One Year of Running: My Key Takeaways
Lessons Learned on the Road (and Trail)
One year ago, I laced up my running shoes and hit the pavement. It felt like a natural progression. I already had a solid foundation thanks to my morning yoga and planks (good core strength), daily walks, and cycling (both outdoors on my Rose Backroad Gravel bike and indoors on Zwift). Adding running just clicked.
Here’s what I learned in my first year:
No Bad Weather, Just Bad Gear (Mostly)
I started running in February 2024. Sure, there were some rainy and muddy days, but honestly, not as many as I expected. Going through a full Munich winter, I found that even the "bad" days – the rain, mud, snow – weren't that bad at all. In fact, some of the most memorable runs were on those days.
Ditch the pace goals, embrace the challenge, and just get out there. It builds mental toughness and makes the good days even better. And even in winter, there were amazing moments, like a rainbow on a windy day or the quiet beauty of running on fresh snow.
Winter Running is Doable (and Fun!)
Don't let winter stop you. Get the right gear (more on that later) and keep running. Consider signing up for a winter race – I did the Munich Silvesterlauf and the Ismaninger Winterlaufserie (two out of three runs in December and February) and it was a great experience.
And seriously, skip the treadmill. Fresh air and varied routes are way better, even in winter.
Slow Down to Speed Up
Going slow is tough, but it works. Trust the process.
Waterproof Shoes: A Game Changer
Wet feet are no fun. Good waterproof shoes make a huge difference, especially on trails (even in summer with wet grass) and definitely in snow and mud. They don't have to be expensive either.
Strength Training and Running: A Perfect Match
Focus on core strength and add some lower body routines like calf raises and lunges. Runners might look athletic one day, but we're not gonna be bodybuilders. Strength training complements running perfectly. Here’s a post about how you can build your own routine.
Routine is King
Consistency is key. Regular running and having fun are more important than speed or distance. Find your rhythm, focus on your own progress, and just get out there.
So, that's my first year in a nutshell. What about you? What are your biggest running lessons? Any tips for winter running? Share your experiences in the comments!