An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Becoming A Runner - Part 1
Written By An Absolute Beginner
Preamble: I’ve been running for about 9 months now. And since committing to 1,000 miles to start this year, my running has taken a giant leap. However, I wouldn’t be where I am today without those early days where all these running milestones felt impossible.
I don’t want to forget the early lessons. So this post is my attempt to preserve them, and offer the advice I would give myself when I started last May.
I: How To Start Running
Chapter 1: Run
Run.
That’s all you need to do today.
Run.
It doesn’t matter how many calories you burn, how fast you go, or how far you go. All that matters is that you run.
Chapter 2: What is running?
Running is picking your feet up a little faster than walking.
You know, it’s that pace when walking gets uncomfortable.
Your body changes shape a bit, and there’s a bit of contortion. And you release that pain as the pace picks up.
That’s running, and that’s the effort where you need to start.
II: Run For 6 Months
Chapter 3: Run For 6 Months
Most people make the mistake of running for a particular race.
They want to run their first 5k or they want to finish a marathon.
The problem is that when most people get there, they stop running.
If you want to run for the rest of your life, then you have to start with running for 6 months.
Chapter 4: Minimum Requirement of 2x Per Week
All that’s required is running twice a week.
Because the magic happens when you run for 2x per week for 6 months.
One week, you’ll run 3x per week.
Your usual two mile run will turn into a three mile run.
Then, 3x per week will become 4x per week.
Then 3 miles becomes 4 miles. 4 becomes 6 miles. 6 turns to 10 miles.
And you’ll wonder, “How the hell did I just do that?”
But, you can’t get to 10 miles unless you run.
Anytime you feel stuck, go read Chapter 1.
Chapter 5: Your First Races
During your first 6 months of running, you’ll need a race. But your race isn’t your only motivation for running, it’s a checkpoint.
Ideally, you’ll pick two races. One around 3 months and another around 6 months. These will allow you to see your progress.
They don’t have to be formal races either. You don’t need competitors, medals, volunteers, and t-shirts (although, there’s magic in running with other people).
You can pick your own distance.
5k, 7k, 10k, it doesn’t really matter.
It’s your race, and you have to approach it as such.
Chapter 6: 5k is a great place to start
As an absolute beginner, a 5k is a great goal distance.
After your first few workouts, you might wonder how you’ll ever run 3.1 miles, when 1 mile feels like a nearly impossible task.
But as you keep showing up, the miles get easier and you’ll be able to run longer.
In fact, I’d be surprised if you didn’t run a 5k by accident in your first 3 months. You might go out one day feeling good and surprise yourself.
Boom. 3.1 miles.
Once you run your first 5k as a race, you’ll have 3 months to reflect on and 3 months to prepare for your next one.
Two Quick Questions for Readers:
If you’re a runner already, I love to know: what advice you give beginning runners?
If you’re not a runner yet, what in the above was most helpful?
Pre-Script: This is an early draft on my thoughts, so thanks for being a beta reader. To stay tuned for more running content, subscribe below.