From Couch Potato to Marathoner: 10 Things I Learned When I Started Running

When I started running I had just turned 41. I wasn’t fit at all, and I really didn’t know what a marathon was. A bunch of miles = too much for me. In fact, any number of miles was just too much at that time!

In a way I’m unable to explain, I got caught by a race advertisement posted in the street: “Women Run” it said, and thousands of ladies in pink t-shirts and matching hats were looking at me, big bright smiles on their faces. Something in me was looking for the kind of happiness I could see in those women.

Women like me. Women like you.

A couple of weeks later – and the day my family was celebrating our first 6 months in Costa Rica – I ran my first 5K and fell in love with running. Three years later, I was running my first marathon in New York and racing my first sprint triathlon in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is my fourth year as a runner and the romance is still alive.

My life has changed in so many positive ways because of running that I wish everybody could experience it. If you have any interest in running -and if you are reading this I bet you do! – I seriously think you should give it a try! And I’m here to share with you the things I’ve learned, and I would have wanted to know when I was starting this amazing journey.

#1. You don’t need to be fit to start running. I wasn’t. I didn’t play any sports, and a gym was outside the boundaries of my world. What I had in my world were my 5 year-old-triplets, a new home to settle in a new country, a part-time job, a few more pounds on my body than I had wished, and a spouse willing to support me no matter what.

#2. You really need to start slow. Keep it nice and gentle. This is something I learned from doing it the opposite way and suffering the consequences. But you are going to be smarter: small goals, fewer times per week, and an easy pace until you can challenge yourself a little more. If you want to go superstar, add a couple of strength sessions, at home or at the gym, whatever fits better with your preferences and your schedule.

#3. You will need good running shoes at some point, it’s true. But don’t forget about the bra! You can start with the shoes you have now – you will be wanting to get a better pair very soon – but please, pay attention to the bra you are wearing, because it could make a huge difference. I’m a DD kind of lady and believe me, you want “this situation” in control while running. There is a whole chapter about bras in this book Running Like A Girl – check it out, I promise you’ll love it.

#4. It’s OK to take walking breaks, – you are not less of a runner for it. I want to think this is not a prejudice anymore, but it is. Walking breaks are not for people that can’t run the whole way. Walking breaks are for everyone wanting to take advantage of them. Even professional athletes know – and use it in their benefit – that taking walking breaks improves your performance and your recovery time: they would walk during the hydration stations, every mile or every other mile. For more information, check out this guy: Jeff Galloway. He’s been a runner, a coach and an author for decades. 

#5. You don’t need to run alone. Moms are running everywhere. Especially in Wichita, because MOMS RUN THIS TOWN and you can find them here. Ask all the questions you have, meet them in the very weird times that moms’ schedules allow, and the most important thing: find support 24/7. There are mom-runners of all ages, all body shapes, all paces. Beginners and almost professionals; small goals, gigantic goals. There is room for every mom, and you will fit in, I promise.

#6. Your days will become easier days. Your morning miles are not going to change what you need to face on a daily basis, but they are going to change the way you do it: you are going to start your day with a fresh mind, feeling good about yourself and relaxed. Running will give you perspective, extra doses of patience and a big bright smile to face any challenge.

#7. A bad day is not as bad as it sounds. I mean it. You are going to have plenty of good days, but you are also going to have bad ones, and that’s OK. It’s on bad days when you learn the most. Your first one it’s going to be hard on you. Try to be nice to yourself – act if this was happening to your friend and tell yourself what you would tell her. Take your time and then, think about it: maybe you need to slow down a little, maybe it’s time to change your shoes, maybe you found a new challenge to grow as a runner.

#8. You will learn about yourself while running. Believe me, a lot. You will learn about your body, your mind, your emotions. You are going to find out you are stronger than you thought. You are capable, you are resilient, you are in control.

#9. You will feel accomplished. Every single time you cross a finish line. No matter if you run a 5K or 26.2 miles: every achievement is going to be as important as the next one. Enjoy each one. Brag about it. Take pictures of yourself, wearing your big smile and your medal, and share your happiness!

#10. You are doing this for you, but also for your family. Don’t feel guilty for the hours you are not at home. A happier mama makes a happier home, you know that, and everybody is going to notice. Sooner than later – if not from the beginning – your spouse is going to be starting breakfast while you finish your shower and taking the kids to cheer for you on race days. Your children will add extra glitter to your super-mom-hero cape. But even more important than this: you will be a role model for your little ones. And that is priceless.

I picture you reading these last words while lacing your shoes, and that makes me smile. I wish you a joyful and amazing running journey. I wish you to be a happy, accomplished and empowered mom-runner!