By David Freeze
Best days are here!
What do I mean about the best days? I love the late September and October days when the temperature is down and so is the humidity. Winds aren’t significant on most days. And the days are long enough to get things done, but even better the moon hangs around a little longer and all the pieces fit for good runs.
Our current beginning runners class is about halfway through, and I always say the fall class has it best for all the above reasons and we still don’t have many rainouts. There are two seasons for new runners, one is the spring when people think of how they want to look on the beach. And the fall is when they have had the summer and are tired of hot and humid and looking for something lasting. Maybe even on through the winter.
So if you have noticed the great weather and want to get started, here are a few simple pointers. You want to be consistent with commitment, but you likely will do better with about four days a week to start. Pick the best time of the day for your runs and hang a calendar on the wall with blocks for writing each day. If you run, write it down, a sort of journaling. It’s real if you write it down.
By the start of the second week, go see Ralph Baker Shoes and get fitted for the right pair for you. My best shoe is likely not your best shoe and the right pair will boost your running efforts. You may not recognize a bad choice of shoes on the first day, but it won’t take long. Good shoes make good runners!
Start with a half mile, then a mile later that week, then 2 by the end of the second week. Run at a pace where you can talk. Most folks who are trying running for the first time will run too fast and they end up saying they hate running. What they hate is running too fast and the feeling of constantly being out of breath.
Keep making those notes on the calendar that include your distance, your time and your pace. Make note of anything unusual, even including an unusual moon or owls hooting and the day you felt really good.
By the third week, pay attention to an improvement in your mood, or the fact that your belt is a little looser, and your breathing isn’t as challenged when going upstairs. Your sleep is likely better too and you’re probably more confident, ready to take on the day.
By the fourth week, you’ve started to notice your running form and decided it looks pretty good. It might be time for some new running gear. Water tastes better and better and food choices are healthier. The fifth week, you decide to check out the upcoming 5K’s. Maybe not yet ready to run one, but still interested, nevertheless. And during the sixth week, you see two runners talking and join them.
Keep the calendar going and add another day of running or consider any form of cross-training. You’re a runner now, and it feels pretty darn good! Keep it up and my bet is you’ll be happy you did.
Nxt week’s race is the Back Creek Presbyterian Church Harvest Run 5K and Fun Run. This is one of the prettiest local runs through the beautiful countryside. The race is well-managed, and all centered at the historic church. The Knox Brown Circle raises proceeds that support Life Choices Rowan, Rowan Helping Ministries, as well as Christmas support for local families, a children’s ministry and continuing women’s Christian education.
Start time for the 5K is 9am and the fun run will follow for kids 9 and under. The Back Creek Mexico Missions team will have a free pancake breakfast for all runners following the race and extra plates are for sale to spectators.
Look for this and a full slate of upcoming races at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org
