Chubby, Underachieving Runner's Bible

In the summer I started pushing myself towards a goal running.  I track my progress on my phone.  I learned a lot about myself and about myself running.  I am not sure what I learned is universal, but just true for me, which is nearly like the real Bible (up for interpretation) .  My list of lessons is way shorter than the real Bible.

On January 1, 2013 I'll reset my iPhone app to zero miles, and see how far I get next year.

Before I list what I learned, there are some self deprecating caveats.  I am not a real runner, or what you might think of as a runner.  I see folks who are good at stuff and get intimidated.  DO NOT get intimidated by my running.  I ran 350 miles, which is less than a mile a day.  You, most likely, went that far as well.  I happened to have run the miles.  I am not lean.  I don't have long legs.  I don't run fast.  I'm not sporty.  I'm fumbly.

Here is my list:

• Run up hill as much as you can, then walk until you recover. 
• Push yourself a bit downhill, but not so much that you fall.
• Tip your tailbone under and engage your abdominals while you are running.
• Relax.
• Lead with your toes and your head.
• When your feet or knees start to hurt, get a new pair of shoes.
• Relax.
• Your shoes will wear out. 
• Dress for weather that is 15 degrees warmer than it is outside.  This is good in the winter, and bad in the hot summer.
• Do not run and listen to Verdi's Requiem.  It is not relaxing.
• Stevie Wonder really is a wonder!
• If you have to, walk.
• If you can, go faster or farther, but not necessarily both.
• Run with someone you love. 
• When running alone, remember running with the people you love. 
• When running alone, listen to music, but not when you have a friend along.
• Not all people I know who run are good running partners.
• Carry a cell phone and pepper spray.  The cell phone, if you need help, the spray to ward off dogs and make you feel safer in the woods. 
• If you fall down, get up.  
• If you are really injured, use your cell phone and don't try to get up.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Run when you go new places.  Get up early and see a place before everyone wakes up!
• Say hello to everyone you see on your path.
• Don't push yourself too hard, or you'll get a headache and not be able to run tomorrow.
• Don't compare yourself to other runners.  Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Your body is stronger than you think it is.
• Running hurts a bit, but the more you do it, the easier it is.
• If you don't feel like running, get ready and go before your mind tells you not too, you have about 5 seconds.
• If you run at sea level you will feel like a rock star for about a week, then it will feel just like your mountain elevation.
• Don't get caught up on time and distance and miss the beauty outside (I take photos).
• Have fun.

If I were you, I'd hold loosely to my observations.  They are probably a moving target, except for the running to the Verdi Requiem.

I'm really proud of myself and running so much this year.  I worked hard at it.  I have nothing but this photo of a number to show for it on the outside.  On the inside, I can't wait to go on my next run.  I can't wait to get all my wiggles out.  I can't wait to see the woods on the trails in my town, or the streets of a new town or park.

Took a spill on the trail below.

My favorite run.

A run this fall in Central Park.