Getting Started Running

Ok, let's talk about getting started. So many people tell me that they would love to start running (or walking) but they aren't sure how. I am also constantly asked for all kinds of advice on running. People want tips, they want reinforcement, they want inspiration, validation, reassurance and help. I always say three things.
  • 1st, to get started, all you need is a good pair of shoes (not necessarily expensive ones by the way). 
  • 2nd, people should definitely consult their physician to ensure that running is a healthy and safe activity for them. 
  • 3rd, relax. I mean it. Folks get so worked up. A lifetime of preconceived notions and attitudes about running can be stifling. Fear of failure or getting embarrassed or feeling that it will be too painful arrests the idea of heading out of doors to take a jog. Probably the most important practical thing that everyone should consider—once they have a good pair of shoes and a green light from their doctor—is to chill the heck out. It's great to be ambitious, but most people overdo it right out of the gate. I say that you should finish every workout in the first many months feeling like you could have easily done more. If you feel too exhausted, if you are completely spent after a run, you likely made a big mistake.  
Now I have tons of ideas, tips, strategies, opinions, etc., about running, but for the purpose of this Getting Started page, I want to list a number of resource guides that have been useful to me. They are all loaded with tons of information and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. I recommend skimming some of them, looking for headlines that catch your eye. Again, relax, don't stress, it's meant to actually be relaxing and fun. I'm thrilled that you've found your way to this page and my genuine hope for you is that you turn thought into action and simply head out for a run!

Thanks for investigating this run3rd blog. Now, how about tweeting a #run3rd dedication? :-)

Yours,
Sean

13 comments:

  1. #run3d is a great thing,I hope many people will get into action and give this a try.I try and do every thing I can do but it takes more than just a couple so just help !!!!! ( thank you for inspiring me )

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  2. also that cwote at the top is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. i love this, it so nice!

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  4. I love your attitude about finishing every workout for the first months like you could do more. A great benchmark for keeping it fun in the beginning!

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  5. When I'm running and want to quit i think about all those that cant do it. Not because they dont want to but physically can not. and I tell myself I run for them. Seeing this is right in line with my beliefs, I am happy to know you're out there. Many hugs to you and your family.

    ~Spanishgem40

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  6. Anyone know where your where i xan get merch? I saw a few people at the disneyland half marathon with a patch and i would love to support a great mission

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    1. Hi Robby! You can get patches and wristbands by contacting Tracy Wright Burwell though the run3rd Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/run3rd/

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  7. Hmmm i cant see the page. Any one have contact email?
    Lol

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  8. Hello, my name is Arlette O’Rourke and I am the owner of a food truck /catering company in Charleston SC called Indigenius Cuisine. I am an avid runner and our food truck specializes in cuisine for runners. We have the first Real Food Certified food truck in the entire South East. This means that we promise to follow a higher standard in healthy, ethically responsible dining. It also means that our menu has been carefully evaluated by a licensed dietician and meets the criteria of the U.S.H.F.C. The United States Healthful Food Council. I.C. Roving Gourmet food truck is a white table cloth mobile cafĂ©. We serve gourmet craft sandwiches on our house made breads, (like our chia seed, brown rice whole grain), with high quality local ingredients, signature sauces and our ever changing side, salad and soup options. I.C. proudly serves on compostable sugar cane plates with corn starch compostable serving ware. We participate in the good catch program at the SC Aquarium, meaning we only source locally/sustainably caught fish. By providing guests with healthy options and a menu that incorporates scratch made items made from local ingredients, we hope to raise awareness about the impact diet has on our bodies and our community. We are currently planning to be The food truck of running events on the East Coast. There are not a lot of mobile healthy options for people after races and we hope to help change that.
    The reason that I am contacting you today is that we are writing a cookbook for our guests that visit the truck at local races. I have many favorite recipes that I hope to share with the world but am also looking for great recipes from racers/runners that people look up to and can find encouragement from. I know you are very busy and probably get tons of requests from fans and product promotion people alike. We’ll take anything, it does not have to be complicated or long just your personal favorite recipe. If you want you can include a favorite quote, fact or piece of advice and we can include it with the recipe. The cookbook will include, pictures, inspirational quotes, tips, advice, nutritional information and serving suggestions. We are still in the planning stages but we will be donating a portion of the proceeds to “Girls on the Run Charity” a charity that uses running to help young girls stay off the streets and build confidence and hope in their lives.
    Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions. The website is indigeniuscuisine.com or icroving.com. Your input will be greatly appreciated and we promise to give full credit to all participates. Best Wishes and happy running
    Arlette O’Rourke
    arletteorourke@gmail.com 843-270-0243

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  9. Hi Sean, in regards to your first tip, what kind of shoes do you recommend? My husband and I want to get healthy and we need some good running shoes but have no idea where to start. Do you have any recommendations for a type of running shoe that's good for beginners and not going to break the bank?

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    1. Hi Kimmy
      I found some articles online:

      https://www.solereview.com/best-running-shoes-for-beginners/
      http://www.complex.com/sneakers/best-running-shoes-for-women/
      http://runnerclick.com/best-beginners-running-shoes-get-going/ (I bought #4 couple weeks ago before seeing this article!)

      You can find a lot more by googling "running shoes for beginners." Be sure to check recent articles. Shoe manufacturers change models frequently!

      Happy running!
      Linda

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    2. Awesome, thanks Linda! This is really helpful :)

      -Kimmy

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