Have you ever mulled around the idea of starting a running program? Do you like the idea of being a runner but you just don't know where to begin? Here are 10 great tips to help you get started on your road to becoming a runner. You don't have to be fast, and you don't have to run far, you just have to get started. I promise, you will become hooked in no time at all.
1. DON'T DO TOO MUCH TOO FAST
This is the biggest mistake that beginners make, no matter what activity they are starting. It's exciting to start a new program, and you want to go into it full force. The problem is, if you do more than your body is ready for you will either hurt yourself or burn out - both resulting in a dislike for the activity and consequently quitting. Start slow and cross train. Give your body time to get used to it's new activity and build up slowly.
2. GET A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES
I can't stress to you enough how important good shoes are. Running shoes. Not cross trainers. Not the fancy fashion tennis shoes that look cool. Running shoes that are meant for your type of feet. Take the time to have your feet assessed - a lot of running stores will do this for free. DO NOT skimp on the shoes! You can run in a ratty t-shirt with holes in it, and paint stained sweats for all I care, but make sure your shoes are high quality. Don't just get something because it's on sale. This is one area where you really need to be picky and get what's right. Once you have your shoes, only wear them for running. Don't wear them to the gym, or out on a walk, and for heavens sake don't wear them for every day shoes. Running shoes are for running, don't wear those expensive things out on daily tasks. They will last longer if you only wear them for running.
3. MAKE IT FUN
Find ways to make running fun. Run with friends. Explore new routes and trails. Sign up for a fun race to keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to. Just have fun with it!
4. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER RUNNERS
We all have a starting point. Don't distress when someone passes you on the trail. Don't get depressed that your cousin is running his 10th marathon and you can only run 2 miles. You are on your own journey so enjoy it. We ALL started at the beginning. You will get there.
5. YOU WILL BE TIRED. THAT'S OKAY
Remind yourself that you are starting something new and it's going to take your body some time to adjust. You will be tired. You will be sore. It will go away. The day you run your first mile without stopping is one you will never forget. Keep at it and don't get discouraged.
6. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE A RUNNER, YOU CANNOT EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!
Let me repeat this, because it is a very common misconception. Just because you are a runner, you cannot eat whatever you want. Let's look at it this way. You burn about 100 calories per mile. So, if you run a 5K race, that's 3.1 miles - the equivalent of a child size cheeseburger at McDonald's. If you were to get a full meal deal - Quarter Pounder, fries and drink - you are looking at a marathon to have to burn off all of those calories. Don't weigh yourself down, and ruin all of your hard work, with one stupid meal. Besides, I find when I exercise I want to eat healthier. It's a good motivator.
7. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
As mentioned before, you will be tired and you will be sore. However, if you are feeling something else going on, sit a run out and see how things progress. You don't want to be running yourself into shin splints or plantar fasciitis. You're body's smart and knows what's going on, so listen to it.
8. PLAN IN REST DAYS
Rest is just as important as active days - especially in the beginning. Don't start out running every single day. Give yourself a day in between to recover and heal. As you get stronger you will be able to slowly add extra days and extra miles, but as our number one tip said - take it slow.
9. MAKE IT A HABBIT
Plan out your running days and how long/far you are going to run on each of those days, and stick to it. The best thing to do, and sometimes the hardest, is getting into a routine. Believe me, there are ALWAYS 100 reasons your brain can come up with for not going out....... I know them all! Don't listen!!! Stick to the plan and get out there. Pretty soon that nagging noise in your brain will become a whisper you can't even hear any more. Get out there and do it, even when you don't feel like it. Eventually you will get to the point where you can't wait to get out. Weird I know, but true.
10. WALK IS NOT A SWEAR WORD
When I first started running I was stubborn. I didn't want to walk. I thought walking was weak. *sigh*. Walking is not a bad thing! I even do it now from time to time if I am having a rough day. The point is that you are out, creating a habit, and getting your exercise. Walking is good. Some people actually make a marathon career out of taking walking breaks - it's how they train and race. I admit that running an entire run is very empowering, but sometimes your body just isn't feeling it for whatever reason. Allow yourself to walk if that's the case. Most cases, a minute or two is all you will need and you will be to running pace again once you catch your breath. Especially when you are first starting out, walking breaks are great. Just keep plugging along, you'll eventually get there.
Don't let the world of running intimidate you. It isn't an exclusive club. You don't have to have a required amount of miles under your belt, or a specific speed to join. As a matter of fact, I have never met a larger group of people who were so accepting, encouraging and open. If you want to know what if feels like to make instant friends and be accepted immediately, stand at the start of a race. Everyone there is so amazing, and you all have a common goal - finish what's ahead of you. The support there is so empowering that I recommend everyone do it at least once in their life time. But, I promise if you do it once, you will do it again........ and again and again.
