Credit wholly to Joe Hawkins for this section. Hopefully they will be of some help to him, and any other runner that happens to glance across this page.
This is an on going collection of short little rules or motto's (edit: it started this way, but seems to have evolved) that I have either come across in my reading or thoughts that have occurred to me that have helped me along the way.
#1: Never walk. No matter how slow you have to run, always keep on running. - Taken from Running Crazy by Helen Summer which is a truly inspiring read if you have a few free afternoons.
#2: Sleep is key, catch it whenever you can.
#3: Learn to rest. It took me a long time to learn that perhaps less is in fact more when it comes to distance running. Find a training plan and stick to it. Chances are it was written by someone who knows what they are talking about (hopefully) and so don't try to sneak in extra miles, it probably won't help as much as you think in the long run.
#4: Buy a re-usable ice pack and become good friends with it. You two will be spending a lot of time together over the course of training for a marathon.
#5: Ice baths don't hurt as much as you think. Yes, they are cold, but only if you try and move once you're in them. Learn to sit still, it's only 10 minutes out of your day and will save you some of the hurt tomorrow is trying to bring you.
#6: If you're running on the pavement, try not to run into open car boots. - Joe almost did this tonight, seems a good lesson to learn early.
#7: Running with a partner can make those long runs far more bareable. Running doesn't have to be a solitary sport. During the 11 marathons i've run this year, I have had the chance to meet some of the most amazing people I have ever come across and have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them whilst running through fields, mud, bogs, round laps and loops and they have made some horrible experiences infinitely better simply by being there.
#8: Running leggings. Get some - Winter is cold, and whilst they make look a touch feminine, it's better than having icicles for legs and causing yourself some real damage from the cold.
#9: When ever you embark on a large challenge, there will always be people who will tell you that you can't do it. Don't listen to them, these people are put on this earth to be proved wrong. Whilst it does have it's limits, the saying "you can do anything that you put your mind to" becomes more and more true with everything extra thing you put your mind to.
#10: You can do anything you put your mind to. - This deserves an entry of it's own. Mind over matter is far more powerful that I think people appreciate sometimes.
#11: Treasure and appreciate the people who stand by you and support you, even when you're a bit unbearable to be around because you're tired and grouchy. These people will carry you when you don't quite have the strength to carry yourself, will help you push through your perceived boundaries and will spur you on to greater heights than you thought possible. - Thank you Emi.
#12: There will always be times when you think you can't do it or you simply don't want to any more. Take a bit of a breather and remember why you started doing it in the first place and try see where you might have lost your way. If you maybe set unrealistic goals for yourself at the outset, there is no harm in re-evaluating these and it's probably quite prudent to do a stock check every once in a while.
#13: Eat healthily. There are thousands upon thousands of articles about healthy eating and the relative benefits thereof. Get google-ing and find something that works for you. From first hand experience I know how tough life can get when you're exhausted from work, social life, training and all other pressures you're under and how much worse it can be when you're not eating enough. Talk to a nutritionist or a sports coach and get some advice if you're not sure.
#14: Listen to your body. This should probably be higher on the list, but it's true nonetheless. Take a look at this article by a friend of mine for a first hand experience: http://kellythehungryrunner.com/2012/12/02/from-an-injury-prone-runner-what-i-have-learnt/
#15: Make time for friends and relaxing. Try and keep some perspective on things. I learnt this a bit too late, try not to make the same mistake.
#16: Join a good running club. Running can be a very socialable sport, and the regular shorter distances will help you with your speed work and help you keep your motivation high.
From Claire Murphy of Westbourne RC:
#17: Always think about safety when you're running. Let someone know where you're going and roughly how long you will be. If you're going on a longer run, try and take your phone with you or at least some money so you can contact people if need be.
#18: Invest in some high vis clothing if you're running at night. (Personally I favour Sub-4 for their winter gear)
#19: Plan water and carb-gel stops or at least ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your run. Last thing you want is to be 10+miles from home and completely run out of energy.
#20: Carry your ICE (incase of emergency) details with you in case theirs an accident. (I'm informed that the usual is your name, address, next of kin, emergency contact number and allergy information)
From Scott Harris of Westbourne RC (the ultra running guy)
#21: A quote from Ronin "when there is doubt there is no doubt" don't be stubborn, when your body says no, listen to it.
#21: Listen to advice from your friends.
#22: Buses and taxis will not stop for you!
