Ten Practical RunnerMom Tips, Or,

Things I wish someone had told me when I started!

By Vickie Leff

These are some very real life tips that may help you as you get started with your running. They are the kind of tips you usually find out the hard way - but RunnerMom will make it easy for you!

1. Running can be boring - use music!

Let's face it, sometimes running/walking is boring, especially when you first start out. And I, for one, do NOT like to listen to my every breath and heavy steps. So I enjoy listening to music. It takes my mind off the running part and helps me to enjoy the "being by myself" part of running. Look for a small MP3 player with a clip. Clip to the waistband of your pants or shorts. Just remember not to have the music so loud that you can't hear those around you or traffic. Try the shuffle setting on your player - that way you don't know what song is going to play next!

2. Get A Buff

I'm not sure why I love this thing so much. I think it must be because it's so versatile, light weight and easy. It's a scarf, bandana type thing that stretches. I wear it around my neck. It catches some sweat - or I use it to cover my mouth when it's cold out. I also where it in the summer to keep me cool (drench in cold water first). www.buffusa.com

3. For you Gals out there, summer is upon us, get at least a 3 1/2 inch inseam for shorts

Look for a 3 1/2 inseam when buying shorts. You want to be covered when you run, not reaching in back re-aligning your shorts. Moving comfort has the best running shorts for regular gals, hands down. You can find them at InsideOut Sports for a great selection.

4. Buy cheap wash clothes for wiping sweat

I don't know if you are like me, but I sweat a lot when it's hot out and I'm running. And it's really annoying. So I bring a thin small washcloth with me. I tuck it into the front or back of my shorts while I run (think of a golfer). They are light weight, I don't care if I lose them and they work.

I have found great thin washclothes at K-Mart in the bed and bath section, 25 for $5 What a deal!

5. Use A Log

Writing it down makes it stick!

Ever notice that if you write something down, in your agenda or date book, you are more likely to follow through? Same goes for keeping a log of your running. Marking your running days and distance reminds you of what you've accomplished and should feel like positive reinforcement!

  6. Trade off childcare with a neighbor

If you are having a tough time finding time to run/walk try this: Ask a neighbor who has children to trade off 30 min. of watching the kids. You go for a run and then she can do whatever she wants for 1/2 hour.

 7. Finish your run, no matter what

If you plan to walk/run 2 miles, you must complete the two miles. No matter how long it takes. This will ensure your success. If you are having trouble completing your daily goal, think about making it more reasonable. You want to have success, not failure.

It's better to set out to do a shorter walk/run and complete it than try to do a long one and have to run back half way!

8. Run at the same time each time you run/walk.

Making it a habit will make it easier.

The more you make running/walking a habit, the more you will follow through and feel good about reaching your goals.

9. Put your gear on!

Even if you aren't sure you are going to run.

 Acting "as if" you are going to go out on that walk/run, will help you over the hurdle. Getting into your exercise gear puts your head in the game and you are much more likely to get out there and try! It also makes you feel like more of a "Runner" or "Walker" and that's important. Try putting on your running gear first thing in the morning!

10. Chew Gum

Helps a dry throat

This sounds so stupid, I know. But I had a hard time with my throat getting really dry when I ran. I was breathing so hard (panting) that it became hard to swallow. This, in turn, made me NOT want to run. So I tried chewing gum and, voila, it worked. I chew sugarless gum and my throat doesn't get dry - much more comfortable - and I can still sing to my music!!