Welcome back to our first installment of "So You Want to Be a Runner..."

1. What is your goal?
This of course is the very beginning. What do you want out of this? Do you want to get in shape? Do you want to run a certain distance? Do you want to cross off an item off of your bucket list? Any of these are all great goals, you just need to spell it out and make sure you have enough time to complete the goal!  If you want to run a marathon with no prior training, that will not happen in 3 weeks-no matter how hard you try. 

I suggest starting slow (training for a 5k) then building up to a 10k, half and full. I did not do this and definitely paid the price for it. 

Once you have a vague idea on what your goal will be, It is time to get SMART. 

SMART goals

As I teach the students I work with, if you make a goal it needs to be SMART

• SPECIFIC
• MEASURABLE
• ATTAINABLE
• REASONABLE
• TIMELY (or TIME-BOUND)
  

So let's run through a scenario to show you how to make SMART goals. 

Example: Let's say you want to run the Tinkerbell half marathon (AP/DVC sign up is Aug 6th and regular signup August 13th and you will be eligible for the pink coast to coast if you always run the 2015 Princess Half Marathon).

• S-I want to run a half marathon and have chosen the 2015 Tinkerbell Half Marathon to meet this goal. I need to sign up in August. 
• M-I will sign up in August to run in May 2015. 
• A-as long as I am signed up, train well, I can do it. 
• R- Getting a training plan that works for me (more on this next week!), will help me finish the race
• T- I have 9 months to prepare-ample time. After 9 months, I will have successfully completed the 2015 Tinkerbell Half Marathon
  

So saying-I want to run a half marathon is great but you need the goal to be SMART to make it achievable.

Next week will talk about picking a training plan that works for you. Training is also an integral part of the plan to have a successful race. 

FUTURE TOPICS: 
2. Training Plan
3. Gear
4. Form
5. Nutrition
6. Sleep
7. Time to Run
8. Fuel
9. Race Day
10. The future
11. Misc

Have you had any success with making a SMART goal? 

At this point in my life, almost everyone I know is picking up running. I feel there's many reasons for this:

• Running so popular
  
• It's cheap (you just need shoes and can do it anywhere)
  
• It's a stress reliever
  
• Have to find an exercise routine because our metabolism isn't what it used to be!
  

One of my friends refers it to our quarter live crisis. Currently I am helping 2 of my best friends and my boyfriend to start a running plan and program as they each prep for their first half marathon.

As I have written before, I have almost reached my 4 year runiversary (Disneyland half in August!) and really didn't know what the heck I was doing and crash and burned. To help others avoid that, I have decided to start a running series on what to do to prepare well to start a racing hobby.

Here is the 10 things we will be reviewing over the next few weeks:

1. What is your goal?
Do you want to do a 5k? 10k? Half? Full? Start here and work it all out

2. Training Plan
How will you reach this goal? 

3. Gear
What shoes will you wear? How about clothes? What about compression socks? Rollers? And let's not forget timers and/or watches?

4. Form
From the beginning, you have to emphasize proper running form to prevent injuries. 

5. Nutrition
Carbohydrates (in all forms) will be crucial for this along with protein, fats, and of course water. Let's not forget lessening processed foods. 

6. Sleep
How much sleep does your body need? How much are you getting? How is it effecting your runs? 

7. Time to Run
What time works for you-morning, afternoon, night? Don't forget about time of year and temperature? 

8. Fuel
How are you fueling pre-race and mid race so you don't bonk/hit a wall? How do you fuel after? 

9. Race Day
What does it take to have a successful race day? 

10. The future
Where do you want to go with this? Set a goal? Set a PR? Try something else? How does this fit in for you? 

11. Misc
I know I will miss stuff along the way so this will definitely a catch all! 



What are some of your favorite tips for newbie runner?