile from my house. I finished the run a different person: a Popsicle and believer in meteorology! When I checked the weather when I got home I found out there were 29 mph wind gusts and a wind chill of 34. No wonder everyone passing by me on the road was shaking their heads! They were probably thinking, "What an idiot!".
3) Find a good running partner.
To me a good running partner is as essential as water. Your partner is your motivator, the person that you know is waiting for you at 8:30 a.m. ready to run 11 miles with you in the cold. My running partner, Brandy, is not only a great athlete, but an awesome friend and someone who I enjoy being around. We spend a lot of time together and we know so much about each other: she can tell when my ankle hurts and when I didn't eat enough, I can tell when she is just not "feelin'" it. We motivate each other when it sucks and celebrate when we have a great run. That is the most important part of being running partners
4) Choose a training program and stick to it like religion.
Training is tough but rewarding. For me, training was not about losing weight, but about dealing with stress and improving my fitness level. Any by-products would just be an added bonus. A good training program gets you mentally prepared to run. When you know you have 6 miles to run, you get out mentally prepared to run those miles. Sometimes you wouldn't even think of running one step more than those set miles and I think that is okay. Running is 90% mental and 10% physical. Yes, you must have proper training in order to run long distances, but if your head is not in the game, you aren't going to get very far.
5) Eat, Eat, EAT!!!
Sometimes I forget to eat right. I get really busy and snack on a piece of chocolate or a cookie. I pay high prices for this when I go out and try to run any distance longer than a mile. I experienced true runners "bonking" one weekend when I didn't eat properly on a Friday night and attempted to run 9 miles without eating breakfast. What a dummy! I got through 2 miles and felt as though someone had beat me with a 2x4. Cold sweats, cramping, breathlessness...it was horrible! That day I vowed to do a better job with eating and always do a major carbo-load the day before a long run. My recommendation for breakfast before a run: oatmeal with honey and white tea sweetened with honey. It is like gasoline is to a car. I can run for an hour after that breakfast with no need for an extra food. Just find what works best for you and stick with it!
To all of my friends out there who have begun their journey of running: I am so happy for you and proud of the steps you are taking. I don't claim to know much, but I do know a few things and I hope they help you to not make the mistakes that I have made along the way. What you are doing for your yourself is amazing.
Until next time...
Get your run on!