There's still stuff I don't know.
I've been running for 15-ish years.
and I've learned a thing or two.
But that doesn't mean I never need running advice ever again.
The reason I tell YOU this:
Regardless of whether you're just starting out
or
you have 12 marathons under your belt and your medals are proudly displayed...
We've ALL started in the same spot.
Not knowing what shoes to get.
(because the options feels endless and overwhelming)
Not knowing how to train correctly
(you mean you don't run full out every run?)
Overthinking our mileage and running in circles to hit a nice even number.
(yep, I'm looking at you...)
Don't get me wrong:
Running is hard.
It can be incredibly detailed and science-y and nuanced.
And this can make it feel exciting because there's a whole new world for you to dive into.
Or it can feel like too much because you were just looking for a way to exercise and get healthy without having to need a gym because you don't like people-ing sometimes. (been there, I get it.)
MY POINT:
We're never "too experienced" or "too much a beginner" to spend 3 minutes on reading the best running advice other experienced runners have to offer.
And I've been asking you all.
And you've delivered.
Let's hop in.
Best Running Advice You Should Know If You're Just Getting into Running (And if You've Been Doing it a While Already)
*the ones in quotes are directly from you guys.
The Quippy One-Liners
"Keep pushing that 5K/10K time. There's plenty of time to build to go long.
"There’s no shame in run / walk intervals." (I just feel this is extra important)
Smiles are more important than miles
Watches are fun, but it's also ok to turn them off, just run, and listen to your body.
"Take the rest days. Run/walk on easy days. Real hard on hard days."
Fuel + hydrate. Don't let anyone tell you it makes you a "lesser runner".
Running won't ruin your knees.
PR's are neat but they're not everything
 Stop running every run hard! There's no shame in running slow.
The Running Life-Lessons
"Learn that going slow will make you fast because this is not a one time adventure but a rest of your life journey."
"Running should be fun. It should be enjoyable. If it stops being enjoyable, change things up or cut back. It shouldn't feel like a chore. Also, EAT GIRL! You need way more food than you think while you are training for longer distances. Eat, and eat well. I know your dad would have you celebrate a good run with Dairy Queen, but that doesn't make it good running fuel."
"I would have removed the pace from my watch face way sooner. So much more enjoyable when I am not chasing a pace the entire time."
"Run for you, precious bb. Running is a form of loving yourself & finding a very unique type of joy that can last a lifetime, if you let it. You are so much more than your times, your paces, & your places. Celebrate YOU & this amazing thing that you’re doing. Because you deserve it.🥹💜* also, anyone tying your weight to your running & overall worth as a human being is full of most rancid SHIT in existence & needs to be punted into the sun."
How To Survive Running in the SUMMER HEAT
"Get up earlier for your run. Early morning is about as cool as it gets, plus a lot of people have their sprinklers on in the morning!"
"If you start to feel cold - STOP! It does NOT mean you’re fine and not that sensitive to heat. It means you’re about to be in trouble and need fluid and electrolytes immediately."
"Taking an unplanned rest day doesn’t make you less of a runner. It’s always my advice—this is a hobby! Doesn’t mean don’t work—hard workouts are my favorite—but over time, you can learn when the conditions are going to make it a tough day when you don’t need a tough day."
"I keep a wet running towel in the freezer and drape it around my neck (OK, crunch it into place) just before I head out." ( <-- this advice is priceless)
"Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate and forget about your pace." (ok, this one is too)
"Pre-freeze insulated bottles of electrolyte drink. Blend one into a smoothie and consume quickly, shortly before your run. Put the others in a running vest like the advanced skin caps. And light colored clothes make a dramatic difference."
"Midrun slushie break."
Using the treadmill is not a sign of weakness. Live to run another day.
WRAPPING UP
It's the "surviving the running in the heat" section that does it for me.
But tell me...
What am I missing?
Do you have a piece of running advice that's carried you for years?
Or maybe you just thought of something incredible during today's run?
Leave your golden running advice in the comments below!
Because here in the running fit fam, your story matters.
Your running journey is important.
And we're cheering and supporting you every step of the way. :)
By the way....if you're looking to take your running to the next level, you're going to need a little more than awesome-sauce running advice. Learning to strength train like a runner at any experience level is key!
So whether you're a veteran marathoner or just getting started, can I give you 2 whole, FREE weeks of strength training made specifically for runners? You can get started HERE! I can't wait to see you on the inside :)
Until next time, running fit fam
Dare to Train Differently,
Marie Whitt, PT, DPT //@dr.whitt.fit
P.S. a special thanks to all the runners who commented their advice on various instagram or threads posts. You the real MVP.
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