National Runners Day: Trey Hardee, Kara Goucher Give Their Best Advice for Runners

Thursday, June 5 is Global Running Day. Whether you’re setting out to run your first mile or chasing a new PR, this day is about celebrating the power of running and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get moving.

To celebrate the occasion, we’re highlighting Trey Hardee and Kara Goucher’s best running advice. Here is what Hardee, an Olympic decathlete and Youth Inc.'s track & field ambassador; and Goucher, a two-time Olympian and long-distance star had to share:

Hardee's Recommendation: Once a Runner

Trey recommends the classic novel Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr., a favorite in the running world. He recalled that the book made him want to run repeat 400s, a workout that is often dreaded by runners. 

Goucher's Advice:

For Kara, running is about embracing the journey. “Everyone’s journey and  progression is so different,” she says. She explains that the beauty of an endurance sport is that big leaps every year are not necessary.

Goucher also advocates for cross-country as an entry point into the sport. Unlike track, cross-country is less focused on the clock and more focused on learning how to race: “you’re just going out there and learning how to race each other”.

Check out Trey and Kara’s conversation here:

No matter where you are in your running journey, remember: it's not about perfection—it's about showing up. Happy Global Running Day!