There are a thousand excuses for why you shouldn’t run. It’s ‘not your thing’. It’s boring. You’re just not designed to do it. However, get past those so-called reasons, and you could discover a sport that you’ll love for life; and even better, it’s completely free. Running for beginners isn’t easy but if you know how to do it correctly, it can save you a lot of mistakes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fall in love with running for beginners, and keep going with it!

Why run?

Running has a lot of health benefits. It’s an effective form of aerobic exercise, which is great if you want to burn calories. It strengthens muscles (especially in the legs). It also improves your overall levels of fitness too.

There are some other surprising advantages too. Some reports say that it helps with memory processing and learning. Also, many people swear that it’s the best remedy for anxiety and stress. Put simply, there’s a lot of compelling evidence to suggest that it’s worth giving it a try.

Some tips to get started with Running for Beginners

Photo by Zac Ong on Unsplash

• Focus on your goals. It’s always a good idea to remember why you’re doing it. Everyone’s reason will be different. Some might be running to try to relieve their feelings of depression. Others might want to tone their thighs and bottom. Some might be motivated to try to lose weight. Whatever your reason, always keep it in mind; it’ll help you to power on.
• Make it fun. If it feels like a chore, you probably won’t stick to it. Take the pressure off, to begin with. Just make it a short run around the local park, or down the road and back. Listen to some music or a podcast. Whatever it takes to make it enjoyable; go for it.
• Get ‘fighting fit and ready’. Kit yourself out in the right gear before you go. A pair of running shorts or leggings, a supportive bra-top and a vest or thin long-sleeved top are bare essentials; as are a pair of good running shoes. Have a quick snack and drink before you go, and spray on some uplifting scent (Copycat Fragrances have plenty if you’re looking for inspiration).
• Don’t push too hard. If your body gets tired on a steep hill, walk for a while. It doesn’t matter – you don’t have to prove anything to anybody. After all, you’re doing this for yourself; no-one else. The next time you face the hill, chances are that you’ll get a little further up it, until the day that you run up without stopping. Then you’ll feel a glorious sense of achievement!
• Treat it as ‘you’ time. This is a sacred time that’s devoted to you, and you only. See it not only as a chance to get fit but also some valuable time to get lost in your own thoughts (something that’s so hard when you have children). Explore new places in your local neighbourhood; especially those historic streets, or hidden-away woodlands. If you’re nervous about going alone, buddy up with a friend; having a fellow-runner to keep you company is a powerful motivational tool.

Do you have any tips for running for beginners to help them keep it up for longer? What would you suggest?