We asked 7 Team New Balance athletes to provide some tips for the beginner runner. The consensus? Take it slow and the rewards will come! And with their accomplishments, they should know!! Good luck with your training.
Give yourself the chance to get in shape and then realize how enjoyable running is. Too often, new runners do not become runners because in the early stages of running, it does hurt and it is tough and they give up. But if you give yourself the time to get in shape then you reward yourself by finding the love and the addiction of the sport. Have fun and enjoy the challenge of it - there is a challenge every time out there.
- Eric Nedeau, longtime TNB athlete, 1995 World Indoor 1500m bronze medalist, current coach of Amherst College
Don't get discouraged when things don't as planned! Be patient as you progress with you running! That patience will pay off in the long run.
- Carmen Douma-Hussar, 2004 Olympic 1500m Finalist
Seek help! Read, ask questions, be curious. If at all possible, find a club to run with or get a coach to give you some direction. Little changes can make such a difference in the end result.
- Ann Gaffigan, 2004 US Steeplechase Champion
Train "intelligently" hard and consistent and good things will come. Be patient. Do not rush into hard workouts. Determine your ultimate running goal and have the courage and discipline to do what it takes to obtain that goal. Its going to hurt so be prepared.
- Josh Spiker, 6 time NCAA All American and sub 4 minute miler
Make sure to set little goals as well as big ones. Like climbing a ladder, every step is important.
- Sarah Hann, two-time US world cross country championship representative
Listen to your body, fuel well, rest when you need and reward yourself when you've achieved a goal!
- Hilary Edmonson, Canadian International athlete
Be patient and don't expect things to happen overnight. Your hard work will eventually pay off.
- Melissa Cook, 15.52 5k and 33.03 10k runner
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