If I could give one piece of advice to a newbie to running it would be........'have patience'
Nothing happens over night and this is especially true with running. Persistance is key and making that first commitment to wanting to be better is a great start. I started running when I was 7 years old, it is something that I thank my parents for getting me involved in. It has stood to me in many ways. Unbeknown to me back then it would be the start of a long fitness journey that I am still on 22 years later. Running can be a love/hate relationship, but once you get over the initial hurdle of where to start then it can be a journey you can take forward with you in your life. I have compiled 10 tips for beginners and also for those who need the motivation to get back into it. Number 6 is a winner ;)
Invest in good running shoes - injuries from poorly supported running shoes can cause major setbacks. So get the proper advice when buying.
Always warm up - jumping jacks, jump squat, walking lunges, half burpees....just get moving before running straight into it. Light stretching is also good, hip opener exercises, quad stretches & calf stretches.
Make it a habit rather than a chore - even if you only get out for a few minutes a day, all those minutes will add up to making you fitter.
Go for distance rather than time - slow it down, don't stress about your pace or time, be patient. Try a 0.5 of a kilometre and slowly build from there.
Take breaks when needed - if you have only been running for a few minutes and feel you need to stop then do. Keep a nice walking pace, catch your breath and start to jog again.
Join a running club - what better motivation than having a coach tell you what to do and having a training group.
Keep a training diary - this is a guaranteed winner to motivate you as the weeks go by. Its likes having a mini celebration each week.
Don't neglect other types of training - like resistance training, we all need muscle to help make us stronger while running and also to protect our bones.
Remember why you started - it is very important to remember why you wanted to start in the first place. Whether it was weight loss, tone up, gain speed, gain endurance always remember that.
Set a goal- if you have a goal set in your mind you are more likely to be motivated to keep it, especially if it is something set in stone, like a race. Participating in a race is also a great way to meet people in the running community. Your goal can also be a smaller one like, just being able to run better and more fluid in 4 weeks time.
Rest days - are essential for recovery, over doing it will only slow down your progress.
"One run can change your day, many runs can change your life"
Happy running guys, don't forget to comment if you have any questions. Or I would love to hear about your running journey to date. Watch out for my running & fitness ebooks coming soon
Laura x