Paw Prints: Rookie Runner Tips

Even rookies learn without a coach or a teacher. Well, they do have a teacher by default. Her name is "Experience". I may be no expert, but after a few weeks of running, here is what "Experience" taught me. Not just about running but about life as well.

1) If you have a race scheduled, sleep early and be on time. In short, be punctual. Especially when you have some people expecting you to be there.

2) Go easy on running (or for any exercise for that matter) when coming directly off work. Pushing yourself too hard may hamper progress instead of developing it. Take a rest first if necessary.

3) Work at your own pace. As a rookie, I needed to work at a running pace I am comfortable in, not just chase after those running in front. Relax and take time to train. One doesn’t become fast overnight. (Believe me, it took me a while, to learn this lesson.)

4) Avoid fast starts. Its better to start slow and finish strong than starting fast and looking exhausted in the end.

5) Learn to enjoy the experience. Talk and bond with your family or friends. Appreciate the early morning sun. Enjoy the view of Davao (or whatever location you run on). On one of my runs, I enjoyed bonding with my little sister during the race more than the actual race itself. Sometimes, its not all about time or running fast. Sometimes you just got to have fun with what you are doing.

6) If you want to improve, don’t make Sunday fun runs your only runs. Ever wonder why some people are fast even though they don't join fun runs that often? Well, there are other avenues to run or exercise you know. Whether its just walking around the park or the mall; or exercising at the gym or the treadmill; or to just jogging in the roads of your neighborhood, find ways to keep yourself fit and active. Slowly but surely you can feel a difference.

Hope you guys can learn from my earlier mistakes and mishaps. Now just go out there, enjoy, and run!