As runners, we hear tons of advice. There’s so much good advice out there. No doubt there’s questionable advice too. Who do you believe? What resonates with you? This week our Tuesdays on the Run linkup asks you to share the best running advice you ever received.
As a running coach, I dispense plenty of advice. I get plenty of requests too. People come to me wanting to run their first 5k, PR a half marathon, run their first marathon, qualify for Boston, you name it. Many have realistic goals, while some do not. What must one do to achieve their goals? Well many things, of course, but I think this one is key:
Be patient with the process
Stick with it, follow a plan, do the work, and running will reward you tenfold.
By patience, I don’t mean waiting around and expecting progress to magically happen. Training takes place by challenging the body, allowing it to recover, then challenging it in new and different ways to keep it growing, not plateauing. This process takes time and hard work. How much time is different for everyone, so it’s crucial not to compare your journey with that of someone else. In the case of a marathon, it takes several months, even years to run one’s best. The longer you stick with running, building a strong base and allowing your body to adapt to the demands, the greater the likelihood you’ll run well and injury free. But you must be patient with the journey.
What’s the best running advice you’ve ever received?
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Great advice. So simple, yet so true. I have definitely learned the importance of patience the hard way: by getting injured from training too aggressively too quickly. That ended up setting me back several months! If only I had the patience back then… Sigh!
patience is a good one … it is hard to have patience if you are comparing to others around you, which happens a lot in the running community!! So patience, not comparing and adapting are all part of my process. I’m still working on those things daily!!
I couldn’t agree more. Always trust the process even when you’re inclined to doubt it.
In other words, Chill the F out? ;D
Kind of along the same lines…trust the process. Don’t change it up when you’re discouraged. There’s definitely a method to all this madness!
Ahhhh this Is a good one. In a world that is give it to me now that is why I love running so. You can’t go buy the most expensive shoes an expect to win the race!! You must put in the work!!
Great topic Marcia, you gals come up with great content!!
I was just thinking about this last week. I finally feel like my pace is improving after 9 weeks of hard training. Only half way through my training plan too so excited to see what the next 9 weeks brings!
I trained for 9 months for my first half marathon. I’d never done anything over 5 miles, and I certainly didn’t want to get injured. I knew I’d need a lot of time to build up smartly to 13.1.
You’re absolutely right, patience is key – especially for newer runners. I have definitely struggled with patience, even though I think I’ve been pretty darn patient with all the hard work I’ve been doing haha!
YES! Trying to rush results will only get you frustrated and build an unsustainable set of habits. It takes a long time to see real results, but they’re soooooo worth it!
Best advice I have received and shared since is don’t compare yourself to other runners, and above all make sure you hare having fun. Running shouldn’t be a chore.
I think being patient is one of the hardest parts. We all just want immediate results. If we put in the hard work it will pay off at the end.
One of the best fortune cookies I ever got (although this isn’t technically a fortune) says: Patience is the key to joy, and I’ve thought about that so many times over the years and I agree completely as related to running. Patience and consistency are crucial.
I just thought about this yesterday during my run, Marcia. How much patience it took until I became a runner. Patience really is a virtue – trust the process and enjoy the ride!
Perfect reminder. Like Suze said… chill the f out! lol Perfect, I say!
Patience has definitely been one of the hardest but most beneficial lessons running has taught me! From following a training plan, to being patient during a race… it’s definitely sometimes that pops up often in my running. Being consistent in my training and having the ability to stay focused on a long-term goal are two other big lessons for me!
So true! It’s hard sometimes because you want to see the results happen like now! LOL! But you really do need to trust the process
Great advice for runners!
Truthfully, patience is a virtue is sound advice for nearly every aspect of life!
I had quite the light bulb moment at my recent half marathon….it was a couple miles into the race, and I saw everything happening. There were people whizzing by me like I was moving in slow motion (at mile 3, none the less), I saw people already walking (and they were “just” at mile 3), and I passed several people who obviously either started too fast (and were crashing & burning at mile 3) or were pacing themselves ridiculously slow. Then it occurred to me… (drum roll)…everyone has a different strategy, and it’s not my job (or ambition) to follow suit. I have to run my own race(s) based on what works for ME and have patience in letting it all play out on schedule. Duh!
Oh man, patience is NOT part of my genetic make up! LOL!!
Patience is such a struggle for me in most areas of life!
Ah yes, patience is so important. That is definitely what marathon training has taught me !
This is really great advice! Running takes patience and a lifetime of running really takes patience. Running is not forgiving nor is it always kind, but patience truly pays off. Very well put!
This is great advice! So many people give up so quickly because they don’t see results, or expect too much starting out. I bet you do get asked all the time for advice. Patience is something that I struggle with, but I’m working on it! 🙂
When I first started running patience was not one of my virtues. I seriously thought I was invincible. Learned that lesson the hard way. Love the it’s a process image.
Great advice, Absolutely that we should ‘be patient with the process” if we would like to achieve progress. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice. So simple, yet so true. Patience is such a struggle for me, So many people give up so quickly because they don’t see results
Patience is a supper important factor when you want to reach successful trainning target. We all know we must be stuck in a lot of problems through our training such as figure suitable timetable out, tough weather condition, muscles are being sore and painful, getting healthy nutrious food… etc. i tried to be patient and it was really hard when all my body burned out after tough training. just wanted to give up. But i passed it and im till tranning my running well every week until now:)
Nice post that i have ever read. Thks for your sharing:)
I think it’s important to put off partying. Steer clear of happy hour the day or two before a race or big training session is very essential 😉 . Alcohol significantly impairs sleep quality and hydration levels, as well as recovery.
thanks for sharing with us !!!
Totally agree that patience is likely to be most common issue for runners to deal with! Sleep quality and hydration are also important. Your post is very informative! Thanks for sharing!