Tips for Novice Runners, from a Barely-Intermediate Runner

1. The faster you run, the faster you get hurt.
2. The faster you increase your miles, the faster you get hurt.
3. Frozen veggies make great cheap ice packs. Wrap them tight with an ace bandage as often as possible.
4. Long runs are not negotiable.
5. Mid-week long runs are crucial for progress- both physical and mental.
6. Buy expensive, well-cushioned shoes.
7. Fellas- band aids work fine for avoiding nipple chafing. Under Armour does the same for avoiding thigh chafing.
8. Look up and follow a reputable training plan. Make little tweaks here and there, but try to stick as close to the plan as possible. I personally buy in to Hal Higdon's plans.
9. Don't over-carb-load. Definitely eat carbs, but if you eat too much, you'll feel bloated all day. Eat the same the night before a race as you do before all long runs. Also, carb-loading is pretty much unnecessary for anything less than a half marathon.
10. Do your long runs in the morning. having to do a 3 hour run sucks if you start at 2pm. And you spend all day beforehand groaning over the impending doom. I always do it that way, but it sucks.

Bonus: