If I had a Career as a Runner
Posted on Oct 21, 2009 under Random | 9 Comments
This is what my business card would look like if running was my job.
If running really was a job that I got paid for doing rather than just a hobby/obsession that I do on the side of my actual job, then I would be able to do all the things that professional athletes and coaches suggest to do as a runner. What I mean is, there is so much great advice from other runners and articles in magazines and online that will give you tips on how to be a better runner, but who really has the time to do all of that? From what I have read from runners on twitter, DailyMile and on blogs, it does seem like a fair amount of people do dedicate a lot of time to running, but for others (like myself), it’s hard to be able to follow through on all of the great advice that other runners provide. With that being said, if I actually got paid to run and could focus on it 24/7, I would do/focus all of the following:
- How you run: form, stride/cadence, breathing, workouts (how hard, what pace, when to hold back/push it) – all of this is important to focus on, if only I had a coach to tell me what I’m doing wrong.
- Get enough sleep: it’s recommended to get 8-9 hours for proper recovery of the muslces – I’m lucky if I get 6.
- Eat right/healthy and at the right time: before, during and after a run – I sort of try to eat healthy, but not really
- RICE: ice/heat injuries, ice baths, stretching – I don’t really do any of this, but should.
- Running Gear: shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, garmin/nike+, etc – Although it seems like running is a pretty cheap sport compared to others, if you actually go out and buy all of the stuff mentioned, it adds up!
But I seem to be getting by with the amount of time and effort that I have been putting into running. Hopefully in the near future, I will be able to dedicate even more time to running, but for now I can’t complain.
Here is the quote that I got from my daily Runner’s World Quote of the Day:
“Nonrunners cannot see how they can afford the time to run every day. But runners cannot imagine getting through a single day without it.”
Kevin Nelson, The Runner’s Book of Daily Inspiration
October 21st, 2009 at 10:41 AM
This is a great post. I often beat myself up for not being a better runner and don’t see how busy I am and how running is nothing more than a hobby/pasttime for me. Obviously, I am hoping that these “to do” things you specified creep into my training and schedule, but if running is still to remain fun to me years from now…
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:01 AM
sweet business card! whenever you go into the running business, let me know. i’ll be your vp. 🙂
there are a lot of things i wish i did/did better in regards to running/training… mostly the ones you listed above! it’s a success if i get the miles in, let alone do speed/form drills, stretch, cross-train…
October 26th, 2009 at 9:52 AM
“Nonrunners cannot see how they can afford the time to run every day. But runners cannot imagine getting through a single day without it.”
I like that quote 🙂 When you run alot, running becomes a part of your life, it feels strange if you don’t run.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:28 AM
ahhh, to have a career as a runner, what a dream! cool business card and great quote. i am just not the same on the days i don’t run.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:38 PM
I love this idea! It’s so true that if running was our career we could focus on it and make it what we do best. Until then we just have to do the best we can with what we have!
February 1st, 2010 at 5:54 PM
I’m addicted to running and the quote rings true with me. My addiction is really to the endorphin release or “runners high”. Have you seen any consumibles, techniques, devices, or products that can help someone get this runner’s high the first time running? Getting my friends to run with me would be a whole lot easier with this.
March 28th, 2011 at 7:17 AM
Loved this post! I often complain about how I’m not a better runner but I know that I dont put in as much time and effort as others who perform better than me. I sometimes wonder how people I know training for an ironman have time to get all of those training hours in! Then again some of my friends who don’t workout much at all wonder how I can get my running hours in. I guess we make time for things that are important to us!