Beginning Runners: RunnersWorld.com

Here’s some advice for the beginning runner:

• If you train with a team, or coach, don’t be afraid to ask them questions (I mean ANY question) because that’s what they’re there for
• Don’t try to race (or even mentally race) that person next to you, they could be runners of a different level anyway
• Hydrate!
• Buy your shoes at a specialized running store, not Footlocker or Big 5.

There’s A LOT more you’d have to take into consideration, so I recommend you check out Beginning Runners: RunnersWorld.com for more tips.

This week was the perfect example of using Negative Splits. Negative splits is a running term where you run faster on the second half of your runs instead of the first half. So for the first half, you keep a slow pace, conserving energy, and warming up your muscles getting ready for a faster second half. This is truly my running style because usually, my aches and pains get introduced in the beginning, then towards the end I am good (or maybe it’s the fact that my muscles and joints get numbs that I can’t feel it anymore? I don’t know, I’m not an expert).

Towards the end, Ilana and Philippa, my running partners of the week, kinda strayed away from our usual pace group 4 and picked up the pace a little bit. Philippa even got us to RUN up the incline where the pier starts (great use of hill training there). We felt we had a very energy efficient pace, and I admit, we were conquering that last half of the run very well! It felt awesome. When we finished the 12 miles, it’s really hard for me to say that it wasn’t a problem. I was a little scared at the finish line because I actually felt a small pinch in my right leg muscle, so I ended the run slowly, walked, then stretched it out. Tomorrow I recover.

Negative Splits: Use Them to Perform Better in Your Next Marathon