So you want to become a runner!

Being a long time runner I’m not reluctant to mention that fact when meeting someone for the first time. It’s then not unusual for that new acquaintance to mention that he or she would like to start running.

Funny thing though, when I meet them again, it’s the same individuals, time after time, who are saying the same thing.

My unspoken thought for them is the old Nike tag line “Just Do It”. But I don’t. I just smile and politely advise them that I would be more than happy to set up a plan for them that gets them on the path to becoming a runner.

Usually, they say “I want to get back to the shape I was in in high school” or “I’d like to lose a few pounds” or “My son, daughter, spouse is a runner and I want to join them”.

Hey, these are great reasons, said in the spur of the moment during a conversation but in reality a recognition that you really are out of shape, just not willing to freely admit it.

Well, I’m here to help but here are a couple of caveats:

1. You will never be in the shape you were in in high school, ain’t going to happen. Face it, you got “old”. Sorry to say but it’s all downhill after the time you were a teenager.
2. Your family will probably be glad to have you join them but you won’t really “join” them since they will probably be finishing their second mile by the time you finish your first mile.
3. Sure, it’s a great way to lose weight. Just remember, it’s taken you what, 20 years to add all that extra poundage. One more beer at the party, a bag of chips watching the ball game, an extra pork chop for dinner, an extra piece of pecan pie at Thanksgiving.

So, just remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.