#019 - The biggest mistake new runners make
Description
The biggest mistake new runners make is setting expectations too high, often due to comparing themselves to experienced runners on social media. When we judge our beginning steps against someone else's years of training, we set ourselves up for disappointment or injury by trying to match mileage we're not physically prepared for.
• Unrealistic expectations often come from seeing others' running achievements on social media
• First-time marathoners shouldn't fixate on ambitious time goals like sub-3 hours
• For any first race, make your primary goal simply to finish
• Start with 2-3 runs per week of 20-30 minutes, using run-walk intervals if needed
• Building a base over time is crucial before attempting speed goals
• Focus on competing with yourself rather than comparing to others
• My personal progression: from a 3:43 first marathon to 2:51 after six years of consistent running
Run your own race and measure your progress against who you were yesterday, not against someone else's highlight reel.
United States
