The Things Nobody Tells you About Running That Every Runner Should Be Prepared to Know

I've been running for 4.5 years now, and in that time I've learned a lot about not only my physical strength, but my mental strength.  I've also learned how important good running shoes are, a good pair of ear buds, and nutrition.  Never underestimate nutrition.  But you know what?  There are other things I've learned that no one told me when I first started frequenting group runs, and that I don't even read about in the many running magazines I follow on social media.  And so I offer a few tidbits for those of you who perhaps have just come into running so that you can be warned, and perhaps avoid learning these things the hard way.  For you more experienced runners, perhaps you can relate:

• Never underestimate the importance of socks.  A good dry-wicking, fitted sock will go along way to lessen friction while running, which leads me to;

• Even more important, never undervalue the callouses that over time form on your feet.  They formed for a reason.  And, so unless you want to experience the "battle of the blisters" wherein you may find yourself wrapping your now horrible blisters in gauze, secured with medical tape, and then covered with mole skin before every run (I mean not that I'd know).  Trust me, leave them alone. They are your friends; 

• If either mid-run, or after a run, you find yourself in a public restroom: don't. use. the. toilet-seat-cover.  Trust me, it will not end well in a paper mache kind of way;

I swear, I was happy!

• Although you'll come away with an occasional stellar race photo, be prepared to have pretty much every unflattering angle documented in only the way running photos can;

• At one point or another you will have toenail issues.  One might turn black (I've yet to have that), if you run hills you might get a blister underneath your toenail, you might have one die and a new one grow underneath without pain or incident (two times and counting..).  Nail polish is your friend;

• Compression winter running gear is warm and snug.  Compression sports bras a great.  Sometimes compression running socks are a delight.  But, be warned, if you thought getting them on was tough, just wait until you try & get them off post-run...they pretty much sweat stuck to your body.  At this juncture, familiarity with yoga will pay off;

• And, last but not least, you will at some point or another swallow a bug.  I mean every bit of protein helps, right?

Well, I hope the above don't deter the the new-bee runner, but rather empower you to continue pursuit of the crazy, beautiful, magical sport we call running!