Amberly McAteer runs in St Thomas, Ontario on Easter weekend. She's read every piece of reader advice -the positive, the practical and the pushy - over the last 10 weeks.
Reluctant runner Amberly McAteer received advice (both helpful and hilarious) from hundreds of readers on her quest to finally complete a 10K race.
Here's a selection of her favourites from the past nine weeks:
MyIronLung: "Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes. - Chinese proverb"
BentDogg: Bottom line is you have to want to do it. You can say you want to do it all you want, but you have to WANT to do it.
LouLou: Never quit --- the more you quit, the easier it becomes to quit.
H.M.K.: Train hard, laugh about the puddle you stepped in that ruined your run...try to have some fun. You can do it :)
Shera Dreaming: The problem is she goes out once or twice a week for short periods, less than 30 minutes. Two years doesn't mean what it normally would because she doesn't go out enough. The thing is, it actually gets *much* easier if you go 5 days or so a week--there's less reinventing the wheel in terms of fitness :) Been there! Good luck.
Tri2Win: You're a compelling writer and a lousy runner.
Neutron Star: Never worry yourself about trolls, whether in real life on or comment boards. The problem is theirs, not yours.. Just go, girl, and thanks for sharing, and next time go ahead and show up, there will be lots of people just like you and me there with you.
Holly V: If there's one thing that running is awesome for, it's breaking through psychological barriers. As you improve, you'll find new psychological barriers to break. The process is about busting through them and continuing on. You will be a better person for it in the end. I can't even begin to tell you how much running has changed me as a person.
toomanycrayons (on new shoes): She wants to be a "better" runner. Equipment matters. You don't get better if you can't keep going.
Mr. Peanut: As you get into better shape, you'll find your system will become more efficient, and you'll be able to train with less food and be able to fuel your training without having to clean out your fridge
NorthernReflection (on being hungry, all the time): Get over your fear of healthy carbs.
jack the yellow lab: Running is not racing. Sounds like you are one of those who cannot adjust to the intensity of races. I always tell people like you to enjoy running without the added stress of racing. There's no rule that says you have to race to be a runner.
Dr Dr: I hope that 'carbolicious' meal wasn't part of why you couldn't sleep. You certainly don't need to be carbo-loading for 5 and 10 K runs; better to eat light and not feel bloated.
akajb: Best piece of advice I was ever told was that it feels about 10 degrees warmer when running. So, with that advice, if it says it's 1C, dress as if it said 11C. I've found this works really well, and I'm rarely overdressed.
Tweev: I don't really like running that much. I do, however, enjoy not being fat anymore and feeling pretty hard core.
hate people: Be patient, it takes time to improve fitness. We only get out of something what we put in, and the payback isn't always immediate.
for-the-win: You never really feel pressured when you take to the pavement on your own. Set your own pace, stop when you want, rehydrate when you want, it's the perfect scenario.
relicfrombeachcombers: (on being injured): In my experience, it's best to use your mental toughness i.e. developed during running, for the opposite goal, which is willing yourself to rest. You'll feel like a slob, even though you aren't. Once a reasonable amount of time has passed, the best thing is to do in your rehab is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If there's pain in the injured area: don't do it.
ipity thefool: Take this as a learning event, be patient with your recovery, then get back out there.
Binary logic: If running isn't fun you're doing it wrong!
davey100: Instead of trying to make running exciting, I would urge you to consider it as time for introspection... I am suggesting more meditation and less distraction. I would urge you to look within yourself for what you are seeking.