Running For the First Time

.... or for the first time again.

Like many things in life you have to use a skill to not lose it.
After running the marathon I took about a month off of running. And on my first run back this is how I felt:

My mental dialogue on a 15 min run.

"oh, its so nice to outside. Hmmm that is a weird feeling in my ankle...
Man, my knee kinda hurst.  Ouch my feet are breaking. Maybe I didn't rest enough... Today is not the day Im supposed to start running.... Okay okay just keep going, you can't wish yourself in shape Casey. Plus you have to show your clients that if you can do it so can they.... My ankle is definitely injured.... I wonder how long I have been running... 7:00 minutes... thats it.  okay at least go 1 mile.... I was made to run, this is my natural state... its so pretty on this trail... Oh my gosh I can't breath... I'm going to die... Oh shoot here comes another runner smile, say hi, hmm I could speak that is surprising... Maybe I'm not going to fall over an pass out. Okay turn the corner and then I'll check my watch.... 10:00 minutes.  Oh my gosh.... okay okay 5 more minutes I can do that. Oh here comes a car, good form good form, oh man my skin itches, why does it itch soo bad, and why does it feel like it is jiggling, hopefully my butt isn't jiggling.... Im just going to run faster the turn is right there.... run run run.... okay that wasn't that bad... how much longer... 3 mins... oh no I better slow down.... Why do I do this? I could just lift more weights... lift weights fast... thats a kind of cardio.... okay just finish.... 15 mins! yes I can stop!.... walk walk walk.... stretch.... That wasn't so bad... I think Ill try again in a day or two...."

So no matter if its your first run ever or your first run back I want you to realize two things.... 

YES IT HURTS
and 
YES YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH.

When people ask me about training or running they ask does it ever get easier?
I tell them no, you only get stronger or faster.

But here are a few tips to get past those first couple runs:
1. Set small goals. I have been running for years, but every time I start over my first few runs are about 15 mins long
2. Take it slow. You don't need to rush, anything is faster then not running so take your time and enjoy the fact that you got up and moving no matter the speed.
3. Have goals within your goal. I like to take pictures so when I first start running I make goals to get to a spot and take a picture. Or I like running on the beach so I will run fast until I get to the beach then a slow my pace down and enjoy the view. Once I am back on the road I pick it up again. I have also picked flowers or climbed rocks... What ever you like but make it more than a run.
4. Make plans for after your run. Tell a friend lets meet after my run. Then you have made a plan to hold yourself accountable because you have told someone about your goal and it will also give you something to talk about when you see them. Or if you make plans you can't spend all day putting of exercise. Also when you exercise before doing something it often gives you more energy.

SO get out there, let it hurt... because it will... but you will feel better having done it then not!