This week I had the opportunity to train two friends, who are running their second 10k. We started running down Monument and they asked me “how are you able to run long distances?”

Jokingly I said “Because I just do,’ but it was more than that. I explained to them, what I call the buildup. Long story short, the build up entails abundant amounts of time training, staying focused, and enjoying running for what it’s worth and never “feeling tired” to run.

The best tip I told my friends was it is important is to not think about too many things when you run. That meant the complicated situations in your life whether that is work and stress. Never think about too many things or else it is just going to slow you down and you will end up quitting your run.

Keep your head clear, your chin up and look straight ahead – posture is key in running. Never look down and have your arms swinging everywhere, keep it in close proximity.

Running is supposed to be fun and a stress reliever. Think about where you need to be at the end of the run versus how many miles you have completed.  It does not matter whether you are running a marathon or just running, it is about finishing strong and feeling good from the start and to finish.

One last mention I said, “you got to have oxygen and you got to have the blood flow moving if you’re going to have to move for miles, always remember to breathe!”