#161 - WATCH THE CLOCK, NOT THE DISTANCE: Health Tips for Running
Running tip number 1 is for runners who are just getting started. Coach Tadris Parker has personally tested this recommendation and a hundred other health tips commonly shared in the running and fitness world. Listen to the audio clip below to hear his take on this one piece of health advice: “Watch the clock, not the distance”…Learn all about this at Keep Calm and Run To The Best You!
““The biggest mistake that new runners make is that they tend to think in mile increments—1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles. Beginning runners need to think in minutes, not miles.” ”
1. Watch the clock, not the distance (running)
If time is money, then good health must be gold. You’ve heard it before - aging millionaires expressing regret for how they spent their time. Or, successful business people dealing with serious health issues, wishing they had taken better care of themselves.
As a beginner, this is a priceless tip to keep in mind as you’re just getting started with running: Time spent on improving your health and wellness is time well spent, even if your workout lasts only ten minutes. Don’t use distance to set goals in this beginning stage. Later, you will find yourself running x number of miles or running from one destination to another. But for now, just set your watch.
Keep moving for a full 5 or 10 minutes, whatever you can do today. If running feels excruciating at first, do a slow jog until you can’t do it anymore, then drop down to a fast walk. If you keep moving and get your heart rate up until your alarm goes off, that will be the mark of success. You will gradually increase your time goals without much discomfort but this is all part of the workout process.
We ALL have felt out of shape and out of breath, with lungs almost bursting and feet aching as we’re trying to get into running. Getting started is the most critical step. Coach Tadris has a great strategy for increasing your time to maximize your oxygen levels, strengthen your heart rate, and condition your body for endurance. If you need help with timing your running, reach out for a hand!
Remember to watch the clock, not distance, when you’re just getting started with running. This tip is from Budd Coates, who qualified four times for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Great advice!
At Keep Calm and Run To The Best You, we are actively helping people from all walks of life to get healthier and happier in the body they’ve got! We’ve collected advice from professionals, combed through archives, and gathered insights from our group members. Click here to see the rest of our 101 health tips about running, intermittent fasting, and weight loss.
Chris, Melissa, & Lisa @ Wildwood Crest 5k on Saturday, August 6th.
In which Melissa and Lisa placed 3rd and 1st in their age group of 60-69. Congratulations!
Congratulations Samantha for competing in your first triathlon in 14 years!
Your smile is priceless and says it all.
Train for your next running event
Coach Tadris Parker trains athletes at all levels for local or virtual running events.
Email coachtadris@gmail.com with questions about our Run/Walk Club, running events, or health programs.
If you’re serious about running, sign up for our RUNA5K program!