{"id":13935,"date":"2024-01-02T16:13:18","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T16:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=13935"},"modified":"2024-03-04T16:33:16","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:33:16","slug":"thoughts-every-new-runner-has","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/thoughts-every-new-runner-has\/","title":{"rendered":"101 thoughts every new runner has when running"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:192.1200750469%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>You know the feeling &ndash; you have what feels like a million and one thoughts running through your mind when you&rsquo;re on a run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Am I good enough?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Am I running in an awkward way?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are people looking at me?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Every new runner (and not so new runner) has thoughts like these when they run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever had these types of thoughts, then I&rsquo;m here to tell you that you&rsquo;re not alone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is, every runner experiences moments of self-doubt and crises of confidence on their running journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unsurprisingly, there is a huge correlation between running and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may have feelings of anxiety when out for a run, running actually has many positive benefits for your mental wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From boosting your mood to reducing symptoms of depression, loneliness and anxiety, running really is a great activity to improve your mental health, as well as your physical health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inclusive organisations like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/10-week-couch-to-5k-training-plan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5504\">Couch to 5k<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.girlsontherun.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Girls on the Run<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parkrun.org.uk\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.parkrun.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Parkrun<\/a> all believe in the power of running to promote your physical and mental wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you&rsquo;re new to running and would like to join a community of runners, consider joining organisations like these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are 101 thoughts every runner has when running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might also like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/thoughts-while-running\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1324\">Thoughts while running: 45 thoughts every runner has when running <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-stop-anxiety-and-negative-thoughts\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1260\">How to stop negative thoughts when running<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--533x1024.png\" alt=\"thoughts every new runner has\" class=\"wp-image-13937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--533x1024.png 533w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--156x300.png 156w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--768x1475.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--500x960.png 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--625x1200.png 625w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--150x288.png 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has-.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20533%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='533'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"thoughts every new runner has\" class=\"wp-image-13937 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has-.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--533x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--533x1024.png.webp 533w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--156x300.png.webp 156w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--768x1475.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--500x960.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--625x1200.png.webp 625w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has--150x288.png.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/101-thoughts-every-new-runner-has-.png.webp 1000w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>101 thoughts every new runner has when running<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>&ldquo;Am I running too fast?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Why did I decide to start running today?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get tired too quickly.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Do I look awkward running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I have stretched more before starting?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I breathing correctly?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder how far I&rsquo;ve gone.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is that pain normal, or am I doing something wrong?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Maybe I should have invested in better running shoes.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t trip and fall.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal to feel THIS out of breath?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if people are judging me?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder how much weight I&rsquo;ll lose from this.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I should have brought water with me.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Do I look as exhausted as I feel?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;How much longer until I can stop?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I&rsquo;m not overdoing it on the first day.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is that a side stitch or just a cramp?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Why do my legs feel so heavy?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;m running too slow.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I have warmed up more?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal for my heart to be pounding like this?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t have to use the bathroom mid-run.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I going to be sore tomorrow?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I need a better running playlist.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;How do people make this look so easy?!&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it bad if I take a walking break?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I should have mapped out my route beforehand.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if I encounter a stranger?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll EVER enjoy this.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get lost.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;m running efficiently.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I should have worn sunscreen.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I supposed to swing my arms a certain way?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get shin splints.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if I can&rsquo;t finish the run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is there even a proper way to run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Will this get easier over time?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Oh, look, she runs like a gazelle.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Does my butt look big in these leggings?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get a blister.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;How much water should I be drinking during my run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I running too much too soon?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Maybe I should&rsquo;ve joined a running club.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if people are watching me?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it okay to stop for a quick selfie?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Ouch, I can feel the chafing already.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I supposed to stretch after running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Why is running so mentally challenging?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I should have taken a rest day before attempting this.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;My crotch feels really itchy.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;m drinking enough.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it weird that I&rsquo;m excited for a post-run snack?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is my running watch still working?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I have eaten something before running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;m running too far from home.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal to feel a bit light-headed?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if I meet someone I know while I&rsquo;m all sweaty and red-faced?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope my neighbours don&rsquo;t judge my heavy breathing.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I ready to run further so soon after pregnancy?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll get that &lsquo;runner&rsquo;s high&rsquo; everyone talks about.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I be incorporating speed workouts into my routine?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if I forget the way back?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get sunburned.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I supposed to smile at other runners I pass by?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I can overtake that runner&hellip;..oh, nope, no I can&rsquo;t.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I cut out for running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope my shoelaces don&rsquo;t come undone&hellip;.again.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal to feel sore in places I didn&rsquo;t expect?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I should have worn some moisture-wicking underwear.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll ever run a marathon.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Why does time seem to move so slowly while running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Why is my hair bouncing around so much?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it okay to walk uphill instead of running?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;m burning enough calories.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should my sports bra feel this tight?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t see anyone I know on this run.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal to feel a bit self-conscious?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I be carrying a safety alarm?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;What if I get caught in bad weather?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I&rsquo;m not overdoing it with my pace.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I running using the right running form?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll ever be a &lsquo;fast&rsquo; runner.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope there are people on this running route.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t get period cramps on my run.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal for my muscles to feel tight during a run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I should buy a running watch now.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it weird if I want to wear make-up on my run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope my running route is well-lit and safe.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope this run doesn&rsquo;t cause my period to start.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Where can I find stylish running gear for my next run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t step on any dog poop.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is my running outfit too revealing?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll ever get used to the sweating.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I be focusing on my pace or distance today?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I hope I don&rsquo;t encounter any random strangers.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Am I drinking enough water?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;This would be a good running route for running with the kids.&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Should I cool down after this run?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;Is it normal to feel a bit proud of myself right now?&rdquo;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&ldquo;I wonder if I&rsquo;ll stick with running for the long term.&rdquo;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-stop-anxiety-and-negative-thoughts\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1260\">How to stop negative thoughts and run your best race<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You know the feeling &ndash; you have what feels like a million and one thoughts running through your mind when you&rsquo;re on a run. Every new runner (and not so new runner) has thoughts like these when they run. If you&rsquo;ve ever had these types of thoughts, then I&rsquo;m here to tell you that you&rsquo;re &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14042,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[53,39],"tags":[106,90,131],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":14042,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/33-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13935"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13935"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13935\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14003,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13935\/revisions\/14003"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}