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How You Can Become a Great Runner (Part 1) - Shoes, Goals & Miles

By Scott Schlimmer, published Feb 27, 2007
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You Don't Have to be a Natural Runner

I was never a natural runner. Some people run on a daily basis for "fun." I, on the other hand, run very rarely. I've always preferred reading books, discussing intellectual topics, playing video games, watching television, or sitting and having a beer. I don't enjoy running.

It might surprise you, then, that I was an All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State (Honorable Mention) runner in high school. You wouldn't expect me to have run a mile in less than 5 minutes, and 5 km (3.1 miles) in 17 minutes 42 seconds. I wouldn't be the person you'd predict to win an invitational over 100 other runners. However, I did accomplish all these things, thanks to smart training. Compared to most sports, running rewards training and effort more than natural talent. No matter who you are, I'm confident you too can become a great runner.

Shoes

Your training should start at the shoe store. You're going to rack up a lot of miles on those shoes, so you want some good ones. Go to the most athletic store you can find and get the most comfy running shoes you can find. You don't want cross trainers; you need running shoes. Running shoes are lighter than cross trainers and will have more effective padding.

Clothing

Once you have your shoes, you'll be ready to run! You shouldn't do it naked though, so put on some clothing. I suggest shorts, socks, warmup pants (sweat pants are fine), and a t-shirt (women, don't forget your sports bra). You can add on clothing to that if the weather is cold. Don't bulk up too much though. You'll generate plenty of heat while running.

Planning

How You Can Become a Great Runner (Part 1) - Shoes, Goals & Miles

With proper planning, YOU can become a great runner!

Credit: National Triathlon Centre

Copyright: National Triathlon Centre

Takeaways
  • You Don't Have to be a Natural Runner
  • Keep Records. After a while, you'll be surprised how many miles you'll rack up.
  • Plan your goals ahead of time.
Comments
Comments 1 - 5 of 5
 
 
That's a good point. Don't set goals so high that they might make you not want to run. The most important thing is getting out there and running consistently. Challenging but attainable sounds right.

Posted on 03/22/2007 at 9:03:00 PM

 
I agree with the goal-setting thing. Although when it comes to runners, I've found that the more inexperienced ones set goals that are too lofty and unrealistic. Like this one girl wanted to run her first marathon in under 4 hours. I like to set goals that are challenging, but attainable.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 1:03:00 PM

 
Great, I'm glad you enjoyed!

Posted on 03/20/2007 at 11:03:00 AM

 
I enjoyed this article.

Posted on 03/20/2007 at 9:03:00 AM

 
Part 2 can be found at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/156982/how_you_can_become_a_great_runner_part.html

Posted on 02/28/2007 at 2:02:00 PM

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