Running tips from my two decades of running

I often write (boast!) of how good I’ve become at running in the last eighteen months. What seemed unimaginable in my younger years — running over 100km a week, running a sub-three hour marathon, is now part of my identity.

Most of my “wisdom” is from this recent period of running, but I’d enjoyed running for many years so I thought I’d share my experience.

1. You never regret a run. It’s better to have a bad run than not run at all. Post-factum, you will never think “oh I should’ve stayed at home”. So, even when it’s very hard, lift your ass and run.
2. If you are serious about running, make it a habit. Let me clarify. By habit, I mean every day. Sounds extreme? It’s not that difficult. In just half an hour you can have a lovely run. Half an hour is not that difficult to find, no matter the season, your workload, or your family commitments.
3. Do attempt a marathon. It’s an experience of monumental scale. The memories will last a lifetime.
4. Don’t attempt a marathon. Yes, contradicting the point above. Many people do a marathon because it’s cool to do so. You drag your aching body to the finish line, you can’t walk for days but you now have bragging rights. But what’s the point of running a marathon if you’re then not going to repeat and improve? I recommend focusing on running as a habit. You will then naturally arrive at the decision to run (or not to run) a race, some race. Marathon is one option.
5. If you become…