Running can be quite liberating and a lot of fun. Sure it’s exercise and a cardio workout. But there is a real sense of freedom when going out for a run. Many people would say that they find running clears their mind. Allows them to unwind even from the day ahead. Perhaps set them up for the day if running in the morning. There is no denying that when you start anything it’s difficult to keep the momentum going. Especially when it comes to exercise. This is the time of year that many take on new challenges like running, especially when you start to think about lifestyle changes. So if running is something you would like to start and want to stick with then these tips should help you out.
Get the right gear
First of all, it’s important to have the right gear. Especially when it comes to your running shoes. Wearing the wrong footwear can lead to injury so make sure you invest in these to protect your body. Also, the clothing you wear is important. It needs to be suitable for taking exercise, comfortable and breathable. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on this, especially if you are just starting out. Just be mindful that you need to bne wearing appropriate clothing in order to get the most out of your experience and to protect your body.
Don’t over-do it
If you are new to running, then don’t go for it big time on the first try. This could lead to you feeling a little demotivated. Start small and do a lot of power walking leading up to a gentle jog. You will feel much better for it. Also there is a real threat of overdoing it which can lead on to sports injury. You may want to avoid sports injury treatment in those first few weeks and months, but also if you do feel any pains and niggles get them checked out straight away. If you are someone use to cardio exercise then still take on the advice of starting with a gentle jog and building up that way.
Set goals, dream big and start small
Have a goal in mind. Something to aim for. This could be local runs or something like a half marathon. You might even just want to get to the stage where you run a certain distance or just for enjoyment. You may want to set goals that see you aiming for matrons in the future, which is absolutely fine and a great goal to have. Dream as big as you want with your goals. Then make smaller manageable goals to achieve them. This can help you to stay motivated and track your progress more effectively.
Make running a habit
Making something a habit means you are consistent with doing it. So if you want to run on certain days of the week, consistently do it so it becomes part of your life and that day's routine. Making it a habit and not a chore. This can help you to get the most out of it and also build up fitness levels and stamina. Especially if some of your goals happen to involve bigger achievements.
Increase the amount you run every few weeks.
A good way to reach your goals is to set yourself a target of increasing your run every few weeks. This could be doing an extra mile or adding an extra 10 minutes to your running time. There are some excellent applications that you can use that will help you to track the distance and how well you are running. Small increases can make a difference.
Don’t worry too much about times and distances
Don’t stress yourself out too much with times and distances. The best advice is just to be consistent. So stick to your schedules and use the applications to help you track your success.
Use an app to track your progress and success
A real motivator for you would be to track your progress on a phone app. This will tell you your distance, average speed and time it’s taken. There are many apps on the market like Fitbit (Which requires you to wear something) or the Nike running app. Just check out your phones store provider for the latest ones.
Have fun
Lastly, make sure you enjoy it and have fun. You are much more likely to stick to something if you enjoy it and can see the improvements you are making.
Let’s hope these tips help you to stick with running this year.
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