So you’ve decided to start running. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a fantastic journey that will improve your health, your mood, and even your overall life satisfaction. But where do you start? This guide is for non-runners who want to start running, but don’t know-how. We’ll cover everything from the basics of running to how to keep going when it gets tough. Let’s get started!
Give Yourself Time to Suck
When you first start running, give yourself some time to suck. You might be one of the few gifted athletes that are able to run fast the minute they get up off the couch, but a majority of us mere mortals will need to start slow and work our way up. Don’t expect to be able to run for miles without stopping right away – it takes time and practice to build up your endurance. Start by running for a few minutes, then walking for a few minutes, and gradually increase the amount of time you’re running until you can do it for the entire duration of your workout. And don’t forget to warm up before you start running and cool down afterward!
Make It Fun
So, you’re not a runner. That’s okay! We actually recommend that people do any physical activity they enjoy and have fun with. But don’t completely discount running. There are heaps of ways to make it fun:
- Run with music and your favorite tunes
- Hire a coach who can mix up your training schedule
- Take your dog for a run
- Do a local park run or enter a fun run – like the Color Run, for example!
Running doesn’t have to be all about competition or crossing the finish line first. It’s just as enjoyable to take things at a leisurely pace, appreciate nature, and chat with friends while out for a run. So go ahead and give running a try – you may be surprised at how much fun it can be!
Be Consistent
The key to being a successful runner is consistency. You need to be consistent with your training in order to see results. This doesn’t mean that you have to run six days a week, but rather that you need to be consistent with the days that you do run. I believe that you can improve your running with just three training sessions per week. However, it is important to be organized and patient so that you don’t expect too much too soon. Improving your running takes time and dedication, but if you are consistent, you will see results!
Track Your Progress
One way to track your progress is by recording your runs with a running app, such as Nike+ Run Club or Strava. These apps will show you not only your overall mileage and pace but also splits for each mile or kilometer. You can see how your pace changes over the course of a run, and compare it to past runs.
Another way to track your progress is by taking before and after photos of yourself. This can be especially helpful if you are trying to lose weight or build muscle. Take a photo at the beginning of your journey, and then take another photo every month or so. You will be amazed at how much your body changes over time!
There could be any number of things that might be changing to show you are making progress. This could include:
- Running further
- Running stronger up hills
- Improved muscle tone
- Losing weight
- Feeling less breathless when performing other tasks
- Sleeping better
- Feeling more confident
Get Social
As a runner, it’s important to find ways to stay motivated. For some people, that means running with a group or finding a friend with similar goals. But for others, connecting with the running community in other ways can be just as beneficial.
There are plenty of options for getting social with running, whether it’s joining a local run group, finding a Facebook group dedicated to runners, or connecting with people on Strava. And if you’re struggling to find motivation on your own, enlisting a friend to help keep you accountable can make all the difference.
No matter how you choose to get involved, getting social with running is a great way to meet like-minded people and stay motivated to reach your goals. So don’t be afraid to get out there and start connecting!
