Running for Beginners: The Running Tip, A to Z

Here's a Running Tip for each letter of the alphabet!Only for running!
Follow these, and you'll be a wiser runner!Only wear your running shoes to run in, not to wear
Ask questions.around during the day. You've got to keep those
Never stop learning. There are no stupid questions.midsoles springy! This avoids injury.
Contact us atPounds!
Balance.Watch the pounds come off! If you just keep moving
Running is not all there is to life. Keep family, friends,and stay consistent in your running, you WILL lose
and faith!weight!
Carry a bandana!Quilt frequently.
Fold it over your waistband. Good for wiping sweat,Just seeing if you're still paying attention. (I bet you think
and wiping other places in the event of a detour intoof a running tip that started with a "Q"!)
the woods in the event of a sudden attack ofRotate shoes.
Runner's Trots.Use 2 pairs of shoes to keep the midsoles fresh. Use
Diet wisdom!the shoe with lower miles for longer runs, and the high
60% carbohydrates, 25% fat, 15% protein. A high fatmileage shoe for shorter ones. This avoids injuries.
diet will destroy your ability to run.Shoes!
Exercise your right to run!They are your MOST IMPORTANT piece of
There is freedom in covering ground under your ownequipment. Buy quality, and take care of them. I can't
power. Appreciate it!stress this enough. Quality shoes are a must!
Fun!Trim your toenails.
That's what being an Ordinary Runner is all about!Long toenails are a surefire way to get "black toe."
Go racing!(That's when your toenail turns solid black from
Getting ready for a race is one of the most motivatingpounding on the end of your shoe!)
aspects of running.Use a heart rate monitor.
Hydration.Not only will you learn quickly about your heart rate
Drink, drink, drink. Your body is mostly water! Keep itinfo, but you'll have a lot of fun. A great piece of
that way!technology!
Increase mileage slowly.Vacation!
When you're adding mileage, never increase moreYes, you need a vacation occasionally, even from
than 10% a week. This helps to avoid injury.running. A week long break once a year will do
Just keep moving!wonders for your muscles AND your mind.
This is the theme song of the Ordinary Runner. WeWicking materials!
may not be the fastest or sleekest, but we keepEspecially your socks! Keeping sweat away from your
moving forward.feet avoids blisters and Athlete's Foot. Keeping it
Keep a journal.away from your torso avoids getting too hot in
You'll be amazed what you'll learn about yourself, andsummer, and too cold in winter.
how quickly you learn what works and what doesn'tX-Ray it!
work... just by writing it down.If an injury keeps you from running, and persists, see a
Limping is bad.doctor! You don't want to develop a stress fracture!
If something is hurting bad enough to make youYikes! Don't run from dogs.
change your stride, you need to rest. Remember RICE:Face a dog, make yourself as big as you can, use a
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.big voice. Back away slowly until he loses interest. If he
Make friends!doesn't lose interest, zig when he zags!
Some of your best friends will be people you meet atZero calories in liquids.
races or training groups.We've talked about it before. If you're trying to lose
Notice the world around you.weight in general, or training for a race, this is one of
Don't develop the bad habit of simply watching thethe quickest ways to lose it! Don't drink anything that
ground in front of your shoes. Don't forget to lookhas calories!
around and see the world while you're running!And that's the Running Tip, from A to Z!