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Dec 19, 2012

Things I've Learned From Fun Runs

Kit looking cute
Running
I remember some months ago when I was asking myself this : Am I ready to run? After all, doing the routine daily exercise which comprises of walking, stretching, and lifting light weights is a far cry from running or jogging. My only consistent cardio exercise is walking which is still broken down into tidbits. So you could say, my cardiovascular strength is not really up to the challenge of continuous running.

It only takes a decision...and a decisive step to run a marathon, even just a short 5-kilometer run.  It's a decision that I would always look back to with a smile and a sense of triumph.  I did something I thought I was not capable of enduring coupled with fears lurking in my head because of my health condition.  What if I pass out? What if I have a heart attack?  What if I stress out my already injured left knee?  All those questions and worries flew out the window when I started running my first 5K run.

Let me just share the things I've learned from the past 5K runs I've joined:

Before deciding to join a running activity:
  • Be sure you are in good health and form to run.  Consult your doctor, particularly if you have underlying conditions and if you have a sedentary lifestyle
  • If the doctor gives you the go signal, then it's time to invest on running gears if you still don't have those.  A good pair of running shoes, running clothes, and hydration packs are the basics. 
  • If you're all geared up, test yourself by trying out a running program such as the 8-Week Beginner's Program or the Couch to 5K.  There are other running programs that require less than 8 or 9 weeks, if you prefer shorter preparation time.
During the running event:
  • Be there on the running venue a few minutes earlier than the gun time so you don't miss out on further instructions (if there are) by the race organizers.
  • At gun start, it's a usual feeling for newbie runners to run excitedly.  I know I did that on my first run, running excitedly with the pack only to be blasted before the 1 kilometer mark.  So remember your pacing and resist the urge to run after faster runners.  Conserve your energy for the whole distance.
  • As with driving, running also requires road courtesy.  It's best to keep good distance from other runners to avoid collision or tripping yourself or other runners.  You don't want to run with bruises and bumps and other injuries.
  • Be wary of haphazard runners (believe me there are runners like that) and stay away from their path as soon as you spot them.  
  • If you just can't go without taking pictures while running (I'm sure a lot would like something posted on their social networking sites or to document the run on their blogs), be considerate of other runners and pull to the side to take pictures.  This way, we avoid blocking the road and possibly causing a nuisance or worse, an accident.
  • Push yourself but don't forget your limits.  There's no rule in the run that says you can't break into a walk once in a while.  But don't walk too long that you feel too lazy to continue running.
  • If you're slowing down to a walk, best to stay on the side, like cars do when they pull over.  Sadly, some runners just don't care and they break into a walk in the middle of the running route and they take their own sweet time to walk slowly.  
  • If you plan to overtake the walkers, take a good look to where you're going to swerve as you might bump into oncoming runners from the back...unless of course you want to shift to football hehehe.
  • Stay on track and finish the race.  Most running events have a cause.  When you find yourself wanting to give up for some reasons, remind yourself that you're running for that cause and that some people will benefit from that run.  That usually gets to me and it gives me a renewed surge of energy.  It really helps when you run not only for your own well-being.  But don't act like the hero if you're really not feeling well to continue the run.
  • Lastly, enjoy the run.  That's why it's called a fun run.  I always have fun in the equation even if that means waking up in the wee hours of the morning to get to the running venue only to tire myself out, get my face all red, struggle to catch my breath at certain times, endure aching thighs, legs, and hips the day after.  All that is worth it for the exhilarating experience....and all for the love of running.
So there, just a few insights from a newbie runner.  Coach Jim Saret has also shared some running tips that you may want to read on as you embark on your own running journeys. 


65 comments:

  1. wow, you are very perceptive...these are great insights
    i am now exercising ms. aileen, jogging early morning with my brother just around the neighborhood and it feels so good...

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  2. a good motivation for me. I am planning to join fun runs but i have no comfortable running shoes. This is a must-buy for me.

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  3. Great list of tips. Running is a great exercise.

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  4. Good tips here. Thanks for sharing. I have 2 friends who runs every week. And I'm really so proud of their achievement. I envy you guys as a matter of fact. It really is a great way to push yourself to the limit.

    CE 12/18

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  5. Great tips for doing a marathon. I don't think I will every be as brave as you to attempt one.

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  6. nice tips for a noob like me. :) i promised this 2013 wil be my first marathon ever.

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  7. what is important is that the runner is prepared for the run to prevent sports-related injuries!

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  8. Haha 2nd one happened to me ;3 I run past people on the first half then they started passing me towards the end :p
    Hey! Are you joining Philhealth run this Feb? Want to run together for 5k? My friend will probably run the 18k, I don't have anyone to run with. (T-T) #foreveralonenewbie lol.

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  9. Thanks for all the tips for the runners...

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  10. I have never run a marathon before! My boyfriend runs and wanted me to join him, but motherhood suddenly happened hehe. I hope to run my first marathon next year!

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  11. i'll take note of this.. i might used this someday as guideline.. :) thanks for sharing.. :)

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  12. Great advises coming from a soon-to-be pro runner :)


    Like in any field of interest, one needs to be compassionate to frequently engage in such activity. Fun runs are indeed getting popular. It is beneficial too for the health.



    Blessed Christmas Aileen ;)


    Farida

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  13. Siguro I will be like most newbies who run excitedly at the start haha, only to be dead tired after fist 500 meters :) Nice tips here Aileen. Tatanda an ko mga ito.

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  14. Great tips Aileen! I'll keep those in mind. But I have never joined marathons, I jog with my husband and my friends in a park's 2k rubber lane. It seems like a mini-fun run for us! :)

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  15. Very helpful tips from someone with experience. I found that with any sport, you also have to train and support it with regular workouts. When I was starting to play badminton, I also worked out with weights and cardio about 3 times a week. It helped improve my game quickly.

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  16. Thanks for this informative post, I don't know if I'd really like to join any 5K run, my bestfriend does that so she can lose some weight but I'm too thin haha.
    Here from http://mommyreviews.uni.me/ :)

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  17. nice tips aileen. i am getting inspired to become a runner just like you.

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  18. I keep these all in my mind. Who knows I will try running soon. Daddy is planning na e. Asking for a running shoes as a Christmas gift. Hehe


    Mommy Maye

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  19. The more inspired I've become with these tips Aileen. :-)

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  20. You're right on. You have to of course, enjoy the run! Thanks for sharing :)

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  21. Thanks for sharing your insights! I have really enjoyed learning about your running events. Nakaka inspire ka :)

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  22. thanks for sharing.. I'm really hoping to start running next year.. :)

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  23. Hubby and I have been meaning to be more active runners but with two kids and no helpers, our sched's become too wonky. We do try to join family fun runs though. I'll keep your tips in mind and share them with my hubby.

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  24. I run, although I don't join fun runs. Solitary runner ang peg. My officemates though join fun runs and even go there to Manila just to run

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  25. I can see that you're enjoying yourself! :) Thanks for the tips!

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  26. Oh my! After reading this, I already accepted the fact that I would never be a runner! I don't have such discipline like yours. Just the thought of waking up early for the run made it nearly impossible for me already. Hahaha. I admire your discipline Sis. :)

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  27. uhm id rather enjoy the run. hehehe. the Mommy Milkshake was the first and last fun run that me and my family joined.

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  28. Plus, when I said up there in my post that "i run", that was over a month ago na. Got so caught up with the season and the eating. Waah! Time to start really running and meaning it na

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  29. I want to run to lose weight... :)

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  30. great tips.. I hope I will have a jogging buddy next year..

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  31. These are nice and very helpful, Aileen. I hope I could run, too, even for just the experience. I'm sure you have met a lot of new people and made new friends. :-)

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  32. I've always wanted to join in fun runs. But there's always a conflict in my schedule. I hope I'll be able to join this 2013. :)

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  33. hello aileen!!! i missed your blog! :-) and i miss running too... :-( hehe i find it funny i can totally relate to a lot of your points here.... specially the blasting off from the start and the photo taking while in the middle of the route! hihihi :D

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  34. I guess i should accept that fact that I will never be a runner.. but i so much want to jog as my daily exercise. I hope I can make it happen this coming year..

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  35. Great tips there. But I need to give myself a push into running. Whew, I am just to lazy. :) LOL!

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  36. Khimbyrlee EerlrybmihkDecember 31, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    Don't have much time to go to a field, that's why I run in circles inside the house for 20minutes and I'm all good. :)




    Have a happy new year.

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  37. Nice tips. I ama always amazed at your passion for keeping healthy. Cheers to 2013 fitness and health!

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  38. Enjoying the run is what matters the most. No pressure at all, after all, it is a run for fun (fun run).

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  39. These are good tips especially to beginners or soon to be beginners like myself. =) More runs for you this year! :)

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  40. again, very smart insight...
    happy new year ms. aileen!

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  41. Nice tips there. I might consider them when I decided to join fun runs too.

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  42. i want to join some fun runs soon. My brother is a big fan of this. He will surely register any running activities especially if its just near with his place..

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  43. Hi, Aileen! I bet you enjoyed the holidays! Happy New Year!

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  44. I've once joined a fun run. I ran 3k :D And that's true I was too excited that time so I wasn't even finished with 1 km when I gave up and just did brisk walking all the way :)) I can never forget that.

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  45. This year, I promise myself to try an exercise program... although, more likely, not running. But I will keep in mind your practical tips!

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  46. Hello Aileen, just dropping by to say Happy New Year! :)
    I'm looking forward to receive more health tips from you.

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  47. very informative! i did not know that it's 8-9 weeks preparation for a 5k run. hehe cool. Happy New year! :)

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  48. I've never joined a fun run. Will keep these in mind when I do.

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  49. I hope that I will be more discipline to exercise this year. All the best for 2013

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  50. Have a meaningful and healthy new year! I hope I could be healthy too in 2013. I am going to start at the gym. :-D

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  51. Thanks Cym! You too! That's a good place to jump start your health goals. :-)

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  52. Happy new year sis. I enjoyed my long vacation :-)

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  53. Happy new year too Anne!

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  54. That's a good way to start moving around :-)

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  55. P....U....S....H.... :-)

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  56. How I wanted to have at least one photo of me running but all my friends are running so no one takes the photos lol!

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  57. Sis, believe me there are times I had to drag myself out of bed....sarap kaya matulog...but it just takes some willpower to break the inertia...after that, go go go na hehehe

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  58. You have such a lovely place and the weather is great there kaya kahit walang fun run, run lang ng run....I envy you sis you are so blessed to be living there...

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  59. So, did you get your running shoes? :-)

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  60. That's right...also those preps help one to avoid injuries and build stamina

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  61. Awww sis, probably not a pro-runner...just a fun runner lol! Happy new year!

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  62. When is this fun run? Hmmm if my sked allows, why not. I'll look it up :-)

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  63. We (my office mates) agreed to join the Phil Health run, 5K category...sa Quirino Grandstand pala on the 17th of Feb. Tara!

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