When I started running four years ago I literally had no clue about anything related to running. Fueling, paces, gear, training were all unknowns to me. I’m not going to lie – there is something refreshing and pure about being so naïve. Yet, my ignorance definitely led me down some unfortunate roads. Here are a few things I’ve learned and I didn’t even die along the way.
1. Mucous Happens. A Lot. I had no clue when I started running that my nose would constantly be dripping while I ran. It never fails that the snot faucet gets turned on when you start to run. This has a name (who knew?)– Exercise Induced Rhinitis - and happens because of increased air flow through the nose. Cold weather can also make the problem worse. Thank goodness for snot rockets.
2. Food Will Hurt You. Pizza, chicken wings and two Bass Ales the night before your (my) first half marathon might pose a problem at mile 5…and mile 7…and mile 9.2…watch what you eat the night and morning before a race. Experiment beforehand. It matters.
3. Things Get Crowded. If you tell your family you will just “see them at the finish line” of a race that has more than five people in it, you will not find them for 29 hours. I crossed the finish line of my first marathon (Rock and Roll Phoenix) ready to fall into the arms of my adoring family while I cried tears of joy. Instead I spent the next hour trying to find them. By then all I wanted was a stretcher and a beer.
4. Unlocked Doors Are Trouble. If you forget to lock the porta potty door, someone will come in. I was once actually trying to clean myself up when someone barged in. I think he is still traumatized.
5. Clothes Are Not What They Seem. You should always test out a new piece of clothing before you wear it for a race. I bought a new running skirt for a marathon and never wore it the day before the race because I had worn that brand before and thought I knew how it fit. Nope. I spent 26.2 miles with my crack showing. Running clothing malfunction.
6. Injuries Lurk Everywhere. Racing with “kind of” an injury will leave you with a flown blown major injury. In my first year of running my foot hurt really badly (like I could not run ten feet without pain), but I ran the Boulder Back Roads Half Marathon anyway. What’s the worst that could happen, right? I did finish the race, but I didn’t walk back to my car. I had to be carried. Because I had a stress fracture in my foot. Bad, stupid runner.
7. People Leave Them On. If you forget to double check that the treadmill is actually not moving before you step on it, there is a chance it will be “on” and you will be flung across the gym. I was.
8. It’s Possible to Run Your Face Off. There is such a thing as Runner’s Face and I think I have it. It’s when you get actually lose fatty tissue in your face and start to look kind of wrinkled and gaunt. Here are some tips to prevent it.
9. Pee Happens. Again and Again. No matter how much you go before getting to the start line of a race you will always have to pee when you start. And, while you’re racing. This is because there is increased blood flow from the cardiovascular workout can speed up other body systems as well, including your kidneys’ production of urine {source}.
10. Water Does Stop Flowing. Sometimes races run out of water. I never believed this, but at one especially hot race in Boulder a couple years ago, there was not a drop left. Carrying a fuel belt may not be such a bad idea after all.
What’s something you’ve learned the hard way as a runner?
SUAR
