Jeff Gaudette has been running for around 20 years, at all levels of the sport. Under his tutelage, hundreds of runners have finished their first marathon and he’s helped countless runners qualify for the Boston marathon.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why taking things slow is the best thing you can do.
• How to build up your workout schedule to get from level zero to marathon.
• The most common mistakes people make when starting out as a runner.
• How to reduce your risk of injury as you increase your ability to run.
• The different phases of training for a race.
• The equipment and key elements needed for effective training.
• How weightlifting can improve your performance.

The journey of running

Jeff reassures us that, “All runners can relate to each other, because no matter what kind of goals you’re going after, different speeds, it feels the same as everybody else...the only difference is that the accomplishments happen to happen at a higher, more competitive level.”

The journey of running is the same arc for everyone.

The first wall that everyone needs to break through is that running is hard, it hurts, and it sucks. But once you get through that barrier, it becomes one of the most amazing things you can do. As you keep going, it gets easier and easier, and can turn into a time for daydreaming, meditating, and thinking about your goals.

“It’s not always going to suck – everyone goes through that process, but give it time and you’ll get to the point it’s enjoyable and you’ll be amazed.”

Casual to competitive

Going from being a casual runner to serious and competitive isn’t about your body, it’s about your mindset.

“The big word I would use for that,” says Jeff, “is sacrifice. The better you want to be, the more you have to sacrifice.”

Sacrifice means letting go of things that other people may find important, and removing things from your life that aren’t helpful or aiding you toward your goal. Everyone’s sacrifice looks different, and progress happens at different paces. The common thread that everyone can look forward to is enjoying the journey. You don’t want to suffer through your race.

“Never compare your point now to somebody else’s. Focus on you and the progress that you’re making.”

Jeff and Wade walk us through the timelines and work needed to get from couch to marathon, and will prepare you for any training you choose to pursue.

Listen to this episode to get off on the right foot when you start running at any level.

Episode Resources:

Jeff’s website

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Find a pace calculator and other helpful links at https://linktr.ee/runnersconnect