One Step at a Time

Wifey’s Q and A

Since I’ve started running I’ve received such wonderful support and encouragement; and more recently lots of questions. Everything from what shoes am I wearing to how I like my Nike+ sportband to what time of day do I run. A couple of weeks ago someone asked me this via Twitter:

"How do you run? I want to but every time I try I don’t get far and feel sick."

While I’m not a running expert – even with two half marathons under my belt I still consider myself a newbie – I feel like I can answer this one. You run by taking one step at a time – literally. When I started I couldn’t make it to my mailbox (I felt sick, too) so I began walking first, then I mixed in a slow jog. I walked five minutes then jogged for one minute. Walked five minutes jogged for one minute. Slowly, over the next few weeks I decreased my walking minutes and increased my jogging minutes. Before I knew it I could make it past the mailbox down the street and up the hill – and didn’t feel like the Grim Reaper was waiting for me at the top.

If you’re interested in running but don’t think you can do it, I’m here to tell you that you can. I felt the same way … and now I’m a princess. There are lots of great references to help you get started correctly. There are books, websites, running coaches, and groups – even free ones – so that you can learn safely and properly. Make sure that you visit your doctor before you start – believe that you can do it – then simply place one foot in front of the other. The old saying, “walk before you run,” applies here. Take your time and move at your own pace – just make sure you’re moving.

Winks & Smiles,