Advice for New Runners and Pictures from the Brother Shamus Shuffle

If you're a recent C25K graduate or if you're new to running, check out this blogpost: "10 Best Pieces of Advice for Beginner Runners (in 3 words)." Some highlights... 

10. Pace doesn't matter- Tim McConnell (owner, West Seattle Runner, WA)
Too many people believe that they need to be “fast” to get out there and run. But as nearly any runner can tell you, the beginning is tough and it’s ok to go slowly—and even walk—as you’re getting started. The goal of running isn't to win races, but to enjoy yourself, feel great, and watch yourself get better. The pace is irrelevant.

9. Get Running Shoes- Desi Lynne Rottman, (runner, Grand Rapids, MI)
I used to work at Big River Running, a great specialty running store in St. Louis. It was amazing how many people would start out running in Nike Air basketball shoes, get hurt, and then claim that their body didn't want them to run. Big mistake. Getting the right running shoes is incredibly important and will make starting out that much easier and pain free. Head to your nearest running store to get fitted for the pair of shoes that feels great and matches your stride type.

8. Don’t stretch before- Nick Welch, (assistant coach Tufts University Cross Country, MA)
In gym class, you were always taught to stretch before exercising. But science says otherwise. It’s a common misconception that you should stretch muscles before a run, when in fact that’s the worst time to stretch. When you do this, you’re tearing cold muscles that lack any sort of give—a surefire way to get hurt early in your running career. We recommend stretching after warming your muscles up, either 5 or 10 minutes into a run or shortly after your run.

Next up... The Brother Shamus Shuffle was a great success last weekend! There were plenty of EARCites among the crowd of approximately 200. And the event raised over three thousand dollars for the Dorothy Day Center at Saint Francis University. Here are some pictures from the event.

Lastly, tonight is track night and the weather looks great. So plan on joining us at 6:15 at the CCHS track!

Happy trails, friends!

Runners from the Saint Francis University cross country teams showed up to support the Brother Shamus Shuffle.