You may just be curious what the differences between beginner versus novice runners as you start looking into becoming a runner. What I’ll say is it’s not as tough as you might think.
Let’s break down the primary difference first. Beginner runners are those who are just starting to run regularly, often for the first time or after a long break. Novice runners are those who’ve run regularly for several months or more and have made progress in their running ability and endurance.
The two main differences between beginner runners and novice runners are consistency and mileage.
The goal here is to highlight the differences between beginner and novice runners. We want to help runners understand their level of experience and to provide guidance for training and improvement.
Throughout this post, we will discuss discuss novice runners as intermediate runners as well. This post could be titled beginner vs intermediate runner as well.
This section will cover the main differences between beginner and novice runners in terms of physical and mental preparation, goals, and training techniques and programs.
What is a Beginner Runner
Beginner runners are individuals who are just starting to run regularly, often for the first time or after a long break. They may have limited experience with running and may be limited in their physical ability and endurance.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Physically, starting out as a beginner runner can be a bit of shock to the system. Not because of the intensity, but because of multiple factors like not commonly used muscle groups or lack of general physical fitness.
As a beginner runner, mentally sticking it through those first few horrible runs is far more important than the actual performance.
The beginner runner may not have the stamina or endurance to continuously run for long stretch of time or distance. Mentality will be far more significant to whether a beginner can eventually transition from beginner to novice runner or intermediate runner.
How Long are You a Beginner in Running
There’s no set timeframe as to how long someone is a beginner in running.
Whether a runner is a beginner versus novice runner has far more to do with the consistency, mileage and effort.
Someone could be a runner for 10 years, but not haver the consistency to excel, lack the weekly mileage to build stamina, nor effort to push their body further.
The Only Running Goal for a Beginner Runner
Beginner runners often have too big of goals and expectations, such as running a certain distance or improving their fitness. This section will cover the importance of setting achievable goals and managing expectations.
I’m all for achieving great running ventures. However, we need to work our way to the grandiose goals.
The only goal that matters for a beginner runner is consistency.
Being consistent will build stamina and endurance that can be carried into a novice runner. With consistency, comes ease at a more stringent training schedule and goal focused workouts.
If all a beginner runner could do is run one lap around the track, no worries. However, it’s important that a beginner runner be consistent in running that one lap for a few weeks or months in order to build the running habit.
Training Techniques and Programs
For beginner runners, we’ve provided some detailed tips and starting points as to starting.
Here are some great articles for beginner runners:
- Top 5 Beginner Runner Tips
- Starting from Zero | Beginner Runner Distance
- Starting from Zero | Beginner Runner Pace
What Does Novice Runner Mean
Novice runners are individuals who have been running regularly for several months or more and have made progress in their running ability and endurance. They have a basic understanding of running and may have set goals to improve their performance.
Is a novice a beginner? For some, they may be in the transition with consistency that they are entering the novice or intermediate level of running, but are still acquiring the knowledge needed to excel.
Novice runners often having a goal race in mind now. Through their training, they may have even established a goal finish time.
The novice runner has built the consistency to know they can knock out the day to day runs while mixing in some speed work and long runs.
Physical and Mental Preparation
As novice runner, the most important aspect to all of running, consistency, has already been built in.
If a runner continues to be consistent in their efforts, they will have the mental ability to physically be uncomfortable in speed work and long run sessions. Without the base, mental clarity will be hard to pursue during the tough workouts.
Goals and Expectations
Novice runners often have more defined goals and expectations, such as running a certain time in a race or increasing their distance. This section will cover the importance of setting achievable goals and developing a plan to reach them.
Though maybe not hitting sub 3 hour marathon goals, novice runners will definitely be looking to level up expectations of themselves. This is possible by delving into threshold and goal pace running workouts to help the body acclimate to the discomfort.
A novice runner will often have a stricter diet, schedule, and general lifestyle to achieve higher expectations.
Can a Novice Run a Marathon
A novice most certainly can run a marathon. Their success depends on the quality and quantity of their training.
Many newer runners ask when they can run a marathon and my rebuttal is anyone can finish a marathon, but when can you finish it well.
It took me at least a decade to finish a marathon well and not in horrendous pain. Even then, I was not hitting BQ times.
So, can a novice run a marathon? Yes, but make sure to build slowly in training to prevent injuries and build the necessary endurance.
Training Techniques and Programs
This section will provide advice and resources for novice runners on how to take their training to the next level, including incorporating interval and tempo training, cross-training activities, and participating in races and events.
Overcoming Plateaus
This section will address common challenges that novice runners face. This will include hitting a training plateau or losing motivation, and provide tips and strategies for overcoming these obstacles and continuing to progress.
These tips for novice runners will propel your success from beginner to novice in no time.
For more on becoming a novice or intermediate runner, check out our 7 Tips for Intermediate Runners to Improve Performance.
A training plateau is a common challenge for runners at all levels, but can be especially frustrating for novice runners who are still working to build their endurance and refine their techniques.
A training plateau occurs when a runner reaches a point where they are no longer making progress or seeing improvement in their running performance. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including overtraining, lack of variety in training routine, or simply reaching a point where progress becomes more difficult.
To overcome a training plateau as a novice runner, it is important to take a step back and reassess your training routine.
- Start by mixing up your routine, trying new exercises or incorporating cross-training activities to keep your body challenged.
- Try adjusting your goals or seeking guidance from a coach or experienced runner.
- Insert a bit more rest and allow your body time to recover from the physical and mental stress of training.
Remember, hitting a training plateau is normal and can be a sign that it’s time to change up your routine. With a little bit of patience, persistence, and the right approach, you can overcome the plateau and continue on your journey to becoming a better runner.
Differences Between Beginner and Novice Runners
Going from beginner runner to novice runner is exciting and scary at the same time.
What is to come? How will your body react? When will you see results?
These are all common questions for those stepping up their running game to become novice or intermediate runners.
Moving from One Level to the Next
Let’s break down the process on the switch.
- Step 1. Are We Ready? | Novice runners dedicate time and energy 5, 6, or even 7 days per week to the running craft. Is it feasible to meet these demands including the recovery outside of the running? Are we willing to give up Friday night Happy Hour to properly rest up for our long run? To move from beginner runner to novice runner, we have to truly ask ourselves if we are ready to full commit.
- Step 2. Can We Push Harder? | Maybe you became a new parents one month ago. Is it healthy to push your body to the limits when still recovering from the birth for women and the support of a new human being by the spouse? Did we take on a new role at work that’s extremely stressful? These are examples of situations where we may not physically and mentally be ready to push our body harder.
- Step 3. What’s the Goal? | The most exciting part that we need to be realistic with. For most newer runners, going out to BQ 6 months after starting their running journey is asking a lot. We need to focus on SMART goals. Can I do this or is there a shorter distance I should attempt before hitting the ultimate goal.
These 3 steps are crucial to the success (or failure) for a beginner versus novice runner.
Don’t take them lightly. They are a make or break for your long term running success.
Importance of Self-Assessment
As you journey from beginner to novice or intermediate runner, be honest with your current ability.
You only know how hard you can push it. I’m not trying to stop you from having big goals. However, if you are at a point in life where you can’t push harder, pull back.
It’s okay to self assess and change up the goals. It’s better to do so and keep the consistency in tack.
On the other side of the coin, ask yourself, “Can I push harder?”
Internally asking ourselves if there is more in the tank will often answer the question, “Can I do this?”
“I know I can push for 30 more seconds.” That mentality and answer to, “Can I push harder?,” will pay huge dividends in your running success.
Whatever your running self-assessment says to you, be honest, accept the result, and go forward accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Beginner Runners versus Novice Runners
Whether you’re starting from scratch or have been running inconsistently for the last few months, becoming a novice or intermediate runner is possible for anyone.
Be consistent, honest, and bold. Most important, be yourself and set the right novice and intermediate runner goals that work for you.
