This month I’m introducing you to a guest blogger, Sarah, AKA The T-Rex Running Physio. Her honest and useful insight into all things running related is fresh and welcome. She combines sound medical knowledge, running experience and off beat real stories to teach the non-runner to run and the runner to improve. I hope you enjoy her article as much as I did. You can find more articles and the answer to why she is called the TRex Runner, at her Blog, The TRex Running Physio.
So I’ve been running on and off for about 9 or 10 years now. At first it was on the treadmill, then outdoor running. It’s only been in the last 3 years that I’ve run more consistently and with more purpose. I have races I’m training for and have more structure to my running plan.
But when I started running more “seriously”, I wish I had known some of these truths…
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It’s okay to walk.
I think this one is so important to remember, especially when you are starting out. When I first started, I thought if I didn’t run the whole time I was failing in some way. I didn’t think I should enter races as I’d have to walk some of it and I didn’t think that was okay. It took running with a club and running Parkrun to realise run/walk is the best way to get fitter. And to go farther. And to enjoy your running more when you’re not so fit.
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Not every run will be your best or your fastest.
And that’s okay. Some days you are tired, stressed, dehydrated or hungry. Your body just doesn’t have the “go”, but it’s good to run anyway. You are still building fitness and mental strength to keep going even when you aren’t feeling it.
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Chafe is a real thing.
As I started running farther and doing longer races, sjoe did this become a reality. Bra lines, under arms, tags, seams and who knows what else – they all can chafe!! A running friend told me about baby bum cream and to apply it pre-run. Game changer! But you have to remember to put it on and where your particular chafe area is!!
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Hills are good for you.
Yes, this one is true. Sadly, it is very true. They are hard work and tiring and give you heart attacks but… they do make you stronger! I used to run only on the rather flat promenade and was terrified of hills. If I ran and there was a hill, I would walk from the bottom. I would see it coming, dread it and then give up before I had even tried. When I joined my club, I started doing hill training. It was horrible to start with, but now it is easier. I wouldn’t say I love hills, but I can feel the difference in my running from doing them more often.
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No matter how hard it is to get yourself to go for a run, you will feel better after it. Every time.
Some days (a lot of days for me), you just don’t feel like running. It’s cold, dark, you’re tired or you’re just a bit lazy. But if you actually suck it up and just do it – you will feel good after. The endorphins and happy vibes will be going crazy. Remember that post run feeling – it is a way to motivate yourself to go running. Otherwise just focus on that post run coffee or wine…
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It does get easier.
It really does get easier. If you run consistently, you will get fitter. You will find your rhythm. You will be able to go that little bit faster, or run more lamp posts. You will be able to do that Parkrun in a new PB (personal best) time. You will be able to run without feeling achy afterwards. You will be able to talk while running. But to improve and for it to get easier, consistent running is key. If you only run once a week or other week, it will always be hard. So it does get easier, but you need to work at it to get there.
There are so many other things I’ve learnt along the way. And I’m still learning truths about this running thing. If you have any pearls of wisdom please share them in the comments or with a message, we are all still learning and improving our running.