When I was running consistently, I wasn’t the fastest guy out there — but I was steady, reliable, and proud of what I built. Back then, I found myself talking with people who were curious about my running. They’d ask me how to start, some told me they hated running, some asked about starting over or what kept me going. I had plenty of advice to share.
Now the funny thing is… I need to take my own advice.
The Advice I Used to Give
Here are the things I told people over and over:
- Don’t compare yourself — not to the guy passing you, not even to your past self.
- Consistency matters more than speed. Just keep showing up.
- Listen to your body. Rest is part of the process.
- Every runner starts somewhere. Doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or starting over, It’s okay if that “somewhere” is walking.
- Shoes matter. They’re the only thing between you and the ground — if you splurge anywhere, splurge there.
- Most people don’t hate running — they hate sprinting. What you did at basketball or football practice isn’t what running has to be. Running is about finding a pace that keeps you in the right heart rate zone. If you can’t afford a watch, it’s simple: if you’re gasping for air and couldn’t hold a conversation, you’re going too fast.
- Sign up for a race. Tell people you’re doing it. That accountability pushes you forward. The finish line energy is unmatched — the loudest cheers are often for the last person across. RunSignUp is one of the most popular sites to find a race near you.
- Sign up for a race along the way to your goal. Want to run a 1/2 Marathon? Sign up for a 5k and a 10k between the beginning and the day of your 1/2 marathon. Just being around the Raceday experience will be motivation. I promise you. I get motivation from just going to my daughters cross-country meets.
- Races aren’t really races. You’re not racing the crowd; you’re racing yourself. I’ve been passed by runners in their 70s and 80s. Good for them — that’s their pace, their journey. I’m on mine.
- Reward yourself. Buy yourself a piece of running apparel or equipment if you reach a preliminary goal. Sign up for a race in a location you’ve always wanted to visit. Have a cheat meal for a distance you were shooting for. Whatever helps you push toward your goals.
Solid advice, right? Now here’s the humbling part: I have to follow it myself.
Why This Time Feels Different
I’ve started over before. I’ve lost weight, gained it back, built fitness, lost it again. Each time I thought, this is the time it sticks. But this time I’m not chasing the old me — I’m building a new one.
That means I can’t rush. I can’t force it. I have to accept that “beginner” advice applies to me too.
Taking My Own Advice
So here’s what that looks like in real life:
- I’m not comparing myself to the guy who could run 12 miles years ago.
- I’m focusing on consistency, not speed.
- I’m running slow enough to stay in the right heart rate zone, even if that means I’m going very slow. Because the return is better when I train smart, not when I push too hard.
- I’ve signed up for a half marathon to keep myself accountable — and I’m putting it out here for the world to see. If I’m not ready to run the full half marathon, but I did my best to prepare for it, then I’ll sign up for another race in the fall. I’ve already signed up for a 5k this fall, which just happens to fall the Sunday after my 5k training plan ends. No turning back now.
- You can also check out my plan on a previous post.
The Bottom Line
I used to give advice freely to other people starting out. Now I need it for myself. And that’s okay.
Because the truth is, every runner is always racing themselves. And right now, my only goal is to be a little better than I was yesterday.
