Things I've Learned From Fun Runs

Running

I remember some months ago when I was asking myself this : Am I ready to run? After all, doing the routine daily exercise which comprises of walking, stretching, and lifting light weights is a far cry from running or jogging. My only consistent cardio exercise is walking which is still broken down into tidbits. So you could say, my cardiovascular strength is not really up to the challenge of continuous running.

It only takes a decision...and a decisive step to run a marathon, even just a short 5-kilometer run.  It's a decision that I would always look back to with a smile and a sense of triumph.  I did something I thought I was not capable of enduring coupled with fears lurking in my head because of my health condition.  What if I pass out? What if I have a heart attack?  What if I stress out my already injured left knee?  All those questions and worries flew out the window when I started running my first 5K run.

Let me just share the things I've learned from the past 5K runs I've joined:

Before deciding to join a running activity:

• Be sure you are in good health and form to run.  Consult your doctor, particularly if you have underlying conditions and if you have a sedentary lifestyle
• If the doctor gives you the go signal, then it's time to invest on running gears if you still don't have those.  A good pair of running shoes, running clothes, and hydration packs are the basics. 
• If you're all geared up, test yourself by trying out a running program such as the 8-Week Beginner's Program or the Couch to 5K.  There are other running programs that require less than 8 or 9 weeks, if you prefer shorter preparation time.

During the running event:

• Be there on the running venue a few minutes earlier than the gun time so you don't miss out on further instructions (if there are) by the race organizers.
• At gun start, it's a usual feeling for newbie runners to run excitedly.  I know I did that on my first run, running excitedly with the pack only to be blasted before the 1 kilometer mark.  So remember your pacing and resist the urge to run after faster runners.  Conserve your energy for the whole distance.
• As with driving, running also requires road courtesy.  It's best to keep good distance from other runners to avoid collision or tripping yourself or other runners.  You don't want to run with bruises and bumps and other injuries.
• Be wary of haphazard runners (believe me there are runners like that) and stay away from their path as soon as you spot them.  
• If you just can't go without taking pictures while running (I'm sure a lot would like something posted on their social networking sites or to document the run on their blogs), be considerate of other runners and pull to the side to take pictures.  This way, we avoid blocking the road and possibly causing a nuisance or worse, an accident.
• Push yourself but don't forget your limits.  There's no rule in the run that says you can't break into a walk once in a while.  But don't walk too long that you feel too lazy to continue running.
• If you're slowing down to a walk, best to stay on the side, like cars do when they pull over.  Sadly, some runners just don't care and they break into a walk in the middle of the running route and they take their own sweet time to walk slowly.  
• If you plan to overtake the walkers, take a good look to where you're going to swerve as you might bump into oncoming runners from the back...unless of course you want to shift to football hehehe.
• Stay on track and finish the race.  Most running events have a cause.  When you find yourself wanting to give up for some reasons, remind yourself that you're running for that cause and that some people will benefit from that run.  That usually gets to me and it gives me a renewed surge of energy.  It really helps when you run not only for your own well-being.  But don't act like the hero if you're really not feeling well to continue the run.
• Lastly, enjoy the run.  That's why it's called a fun run.  I always have fun in the equation even if that means waking up in the wee hours of the morning to get to the running venue only to tire myself out, get my face all red, struggle to catch my breath at certain times, endure aching thighs, legs, and hips the day after.  All that is worth it for the exhilarating experience....and all for the love of running.

So there, just a few insights from a newbie runner.  Coach Jim Saret has also shared some running tips that you may want to read on as you embark on your own running journeys.