Want to start running? Here are 5 tips to get you going!
With the gyms closed most places, one has to be creative to keep active. If you’re new to running, let’s change that. The beginning is always the hardest, but with these tips you’ll be on the road in no time!
1. Don’t push yourself too much in the beginning
I know, I know. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself once you start running, but pushing yourself too hard in the beginning may cause more bad than good. First of all: You need to get the body up to speed with the exercise. Let the muscles adjust to the new activity. Secondly, pushing too hard in the beginning can exhaust you. To get in runners' shape, you need to take it slow and gradually build up both in number of runs, length and speed. This is not only for your body’s sake, but also for your mind.
> Read: 10 reasons to start running
2. Find yourself a beginners program or schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to running, and to be able to run for 5 km or 10 km, you need a plan. Running too much and not sticking to this plan in the beginning may cause injury, and a runners injury may set you weeks back before you can run again. So, stick to your plan!
There are hundreds – if not thousands – of runner programs for beginners out there. Google is your friend and with a little research, you’ll find something that fits you just right.
A lot of smart watches with an app also offer different workout plans. My Garmin watch has something called “Garmin Coach”. Here you’re offered a fitted schedule for your goal based on your fitness level and amount of days you want to run. The program stretches over weeks until you're finally able to run your goal.
3. Turn off autopilot
When running, it’s easy to fall into the so-called “autopilot mode”. This is where you don’t challenge yourself with pace or vary your terrain. Always running in the same tempo isn’t going to give you progress nor does running on the same type of terrain. Run on the beach, on a treadmill the other day and on asfalt the other day – variation is good for both the body and the mind!
> Read: Everything you need to know about running in cold weather and how to dress
4. Don’t be afraid to take breaks
Many think that if you’re taking a break along the way, you’re ruining the workout. That’s not true. Your main focus as a beginner is the amount you run – not the time. That’ll come later on when you can start to compete with yourself.
5. Never forget a success
What’s a success, you ask? You getting out there running, sticking to your schedule, being out in cold and rain, running despite being tired or having a bad day. If that’s not success, I don’t know what is. Remember those days and remember what you did. Remember the success.
