Start running chubby people!

We are working on a program to get you in the right mindset and physical shape to start running.  

For a GPS to arrive at a particular destination, it only needs to know two things: where you are and where you’re going. We have determined in a previous post that the destination is the marathon finish line. Awesome, so you’re halfway there. The other part, however, is to see where you’re at or to use the running vernacular, your starting line.

Individual assessment

First, do some honest introspection. Look into a mirror and repeat after me, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough…” In all seriousness though, dig deep down and take an honest look at your current physical fitness level. It’s an individual assessment, no one else needs to know.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Evaluating yourself using your own yardstick is important. It’s like when you go to the gym and you see the intense meathead with the pulsating neck vein putting up 450 lb. bench and you are struggling with 15’s.

You should never compare yourself to someone else, especially as you start running. This is critical as you begin your marathon training, but will also be important in marathon running. We will talk a little bit more about that in later posts.

Establish a baseline to start running

You will want to have a minimum baseline fitness level as you start running. That baseline is 3 miles.  When you can run 3 miles without dying, you are at the fitness level required to begin the long-term training. The reason for the baseline fitness level to start running is because the mileage builds on itself from the 3-mile mark. It gradually increases from week to week from there over the course of the entire training program.

Start running slowly

When I started running it began very slowly. I charted a course a mile and a half from my apartment. I’d get up before school and walk and run as much as I could. Out and back. I was a wheezing, coughing, profusely sweating mess. It was not pretty, but I kept going.

Build over time

Over the next few weeks, I was able to increase my running and dial down the walking. From there I was able to slowly and consistently run 3 miles every morning. I got faster and stronger with each step. All that work over the previous weeks just got me to the beginning point to start running and training for my marathon according to the training schedule.

Mental preparation

As you prepare mentally, take a personal fitness inventory. Then decide when to start running. Speed and form will come with time. We will work through those together.  All you need to do is mentally commit yourself to the long-term battle, look deep into yourself and find your starting point, then lace up your shoes and start running today.