Buzz
Running might seem as easy as just stepping forward, but as you gain experience, you’ll uncover insights about yourself and your sport that you never expected. Recently, a Reddit user sought shortcuts to that hidden knowledge: “Experienced runners: what’s something you wish you knew as a beginner?” Here are some of the best responses.
Make sure to sit on the toilet before embarking on a long run
The act of running can stimulate the colon to keep things moving, and consuming sports drinks while running may increase the likelihood of diarrhea. If you’re planning to be away from a restroom for an extended period, u/SloopyDoops recommends ensuring you're empty beforehand.
Act as though drivers can’t see you
Running on or near roads can be hazardous, particularly when your route leads through areas where drivers may not be vigilant about pedestrians. u/AtherisElectro offers simple advice: “Act like cars don’t see you,” and u/Wrong_Swordfish adds further insight into potential dangers. If you haven't made eye contact with the driver, it's safest to assume they don't notice you.
Your training sessions are not competitions
Personal bests are earned through consistent effort, not by chance. Hard work comes before the rewards. Therefore, u/bltrvns9 suggests, stop trying to set a personal record on every run. Treat your training runs as just that—training.
Monitor your heart rate
This is simply the classic advice to run at a slower pace presented differently. If you have a device that tracks your heart rate, keep an eye on the reading. For easy runs, try to stay below 75% of your max (about 150bpm if your max is 200), and you’ll notice you can go farther without feeling exhausted. If you've ever felt like you 'can't' run past a certain distance, this advice will help you break through that figurative barrier.
Don’t rely on a single source for advice
This note from u/day_time_sleep has plenty of great advice, but one point stands out: “Don’t rely on a single source for advice.” Instead of stressing over which method is 'right', it’s better to explore different approaches and see the diverse ways people achieve success. Experiment with various strategies and figure out what works best for you.
Run far and dream big
For most newcomers, running 26 miles seems like an impossible dream. But for ultrarunners—those who tackle distances greater than a marathon—long runs are simply part of the routine. “Ultramarathons are tough, but achievable,” says u/gl21133. With the right training and dedication, you too can become part of this elite group.
The first mile is always the hardest
This reminds me of something I once mentioned. It takes about a mile for your body to shift from ‘couch-potato mode’ to the rhythm of the run. (And yes, this is a physical process, not just a mental one!) Think of that first mile as a warmup that doesn’t really count. Some long-distance runners argue that the first two or three miles are the toughest, and after that, the rest feels easy.
Give trail running a try
Much like ultrarunning, trail running has a dedicated and passionate community. If you haven’t yet run on a trail, give it a shot.
Investing in good running gear is worthwhile
As frustrating as it is, it’s true in most cases. You can run in any pair of shoes or clothes, but gear made specifically for runners does make a big difference. (I’d recommend upgrading your shoes and socks first, and if needed, a high-quality sports bra if the cheaper version isn't cutting it.)
Strength training makes all the difference
Building strength makes your runs smoother and helps prevent injuries. We have a fantastic strength training guide for runners, which coach Jason Fitzgerald emphasizes as being “so essential for runners that it should be viewed as part of the training, not just cross-training. It’s vital for any runner striving to reach their full potential.”
Nobody's worried about how you look
A common fear for beginners is the worry of looking silly while running. It’s not an unwarranted concern because, let’s face it, everyone looks a little funny when they run. But if you want to be part of the running community, embracing that goofy look is just part of the journey, and it’s totally worth it. Most people will just think, “Oh, that’s a runner,” not “Ugh, there goes that sweaty person with a strange expression,” even if both thoughts are true.
If you run, you're a runner.
Whatever pace you run, that's your pace. You are a runner. So stop saying things like, “I’m trying to run” or “Sorry, I’m so slow.” Embracing where you are in your fitness journey is the first step toward improvement. One way to support yourself, as u/teamcilantro recommends, is to find a running group that matches your pace.
It's okay to walk.
It’s true—many ultramarathoners and long-distance trail runners will incorporate walking at some point. Even for shorter distances, experienced runners use walk breaks to maintain their pace. As a beginner, you’re fully allowed to walk during a race or a training run if it helps you reach your goals and complete the distance. You’re still a runner.
Don’t forget to trim your toenails.
Taking care of your feet is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of being a runner. Toenails that are too long can lead to bruising or even losing a nail (we have a guide to dealing with that here), but it's also important to avoid cutting them too short, as that can cause irritation. Trim your nails as short as is comfortable for you.
Watch out for chafing.
Chafing can become a real issue as your distances increase. Apply Bodyglide or Vaseline to areas that might rub, and always test your socks and sports bras on shorter runs before relying on them for longer distances to ensure they stay chafe-free.
How to determine your ideal pace
Not every run is meant to be an easy one, but even the tough runs shouldn’t leave you utterly drained. During interval training, you should always finish each set feeling like you could do another one, and by the end of the workout, you should feel like you have just a bit more to give. I realized I had perfected pacing when I did a 20-mile run (in marathon training) and stopped not because I couldn’t go any further, but because I had already hit my target distance.
