I enlisted help through the downtown Louisville YMCA ’ s training program , led by Lesley Kinney and Andrea Thomas .
The group met twice during the week for group runs , and early Saturday for the long run . We were given a schedule that broke the mileage down by day and information on nutrition and stretching . Our group runs would take us all over the city , the parks , across bridges and back . Some runs consisted of nothing but hill repeats , always different and always new .
I know that I needed , in the beginning at least , a group to commiserate with and support . It helps having running coaches that challenge and support all types of runners . The group consisted
IF I COULD OFFER THE BEST ADVICE TO SOMEONE PREPARING FOR ANY TYPE OF RACE IT WOULD BE TO JUST START . JUST START .
of seasoned runners , people like me with some running experience , absolute beginners , people coming back from injury , and even walkers . We began our miles with Lesley and Andrea ’ s guidance and encouragement and there they were at the end offering support and cheering us on . I needed that and I know I was not alone .
In November 2010 , on a cold but sunny day , I completed my first marathon in New York City . It was an emotional experience , especially when I could see the end of the race , thinking of my recently passed father , getting a call from Mom as I stepped across the finish line , seeing my husband ’ s face and finally feeling like a runner .
I ’ m not a competitive person . I know I am not the fastest runner . But , I am faster than the person who isn ’ t doing it because they didn ’ t believe they could . I am faster than I was as a 2-year-old smoker . If I could offer the best advice to someone preparing for any type of race it would be to just start . Just start .
It helped me to sign up for races way in advance , and tell people I was going to do them . I never wanted to waste money or have to tell people that I bailed .
Join a group . There are running groups all over Louisville and Southern Indiana . Kentucky Derby Festival offers a training program for the races and it ’ s free . There are running groups for all levels and ages ; find the right one for you . Being accountable to not only myself , but to other people kept me going .
Invest in a good pair of running shoes and let an expert help you pick them out . I go to the running experts at Pacers and Racers in New Albany . They are really good at finding the right fit for me , the right shoe for the way I run . The wrong shoe and fit could really cause problems .
I listen to music when I run and have found a few playlists that get me going , but always be aware of your surroundings . I have been busted once or twice “ run dancing .” I don ’ t recommend it for safety reasons ( but sometimes the music moves me ).
Map My Run running app is great because I like to see that recorded progress . The app will give you a rundown of your mile splits and map out routes . I can also follow the progress of fellow runners and friends that use the same app .
Running is a perfect sport for me . I either do a lot of thinking and planning when I run , or I sometimes just get lost in it . Other than good shoes , I don ’ t really need a lot of equipment to run , and I don ’ t have to wait on other people . Running buddies are great and I definitely have some that make me a better runner , but I can be alone just as easily .
I view running similarly to the way I view a cross country road trip . The destination is important . I want to get to the destination for sure , but I am going to enjoy the trip . I have a tendency to stop both a run and a road trip to pull over and take a good picture . Enjoy the trip , mix up your route , run everywhere and soak in all the scenery . We live in a beautiful part of the country . Get out and explore !
Finally , the biggest bit of wisdom I can pass along to anyone getting out there is to be good to yourself when you ’ re running . Drink water , recognize aches and pains and care for them , realize that you may not be the fastest , but you ’ re there – you are a runner !
Follow JD Dotson at @ runstheuniverse on Instagram .
NORTON SPORTS HEALTH TRAINING PROGRAM KICK-OFF
The official Kentucky Derby Festival training program 6 p . m . Jan . 11 Kentucky Derby Museum
This FREE Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon training program features 14 weeks of organized group runs , training tips and preparation . Trainees have the opportunity to talk with professionals about nutrition , training tips , injury prevention and education .
FIND A RACE
Pacers and Racers in New Albany has a great race calendar – and more – on their website .
Go to pacersandracers . com .
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