In Medias Race

No One is Judging You

A general life lesson that took me a while to learn, and even longer to internalize, is that no one thinks about you as much as you think they do, if they do at all. It is sounds harsh, but it is a liberating realization. You can finally breath a little when you realize no-one is scrutinizing you as much as you are. My life is really full. I am usually just trying to get from one thing to the next without losing my sanity. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what others are, or are not, doing. When I am out running, I am 100% focused on getting through my run. I am not scrutinizing those around me. I may shout a sincere “good job” or wave, but that is it. Regardless of skill, we are all just trying to get through the next mile. I think it is very safe to assume that others are just as self-focused when running or going about their day.

The People are Amazing

I started running again because I needed some solitude and exercise. I generally prefer running on my own without the pressure to socialize. I get lost in my thoughts, clear my head, meditate, and enjoy the outdoors. At some point, I realized I needed a little more help and accountability, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Then, on a rare day I was working in my office instead of from home, I ran into a coworker in the hall and we started talking about the Memorial Marathon among other things. He mentioned he was in a running group. Later that day, his wife sent me a Facebook invitation to the group and the run. Several of my coworkers from other departments were in the group. I was nervous to go, but I thought if nothing else, it would be a good way to get to know some of my coworkers better. It was worth a try. I have only been able to meet up with this group a few times, but I have really enjoyed it. The online group is also wonderfully helpful and fun. I participate in two running communities now, and I have learned so much from others that I never would have learned on my own. I am not even particularly active in these groups, and I don’t know many of the people well, but I still benefit everyday from the community’s support and member’s collective wisdom. Runners and walkers are an incredibly enthusiastic and supportive group of people. All skill levels are embraced. 

Pre-Run Nutrition is Critical

This is probably obvious to most people, but last fall and into the winter, I was not giving any thought to how much I had or had not eaten before a daily run. Fortunately, I have now learned that being conscious about my pre-run nutrition makes all the difference in the world during the run and through the recovery period. Everyone is different, but for a 3-5 mile run, I like to eat a banana about half an hour or so before going out. It seems to give me just enough sugar and calories to keep my energy level consistent through the run, but it is not heavy. Today, I had an incredibly busy day at work. I missed breakfast. I had chips and salsa and an orange for lunch and no snacks. This was not a lunch of champions. I didn’t get out my last meeting until 6 and barely had time to squeeze in a run before it got dark. I felt my lack of proper nutrition the entire run. By mile 4, I was done. I had nothing left. Lesson re-learned. Think about when and what you eat before a run. Your body will thank you.

Cross-training is a must. Even if you just want to run.

This is also something that for many is obvious, but not something I did consistently when I was younger. Now that I have a better understanding of my musculoskelatal system, I understand why it is so important to build up strength in all of your muscles, not just the ones you use for running. Every muscle in our body is connected by a complex set of tendons and ligaments. Running is a high impact activity and puts a lot of stress on the muscles and joints used to repeatedly propel you off the ground. Those muscles and joints need all the support they can get. If you neglect cross-training, you are setting yourself up for an injury. The beauty of cross-training, is there are so many great options that you can find something that works for you and your body. I enjoy yoga, walking, functional weights, and pilates for cross-training. These are all low impact activities that get your blood flowing and work major and minor muscles throughout your body as well as your core.

Your Pace is Awesome. Any Pace is Awesome.

My earliest hesitation to running (other than feeling like I was going to pass out on the pavement) was that I have never been particularly fast. I am naturally very competitive, and I mistakenly believed I had to “fast” to really participate in running as a hobby. As one friend said, every pace is good because you are out doing it. One time I was running at the lake and one of my favorite dog walkers was out with her dog, Jagger. She apologized because she could not get her dog off of the path when I was approaching. I told her not to worry, I was slow anyway. She said “you are faster than everyone at home.” It was really encouraging. (No shade by the way to people at home.) It was a really encouraging moment.

As I discussed above, the running community embraces people at all skill and pace levels. Don’t let a slower pace deter you. Also, run/ walking is more than acceptable. Some people believe they have to run every minute of their workout for it to be a run. You don’t. You can always slow down, walk, and catch your breath.

Whether you jog 3 miles an hour or zoom by with a 5 minute mile, you are still outside, enjoying nature, doing something good for your body and mind. That is admirable, and you are awesome.

Body Glide

Originally, I had five “things I’ve learned.” But, I had my first experience with chaffing recently. I ran nine miles at my fastest distance pace to date. It was a sunny day, so I was in a tank top. I now have a blister from where my arm hit my sports bra when I was running. The frustrating thing was, I had already purchased some body glide, but I had forgotten to use it. Tonight, I used it for the first time, and no blisters. This is a strange sport I have committed to.

What tips and tricks have you learned over the years that you wish you would have known sooner?