I whipped up a quick survey last week and from the small sample of responses that I got I was able to deduce the following conclusions about beginner runners. This is a very small sample unscientific survey – so think of it as a flavor or sentiment barometer not a statistical proof.
This should help you seasoned runners come up with simple and effective tactics to spread the love – knowing what the need is. It should also help beginners to know that they are not alone in their quest and that the things that stymie them stymie other beginners.
What do beginners care about most? First they want to know how far, how fast and how often to run. They basically don’t know what to do or how to get started. They need a plan. A simple plan. So run off a dozen copies of your favorite beginner running program and spread them around.
They also want to know how to go farther and faster once they get started, they are in a hurry to get past the beginner phase and get on with the thing. You need to be available to them to paint the big picture; to convince them to ease into it because the prize of patience is worth it, because, the beigest reason they quit is because they get injured and the second biggest is because they lose interest.
Not surprisingly, beginners really want to know what shoes to buy and what clothes to wear. This is a many faceted question, but I think it’s also an opportunity. I think there is just too much emphasis put on shoes and gear. I think we can help the new runner by getting them to ease into the sport and keep the gear decision in perspective. Maybe we should start a “take a new runner to the shoe store” Day?
Why do people start running? Number one reason is to lose weight, followed by getting healthier and reducing stress. I think we can show some excellent examples of people who prove all these points.
What’s the beginner’s biggest Challenge? Finding the time and not getting injured. This is again something that we can help with just by giving our experience.
Why do they quit? As previously stated the majority of folks stop because they get an injury. And some just lose interest.
My friends, I think this is valuable information. I think we can build a manifesto around these points and have tools at the ready to remove the barriers to entry and reduce attrition. Who’s with me?
I have lured my old cross country buddy out for a 5 K this weekend. I hope it happens, that rain doesn’t allow it to fall thru. I won’t give up trying to lure her back to fittness…
Most important to remember is to keep it fun – if its fun they run!