(photo credit: Tembela Bohle @ Pixels)
Are you a genuine runner, or do you despise anything that even comes close to a slow jog?
Were you forced to run the mile in high school and hated every minute of it, or did you breeze through it like a natural-born marathon runner?
Whether you like it or not, running is a fantastic form of exercise to get your heart pumping, improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and support fitness.
The question to ask yourself is, “Do YOU like it?”
Doing exercise you dislike won’t be sustainable and isn’t necessary when it’s possible to find a type of movement you love. If you force yourself to do exercise you don’t genuinely enjoy, you’ll start to resent it and will end up spending more time procrastinating than moving.
If you do enjoy running or want to find out if you like it, I have six great tips for you today:
1. Wear the right shoes.
It’s so important to choose shoes for your specific feet so you’ll feel supported and avoid injury. This step alone will make you super confident as you set out on your first run. An athletic store can assess your gait, arch, and other characteristics of your feet for the perfect fit. It’s like when Cinderella slid the glass slipper on, except you’re probably wearing spandex, not a gown.
2. Find a running buddy.
Running with a friend or family member is a fantastic way to keep you inspired and help you stick to your running routine. You might want to choose someone more experienced than you who you can learn from, or someone on your level, so you can run together at the same pace. Most cities have local running groups if you want to hit the pavement with a posse.
3. Start slow and steady.
There’s no need for speed when it comes to running for fitness. Find a pace that works for you and build up your distance slowly to avoid injury or burnout. Remember that it’s okay to take walking breaks if you want – try the popular Galloway Method created by distance running coach Jeff Galloway of the 1972 Olympic team.
4. Set realistic goals.
Find practical ways to fit running into your schedule, making it easy for you to stick to a consistent routine. You don’t have to run 10 miles on your first day if you're just starting out. Try running one mile at a reasonable pace and build your way up from there. Don’t compare yourself to others – you’re bound to get frustrated and disappointed. Where you are right now is perfect.
5. Whatever it takes to motivate you.
If you choose to run first thing in the morning, ready your running gear set the evening before so it's the first thing you’d see when you open your eyes. Find athletes on social media who inspire you and follow them if they share ideas and suggestions for success in running. Mark the days and times chosen for running in your calendar with a high priority, making sure nothing could stop you from doing it. Preset a music playlist that energizes and inspires you. If you have been fancying so far buying those headphones you like so much, that’s the right time to get them. And when you reach your next running milestone, treat yourself lavishly — your favorite tea or dark chocolate, an aromatic bath, or a massage. You deserved it
6. Rest is so important!
It is unrealistic to run every day. Even the pros take breaks. If you want your muscles to properly recover and grow, you need 8 hours of quality sleep, and if you went out partying with friends the night before, it might be a better idea not to expect Olympic results running the following day.
Did you recently start running? Are you curious about it? What’s the next step for you?
Leave a comment below and tell me.