If you're new to running, figuring out how much to run each week can feel tough.
When I first started running, I was really excited and maybe a bit too eager. I wanted to increase my mileage quickly, thinking it would make me faster or help me reach my goals sooner. However, my excitement often led to problems that I could have avoided if I knew a bit more and was more patient.
Here’s what I found out about why many beginner runners, including me, have a hard time increasing their mileage.
Building a good foundation is super important for runners. It’s like building a house; if you rush it, it can fall apart. A lot of beginners don’t know that their bodies need time to get used to running.
When I pushed myself too hard too fast, I often felt sore or tired, which made me feel down about running.
One big reason beginners have trouble running longer distances is because of injuries. The excitement to run more can lead to ignoring the "10% rule."
This rule says you should never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%. So, if you’re running 10 miles a week, don’t jump to 12 or 15 right away—just add one extra mile! I wish I had followed this rule sooner to avoid the ankle pain that bothered me for months.
Another challenge is having unrealistic expectations. When I started, I wanted to be like experienced runners and immediately run really far. Social media and running challenges can make us feel pressured and have distorted views.
To keep things fun and avoid hitting a wall, changing up your workouts can really help. For example:
Finally, having a support system is super important. Joining a local running club or finding friends to run with can help keep you motivated and on track. Sharing your struggles and successes makes the running journey more enjoyable and less lonely. I loved having friends who understood what I was going through and were facing similar challenges.
In the end, I learned that building a good running base takes time and patience. Embrace the journey, listen to your body, and remember: progress isn’t just about how many miles you run, but about enjoying the ride too!
If you're new to running, figuring out how much to run each week can feel tough.
When I first started running, I was really excited and maybe a bit too eager. I wanted to increase my mileage quickly, thinking it would make me faster or help me reach my goals sooner. However, my excitement often led to problems that I could have avoided if I knew a bit more and was more patient.
Here’s what I found out about why many beginner runners, including me, have a hard time increasing their mileage.
Building a good foundation is super important for runners. It’s like building a house; if you rush it, it can fall apart. A lot of beginners don’t know that their bodies need time to get used to running.
When I pushed myself too hard too fast, I often felt sore or tired, which made me feel down about running.
One big reason beginners have trouble running longer distances is because of injuries. The excitement to run more can lead to ignoring the "10% rule."
This rule says you should never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%. So, if you’re running 10 miles a week, don’t jump to 12 or 15 right away—just add one extra mile! I wish I had followed this rule sooner to avoid the ankle pain that bothered me for months.
Another challenge is having unrealistic expectations. When I started, I wanted to be like experienced runners and immediately run really far. Social media and running challenges can make us feel pressured and have distorted views.
To keep things fun and avoid hitting a wall, changing up your workouts can really help. For example:
Finally, having a support system is super important. Joining a local running club or finding friends to run with can help keep you motivated and on track. Sharing your struggles and successes makes the running journey more enjoyable and less lonely. I loved having friends who understood what I was going through and were facing similar challenges.
In the end, I learned that building a good running base takes time and patience. Embrace the journey, listen to your body, and remember: progress isn’t just about how many miles you run, but about enjoying the ride too!