Ok, so you are ready to start running! Congrats on making on being strong enough to make this decision! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
You can always check out my book: Kara Goucher’s Running for Women. It’s filled with great advice and tips to help you along the way!
Whether you are a beginner or already a runner looking to elevate your game, training plans can help you get there. When looking for training plans, be sure to look for something that is right for you.
I loved working on these training plans with the guys from Run the Edge because I believe that whether you are a beginner or already an experienced runner looking to elevate your game, training plans can help you get there. When selecting a plan, be sure to look for something that is right for you. Don’t try to do my training when your goal is to run your first 5k. There are a lot of plans out there, and many of them are great, but I recommend the Level-Up Training Plans from Run the Edge. They created the completely unique “Level-Up Training System” that allows you to advance through the program at your own pace. Not only did I help write these plans and include many of my favorite workouts, but they have a variety of levels from beginner to advanced. The Running Start program will take you from your first step to finishing your first 5k while having fun every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned veteran, these training plans will get you to the finish line and setting PR’s (Personal Records) in every distance from 5k to the Marathon!
I get a lot of questions about nutrition and fueling my body properly for my running. I’d like to start off by saying that I am not a profession dietitian or nutritionist! But, I have had a lot of experience over the years fueling myself for the miles I put in.
My advice here is pretty basic. We all know what is good for you and what isn’t. There is nothing in my diet that is off limits, I don’t shun wine, chocolate, or the occasional french fry. But, I fuel myself on much healthier things and so my overall diet is pretty healthy. I focus on making sure I am getting plenty of vegetables, fruit, complex carbs, and lean proteins. If I have had toast with peanut butter for breakfast, a recovery shake after a workout, a big salad with lots of toppings for lunch, yogurt and trail mix for a snack, and a stir fry filled with veggies for dinner, than I don’t feel guilty if I have a bowl of ice cream or a chocolate bar before bed. I do have the occasional day where I don’t eat the healthiest, but I don’t let myself feel guilty. No one is perfect all of the time. As you train you learn foods that make you feel better and foods that don’t. Don’t think you must have a strict diet to be a runner, focus on the good stuff and you’ll be just fine.