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Week 6: Keep going — you're closer than you think
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Hey Reader, You are ⅔ of the way through the challenge - give yourself a big high five! In case you missed it
This Week's Recommended Reading:It's Not Getting Easier....Help! If you're weeks into your running journey and it still feels brutally hard, this one's for you. Tip from Coach Mark:Never judge a run by the first five minutes. As your body and mind warm up, you’ll typically find your groove. Enjoy Week 6! Coach Mark “True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline.” ― Mortimer J. Adler ❓ QUESTION OF THE WEEKQUESTION: Side stitches! Why do they happen, and how do I prevent/treat them? Thanks! COACH MARK: That sharp, stabbing pain just below your ribs mid-run is incredibly common. Research shows 70% of runners experience one in any given year, so you're in very good company. Why do they happen? Your diaphragm — the large muscle that controls your breathing — can fatigue and cramp just like any other muscle, especially when you're running at a pace that pushes your breathing harder than it's used to. A full stomach, sugary drinks before a run, or shallow breathing can all make things worse. How to prevent them: Wait at least 1.5–2 hours after eating before heading out, avoid sugary drinks pre-run, and warm up with a few minutes of brisk walking. Focus on slow, deep belly breaths while you run rather than short, shallow ones. What to do when one strikes: Slow down or take a walk break. Press your fingers into the painful spot and exhale slowly through pursed lips — like blowing out birthday candles. Raising both arms overhead for a big stretch can also help release the tension quickly. The good news? Side stitches become much less common as your fitness improves. Hang in there! THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAYThis week, we're giving away a $50 USD gift card from Running Warehouse. Simply answer the anonymous question below (you'll then be directed to a page asking for your email address) to enter!
Cheers, Mark P.S. Remember, you can get 20% off clothing and socks, and 10% off nutrition, hats, and clearance running shoes from Running Warehouse. Use code NONETORUN at checkout. NONE TO RUN |
Coach Mark Kennedy | NONE TO RUN
Join 35,000+ passionate runners who receive exclusive tips, beginner-friendly training plans, and unwavering support to help you achieve your running goals—no matter where you're starting from.
Hey Reader, Tips, inspiration, more on our research study....lots to talk about this week! Let's dive in. I Started Running at 82. I'd Never Run Before. Marian Leicester started running at 82! She tried Couch to 5K first and found it too aggressive. Then she found None to Run, completed all 12 weeks without repeating a single week, and never got injured. She kept the whole thing a secret for weeks and ran early mornings so nobody would see her. Her story is one of the most inspiring...
Hey Reader, Welcome to Week 7. Just two more weeks to go! Congrats to Jess, who completed the None to Run plan last week. 🎉🎉 Way to GO! In case you missed it Week 6's email Julie Blackwood, Sports Psychologist This Week's Recommended Reading: Overcome Mental Hurdles: 9 Tips for New Runners Your brain might be the biggest barrier between you and running longer. With these 9 science-backed mental strategies from a sport psychologist, you'll learn exactly how to outsmart negative thoughts, stay...
Hey Reader, I want to share something I hear a lot from people who find None to Run: "I thought I was too old to start." And I get it. There's a lot of messaging out there that makes running feel like something you should have started in your 20s — or that it gets harder and harder the older you get. But here's what I actually believe: starting to run in your 50s might be the smartest athletic decision you've ever made. Not in spite of your age. Because of it. You know yourself better than...