How to Start RunningYou want to know how to start running. Read this page and your most basic questions are answered. You have got questions like :
Let me try to answer these questions in a short and quick manner, so you no longer have to worry about what to do, but you get your butt out of the door and just do it... :) How to Start Running Tip #1 - How Fast Do I Run?Beginning runners like you benefit mostly by easy running, also called running at conversational pace.This is the pace at which you could still maintain a conversation. That's pretty slow. Don't go off too fast! Why? Well, running at different speeds stimulates different body systems. Too much to get into at this point in time. I'd bore you right off this page! However, what is useful to know is that the body system mostly trained by easy running is your cardiovascular system. Basically your heart. When you train your heart you make it stronger. That means that with every heart beat your heart will pump more blood around your body. You will get more stamina/endurance doing this type of running and you will become overall a healthier person as your heart doesn't have to work that hard anymore to pump blood through your body. Side benefits of this is that you will feel more relaxed, less stressed and it can even lead to better sleeping patterns. So, lots of benefits of doing easy running first and foremost! How to Start Running Tip #2 - Is it OK to Take a Rest in Between?Don't be embarassed if you can't keep on running the whole time.Can't continue? Stop running and have a bit of a walk. Yes, that's totally fine. You may not want to start running because you feel embarassed. You can't run that far and you don't want to be seen as the overweight person trying to run who can't. However, this will, of course, lead to a vicious circle. Don't exercise. Get more overweight. Feel worse about yourself. Don't exercise. Get more overweight. Feel worse about yourself. Etc. You need to break the circle by just starting to run. And after a little while you get tired. Then walk a bit. And when you feel like it again, run some more. In fact, I think there are a lot of benefits on combining running and walking. There is less chance of getting injured and you are basically able to go much further than with running alone. This site has got three beginner running programs that should get you started with running pretty easily. They all involve running and walking. Instead of seeing it as a problem that you can't run that far, see it as an opportunity. You can still follow a structured running program as per the link above. And within 8, 10 or 12 weeks you'll be able to run 15, 20 or even 30 minutes non-stop. Try these running programs out, they are there for you to use! How to Start Running Tip #3 - Which Distance Should I Run?Take it easy and build up slowly. It doesn't matter which distance you run, even if it is less than a minute when you start off. Whatever your starting situation is, just start there and build it up slowly over time.A slow build-up is the key to a long injury-free running life! A pretty useful method is to just add a minute or two to your exercise time every time you run. See how you cope. At some point it will be a bit too hard to do this. Then, just take it easy for a few days, stay at the level you were at and after a week or so, try again. It's really a matter of just taking baby steps. And you may think this will never get you anywhere. But if you run three times a week, and every workout you add 1 or 2 minutes, then after 2-3 months you'll be doing a whole lot of running! Check out the increasing mileage safely page for extra information about how to increase the time/distance you run. How to Start Running Tip #4 - Which Running Shoes Should I Wear?When you just start running and don't cover much mileage at all, then you'd probably be able to get by on any pair of sneakers.However, once you have decided that you are in it for the long haul, I'd really recommend you get some running shoes right for your feet. Yes, there are different types of running shoes for different type of feet! Go to the running shoes section of this site to work out your foot type. Having the right running shoes is pretty important and can help you prevent lots of running injuries. Next to doing "too much too soon", the wrong running shoes is the major reason people experience injuries. How to Start Running Tip #5 - Do I Need Special Running Apparel?
When you are just starting to run, you don't need to get a whole lot of fancy running attire. Got shoes, socks, shorts/pants and a shirt? Then you are ready to hit the road! Decide to keep on running? Then gradually acquire better running apparel. For now, anything sporty you can get a hold of will do! Obviously, there are certain advantages in getting special running apparel. It is much nicer to run in moisture wicking materials compared to cotton clothing for example. Cotton has some negatives. It can easier lead to chafing and is just generally less comfortable to run in. One of the first pieces of running apparel I'd definitely recommend you get is some running socks. When I first started running I had some issues like blisters and even a black toenail or two. However, after making the very small investment in a pair of running socks I have never had those problems anymore. And of course, if you are female, a good running bra / sports bra will be essential. How to Start Running Tip #6 - Any Useful Gear I Should Know About?Again, when you are just starting out you don't really need anything in terms of running gear. A running watch to keep track of the time might be nice.When you do a run/walk running program you may want to have a look into a Gymboss interval timer. It is really useful and costs only a little. Well worth the investment. As you get further advanced you may want to start looking into a heart rate monitor. You can base the intensity of your runs on your heart rate. It will help you do your runs at the right intensity and it gives you an objective gauge to measure your progress. Heart rate monitors vary from a simple "keep track of your heart rate" device to GPS running watches, which track speed, distance, time, heart rate, calories, etc and allow you to analyze your runs afterwards by uploading all the info to your computer. By all means not immediately necessary. My experience is that as you get a bit further along you'll like to look into these types of running gear. Also see the running gear section of this website to find more types of running gear that may be useful to you like running sunglasses, fuel belts / water holders, etc. So, there you go. Hopefully this provides you with an answer to your most burning questions. As you see, you don't need a whole lot of special equipment, apparel or gear to start running. Just get out of that door and start an easy run. Do a bit of walking in between. Build it up slowly. And before you know it you'll be running like the wind! Want more Beginner Running Tips? Subscribe to the Best Running Tips Newsletter or my site blog. Go from How to Start Running Page to Beginner Running Tips Page Go from How to Start Running Page to Best Running Tips Homepage Beginners Instructions to Beginners Running Programs | Beginners Running Program 1 | Beginners Running Program 2 | Beginners Running Program 3 | Running Programs FAQ | The Benefits of Running | How to Start Running | Running for Weight Loss | Running and Weight Loss | Running for Fitness Like this page: |
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