9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your pace but your training habits?

In this episode, I break down the nine lessons that completely changed the way I train and helped me finally run faster without constant injuries or burnout. You’ll learn why slowing down matters, how to use walking the right way, and what it takes to build the kind of consistency that actually sticks. I explain how progress really works, the mindset shift that makes running feel easier, and the simple habits that make training feel automatic. If you’ve ever wondered why your hard work isn’t showing up in your pace, this episode gives you the tools to fix that—without overcomplicating anything.

Key Takeaways

1. Running slower most of the time actually makes you faster: Easy, conversational-paced runs build your aerobic base, reduce injury risk, and teach your body to use energy more efficiently.
2. Walking during runs isn’t failure, it’s smart training: Strategic walk breaks help manage fatigue, protect your joints, and let you run longer without burning out.
3. Being a runner starts the moment you run, not when you hit a goal: You don’t need speed, distance, or a race bib to call yourself a runner; showing up is enough.

Timestamps

• [00:27] What You'll Learn
• [00:52] Rule #1 — Running Slow Actually Makes You Faster
• [03:31] Rule #2 — It's Okay to Walk
• [06:10] Use This to Fully Implement the 9 Rules Right Now
• [06:35] Rule #3 — Shoes Matter... But Not the Way You Think
• [08:23] Rule #4 — Progress Isn't Linear (And That's Okay)
• [12:29] Help Another Runner
• [12:58] Rule #6 — You Don't Need to Run Every Day. You Need Consistency
• [14:51] Rule #7 — You're Starting From Zero. That's Normal.
• [16:49] Rule #8 — You Don't Need Motivation. You Need a System
• [19:05] Rule #9 — You're a Runner as Soon as You Start
• [20:01] Here's What You Really Need to Start Running

Links & Learnings

• 📈 Get your free run farther and longer base training plan https://dlakecreates.com/basefree
• 🎧 Listen, read and learn more https://dlakecreates.com/9things
• Steal my 7 minute warmup routine https://dlakecreates.com/warmup
• Run farther and longer with this https://dlakecreates.com/base
• Instagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreates
• Strava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507

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