The Runner's Guide For The Non-Runner Part Deux

After I published my post yesterday I thought of a bazillion other tips so I thought I should make it easy on everyone - namely me and my daily blogging quest, and do a second post about running.  The first thing I want to point out is that if you read my post yesterday and were thinking "Amy, that is common sense.  I'm not a moron."  I consider myself to be of above average intelligence and those were all mistakes I made.  So stuff your common sense in a sack!  (Name that reference for a cool prize*.)

• I have asthma and while I rarely have any problems with it anymore, I usually take a couple of hits off an inhaler before I run.  The only time it really poses a problem is if I have a cold.  My lungs kind of hate me when I try to run when they are filled with phlegm and mucous.  But again, start slow and don't take off like you're running the 100 meter dash with Carl Lewis and you will fair much better if you also have this affliction. 

He doesn't even touch the ground!  He's 50 years old now, but he would undoubtedly still kick the ass of everyone I know. 

• Be careful when running with music.  You may think you want that energetic song that keeps you going, but you may tend to run with the beat.  And by you, I mean me.  There is a website, jog.fm, that will lists songs and their beat per minute so you can find the best music to listen to if you want to run a specifically timed mile, ie 9 minute mile.  I have mixed feelings about music and running.  If I am running on a treadmill, I find music to be absolutely necessary.  However, outside, there is enough going on where I don't feel like I need the distraction.  I did take my phone with me a couple of weeks ago and it has some music that was downloaded from my laptop.  I have a lot of random songs on my laptop for different reasons - some songs I just like, others I download to listen to while on the treadmill and others I have downloaded and added to videos that I have made.  I was absolutely thrilled, however, when the theme from Chariots of Fire started playing.  I wanted to pretend like I was running in slow motion and throw my arms up in the air at the end, but I refrained.
• Vaseline is your friend.  Lube yourself up wherever rubbing occurs.  I bought some new shoes a couple of weeks ago and they are rubbing on my big toes.  I have two blisters that just won't go away, but with the magic of Vaseline, I am still able to run without putting Band-aids on my feet.  

• Say "Hi" to your fellow runners.  You know how motorcycle riders always do that low wave to each other when they pass on the freeway?  I think it's absolutely crucial that you give your comrades on the street a nod.  Actually, I like to say "Good morning!"  The reason I feel it's so important is because when I have offered out the greeting as a way to say "Hey, look at us!  We're both running!" and the person hasn't responded, it makes me feel like they think they are better than me and my slow pace and obvious fatigue doesn't warrant an invitation into their club.  When I get an equally enthusiastic greeting, it brightens my spirits and for the next few feet, I have a smile on my face.  Try to stop running when you are smiling.  It's impossible.  It's like trying not to blink when you sneeze.  Or not opening your mouth when you put mascara on.  Or not thinking collaborate and listen when someone yells, "STOP!"
• When you get to the point where you don't think you can go any further, run to the next corner, or the next tree or the next light pole.  Pick something and push yourself just that little bit.  Eventually, those extra steps will turn into yards and eventually, you'll decide to run an extra mile. 
• If you ever need a little motivation to run, I find watching a race always gets me in the mood.  I have absolutely no desire to run a marathon, but watching people run one makes me want to get out there and go for a jog. 

OK, I think that's all I have.  Tomorrow is my running day so if I come up with any more tips, I'll be sure to pass them on.

*There really isn't a prize, but if someone guesses correctly and takes the time to comment, I just may come up with something.