Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:48:10 -0700WeeblyTue, 04 Nov 2014 20:05:28 GMThttps://www.thebedrestbookclub.com/running-stuff/interested-in-running-start-here                   "You don't stop running because you get old. You get 
                            old because you stop running."
                            -- Jack Kirk, aka 'The Dipsea Demon'
                               runner enthusiast and notable vegetarian

Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It's a hobby, a sport, a lifestyle, a community, a culture, an identity. If you want to dip a toe into this amazing, life-changing phenomenon that has been going strong since the dawn of Man, here are some good tips to getting started.

Total beginner? Resolve to run.

Recommended reading:

-- Born to Run by Christopher McDougall*
-- Eat & Run by Scott Jurek
-- The Cool Impossible by Eric Orton
-- Bone Games by Rob Schultheis
-- What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
-- Marathon by Hal Higdon

*this is required reading. Seriously. Stop reading this blog and go get it. Now. It will all make sense soon.

What kind of runner am I?

One that thinks too much.

Running is rarely a linear experience. There are ups, downs, and all arounds. My first race was a complete disaster. I was so pissed off that I signed up for another, simply because I refused to go out on a bad note. And my second half marathon was incredible. So don't lament if your first - or 20th - race does not go as expected. There's a better one right around the corner.

My personal experiences:

The Rock 'n' Roll Vegas Half Marathon 2011

Summerlin Half Marathon 2012

Twilight Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon 2012

Twilight Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon 2013

The Rock 'n' Roll Vegas Full Marathon 2013

Summerlin Half Marathon 2014

ET Full Moon Midnight Ultra Marathon 2014

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2014

Need some inspiration?

Still reeling from 31+ punishing miles of the Ultra, I almost didn't make it to Chicago. It's okay to have bad days and doubt yourself. While running is hard (so, so hard), it's a mental game too. Be kind to yourself. But then get up and keep going.

Set big crazy goals. The Ultra.

Time will fly by...three years in.

Take it one mile at a time.

Want a good laugh?

Check out "The Oatmeal" by Matthew Inman. His "The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" is both beautiful and totally f*cked up. I love it.

Live in Vegas and want to get started?

Coaching: I can't say enough good things about Las Vegas Bootcamp (www.lasvegasbootcamp.net). Trainers Kerry and Reinier (frequently mentioned in this blog) have done wonders for me. Thirty pounds lighter with a new, healthy attitude towards food, they are true miracle workers.

They are endurance athletes with incredible resumes in their own right, while having coached many others to weight loss goals, Boston-qualifying times and beyond. They provide comprehensive training and coaching regardless if you are running your first half or twentieth full. LVBC is well worth the financial and time commitment. In fact, I can't remember my life pre-LVBC.  Hope to see you at Hill Day! 

Pilates: I started Pilates in January 2014 with Juliet of The Pilates Firm and it has made a HUGE difference in my running. She helped me strengthen my core, teach me how to engage different muscle while running (taking the load off those overworked quads) and I even grew an inch! Nothing like creating space through your spine. Juliet is the real deal and has an entire team of professionals at varying prices to help you reach your goals. Her studio is truly a gem.

Sports Medicine: Through LVBC, I found Dr. Nick of Canyon Lake Neck and Back. In addition to other treatments, Dr. Nick excels at graston therapy and ART (active release technique) as well as kinesio taping. Aside from just being cool guy, he has pulled me out of the fire multiple times. It will be painful, but it will be worth it.

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As always, contact me directly at bedrestbookclub@gmail.com. I welcome your questions!

Happy trails, friends! 
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