I ran the Norfolk Harbor 10k on Sunday, Nov. 23 on little to no sleep and not having gone on a run in several weeks. It was miserable and fun and something I impulsively chose to do at the last minute a week prior. I also was 10 minutes late to the starting line due to traffic and a much needed bathroom break. Here are some more things I’ve learned since that 10k I did as a pseudo-runner.
You really should prepare
I prepped by carb loading the day before and loading my body with electrolytes. What I also should have done is gone on runs to prepare and train weeks in advance. Instead I treated it like every homework assignment in high school and did it the night before. I didn’t train and I paid the price in being incredibly sore for about four days after. Sure it was doable, but also miserable. Oh, and stretch. Remember how I said I was 10 minutes late to the start line? Yeah, I didn’t have time to stretch. I should have stretched before and after, but I didn’t. That hurt. Take time to train, it will be worth it.
You’re only competing against yourself
Unless you are genuinely committed to be a competitive runner, the only person you’re competing against is the you that you were yesterday. Is the “yesterday you” still going to win sometimes? Sure. What matters is that you’re showing up and trying to better yourself every day. When I was running with that mass of people, there were moments that I felt “okay, I just need to pass this person” and then two minutes after I passed them, they’d pass me. It was cyclical. What was really happening was that we were all running together. We all wanted to cross the finish line as a personal accomplishment, to work on our personal goals. We were doing it together.
Running with friends helps
This tip might just be my new favorite. I used to hate running with other people, because I’d have a hard time matching pace and I always felt subconscious of needing to walk or not being as fast. When I ran my most recent 10k, I caught up with two of my friends on the track. The first three miles of the race were honestly a little rough. I was alone and having trouble finding a rhythm. Then when I bumped into my friends, we were able to hold each other accountable for running certain distances. It was also reassuring to know that these two girls, who were avid runners, also needed walk breaks. It also helped the time move by faster. Instead of stuck in my head on walk breaks, we talked and laughed about how miserable we were. Sharing the experience is so much more enjoyable. Misery loves company.
Invest in good shoes
I didn’t realize how bad my old running shoes were until I bought new ones. I used to have one pair of sneakers. A pair of On Clouds my mom gave me that has holes in the sides so my pinky toes peak out. I love those shoes, I use them for everything. However, these ones aren’t designed for running. When I ran my first 10k, I thought the pain in my feet and the blisters I got were normal for distance running. Sure, sometimes they are, but not always. I bought a new pair of Asics that totally helped. No blisters, no aching and I had actual joint support so my knees didn’t hurt so bad after my run. There’s a reason there’s a science to creating running shoes. You don’t have to break the bank, but also don’t break your feet.
It’s still okay to walk
I said this in my last running tips article, but it’s still true – it’s okay to walk. It’s okay to run five steps then instantly walk again. What matters is that you’re moving your body. You’re trying. No one is judging you. Pushing yourself too hard isn’t accomplishing anything. Pace yourself, even if that means catching your breath.
Whether you hate or love running, making a choice to better yourself is important. Physical or mental, it’s all growth, and that’s worth celebrating.
