Rule #2: Compare Yourself to YOU, Not Others
Running is a very objective sport. If you participate in races, there's no denying your finish time. Excuses like "he didn't pass me the ball" or "the coach didn't start me" just don't apply to this sport.
And because of those objective finish times, it's easy to compare yourself to other runners who cross the finish line seconds, minutes or even hours ahead of you.
But running isn't about keeping score with every other runner on the race course. Running is about self-improvement.
Ask yourself, "Have I improved my personal best time for this course or distance?" If so, you're making progress and that's something to always be celebrated.
You may never be that person who runs a 3-hour marathon (and a 3-hour marathoner may never be that person who runs a 2.5-hour marathon), but learning what your body is capable of achieving and incrementally improving is how to be a successful runner.
More: 6 Benefits of Running
Rule #3: Keep it Fun
It can be far too easy to get caught up in finish times, weekly mileage and workout paces. Those metrics are fun to track, but running is about more than simply your pace and performances. Running is a lifestyle, a way of life that connects you to a large group of friendly people who are happy to help you with your running goals. You don't have to be obsessed with fitness or chase that new personal best. Instead, enjoy the process of training and cherish the gift of running. After all, not everyone is capable of running.
Connect with other runners by joining a local running group or finding a running buddy to log a few easy miles with every week. If that's not possible, find a passionate group of runners online who will help you succeed. Running is more fun in a group.
Starting to run doesn't have to be intimidating. It's a fun sport—and involves an equally fun group of people. So lace up those shoes and head outside to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing run. You might just surprise yourself at how much you love running.
More: How to Make This Fall Your Best Running Season Ever
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