Running For Beginners
Let me start this by saying, if you run - you are a runner. I didn’t “label myself” as a runner for so long because I kept thinking I wasn’t fast enough, or I couldn’t run far enough, or didn’t have the nice equipment or clothes needed to be considered a runner. Well screw that! If you run, EVEN IF you have to walk for a bit - you are a runner.
So now that that’s out of the way, I’ll share some tips that helped me gain the confidence and the ability to really get into running.
1. Just start.
I know, I know, the biggest cliche around. But it’s true! The best way to start is to give it a try. Running can seem intimidating, but it’s best if you just go for it! When I started running, I couldn’t even run 1 mile. A few years later I ran my first marathon! Everyones gotta start somewhere.
If you feel like you need more of a push, I recommend signing up for a race. Then you’ll HAVE to start running consistently!
2. Invest in some good shoes
Shoes make ALL the difference for running. They can literally mean the difference between running safely or becoming injured. My biggest tip is to go to your local running store and have them fit shoes for you! Most places do this for free and it will change the game for you. They’ll watch you walk/run and then recommend shoes based on a few things, like how your feet land while running and your past injuries. Plus worst case scenario and you end up hating running, you’ll have a great pair of walking or gym shoes!
If you don’t have a running store near you, I always recommend HOKAs. These are the shoes I run in and here are the male version. These are the PERFECT shoes for me because my knees are really sensitive. These give me enough cushion to protect them, even when I’m running on concrete.
3. Never trust the first ⅓ of your run
I know this sounds weird, but during the first little bit of your run, your body is getting used to the rhythm and regulating your breathing - so IT WILL BE HARD. But after a while, your body will adjust and it will feel a little easier. So for example, if you’re running 3 miles, the first mile will generally be your toughest mile.
4. Warm up and cool down
During my marathon training a few years ago, I got what they call “runners knee”. It was really starting to hinder my training so I went to see a doctor about it. They said it was likely because I wasn’t warming up and cooling down properly. Running is HARD on your body, so it’s important to get your body ready for it. Here are my favorite warm up and cool down stretches.
5. You’ll learn to love it and you’ll get better at it. Trust me.
Whenever people find out I’m a runner, most people's reaction is “oh my gosh, I HATE running”. Well, I think most of the time people hate running because they’ve never really given it a chance. I love running because you can so easily track your progress. One week you may not be able to run 1 mile without stopping 4 times, but the next week you’ll only have to stop once! Or your 5k time will improve by a few seconds. Or it’ll seem easier than you remember it. There is nothing better than being able to easily track your improvements.
Now I’m certainly no expert, but I have fallen in LOVE with running over the last few years and I wish I had gotten into it sooner. Running can seem intimidating, but I hope you decide to give it a try and fall in love with it like I did.