Runners Hindsight | 5 Things You Wish You Knew When You Started
Most runners start out too fast — and burn out just as quickly. But there’s a smarter way to build endurance, improve performance, and actually enjoy your runs. In this post, we unpack the biggest lessons seasoned runners wish they knew from the start, including the game-changing benefits of Zone 2 training. Whether you’re just getting into running or trying to level up, these insights will help you train better, recover faster, and love the process.
Hindsight: understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed.
When you first get into running, it’s easy to think faster is better — that every run should be a test of how far you can push your body. But here’s the truth every experienced runner eventually learns: it’s not about running hard, it’s about running smart.
We spoke to runners of all levels, and here are some of the biggest lessons they wish they’d known sooner — so you can skip the setbacks and start getting more from every mile.
1. Zone 2 Training Changes Everything
If you only take away one thing, let it be this: not every run should feel hard.
Most runners start out sprinting every session without even knowing it. That’s because they’re running in high heart rate zones (Zone 4 or 5), burning out their energy systems, and making it impossible to recover or build endurance.
Zone 2 running — the easy-paced, low-heart-rate zone — is where real fitness is built.
Training consistently in Zone 2 improves your aerobic capacity, helps you recover faster, and lets you run further without feeling cooked. It might feel “too easy” at first, but that’s the point. This is how you build the engine.
💡 Want to find your Zone 2 heart rate? A rough guide: 180 minus your age. Then train with a watch or chest strap and keep your heart rate around that mark.
2. Running Isn’t a Test — It’s a Habit
Your goal isn’t to prove something every time you go out. It’s to create a repeatable routine that you enjoy.
Your long-term gains come from stringing together weeks and months of consistent, sustainable training — not from occasional hero efforts that leave you sore for days.
3. You Don’t Need to Earn Nutrition
Many beginners think fueling is only for “serious” runners. But if you’re training regularly — even 2–3 times a week — nutrition matters.
Getting your electrolytes and carbs right before, during, and after sessions will improve performance, recovery, and even your mood.
(That’s exactly why Prerun exists — to simplify all of this. In time, we will have a full suite for all of your needs.)
4. You’re Not “Bad at Running” — You’re Just Running Too Fast
This is the most common thing we hear.
“I hate running.”
“I can’t run a mile.”
“I just don’t have the lungs for it.”
Most of that discomfort comes from pushing too hard, too soon. Once you slow down and focus on effort, not speed, everything changes.
5. Community Is Powerful
Whether it’s a local parkrun, a Strava group, or a few friends who’ll text you to lace up — don’t underestimate the power of being around other runners. Progress is more fun when it's shared.
Final Word:
Running doesn’t need to be complicated, but it helps to be informed. Every runner has a story of what they wish they’d known — now you know it sooner.
Let Prerun be part of that smarter journey.
We’ll keep the nutrition simple — so you can focus on enjoying the miles.
Prerun coming soon. Built for real-world performance.