Tips for a beginner from a beginner!

So while I was running (9 miles this weekend!) I was thinking of 2 things. 1) I was screaming a lot b/c the buckeyes were hammering the hell out of Indiana. 2) I was thinking of all the little tips I have learned along the way, some people have told me, and some I learned the hard way.  So for the next month, I thought I would blog about tips for the beginner half marathon/marathon runner. So to start, I will share how to start!

This is my third half marathon, and I have done several 5 and 10Ks along the way.  I only started running about 3 years ago.  I was pretty damn chubby in high school and college, and the only place I ran was to the fast food restaurant or to the bar :)  I college I think I topped out at 200lbs in college. (YIKES!)  I managed to lose almost 50 lbs my last year of pharmacy school. At that point I was about a size 4 or 6, but I still had trouble running a 5K.  I have gained a few pounds back, and I now wear an 8 or 10 during the off season, and a 12 during the running season (more discussion on this later!), but I am more fit now than when I was a size 4-6!  Don't get me wrong, I have my share of pudge, but I have a significant amount of muscle as well, thanks to running and cross training. 

So how did I start?  I took the first few running steps!  For some reason I agreed to run a half marathon with my BFF Aurelie! So I signed up and paid the registration fee (I am el cheapo!) so by then I HAD to run or else I had thrown my $$ away.  So I just started running.  I followed Hal Higdon's novice half marathon training plan (www.halhigdon.com). He also has 5K, 10K, and marathon training plans.  I won't lie, it was tough!!!!! Especially the first few weeks.  It is really empowering when you can't run, then suddenly you can run 1 mile, 2 miles, next thing you know you are running 13.1 miles!  You just have to keep at it ( more on motivation in another blog) and know that there WILL be bad runs!  My advice to you is, if you want to run a race, pick one and sign up! That will light a fire under your ass to train. Then pick a good training program, and stick with it the best that you can.

Back to the weight issue. Don't expect to lose weight!  Running more makes you more hungry, and you should eat more b/c your body needs the nutrition for the runs and to repair. Race first, weight loss second. I actually gain weight in my thighs and butt when I am running (all muscle!)  So if you go up a pants size, it's OK!!!!  And hey my boyfriend likes it anyway (love you Eric!).  I have struggled with weight issues for a while, and here is what I have come up with.......F-the diet!  I work out 5 times a week, I can run a LONG ass way, and I eat relatively healthfully (yea I promise I will start posting some healthy satisfying recipes). That means I am doing well for my body, and my weight is going to end up where my weight ends up. End of story.  Yes I splurge now and again, but when you know you are doing 20+ miles a week, it's not so bad.  If you want a good run, you need to eat for the run, and eat for recovery (more about that later!)

This week I am running 3.5 miles 2x this week, 2 days cross training (kickboxing and something else) and 10 miles on Saturday! Stayed tuned for more tips and happy trails!