It’s safe to say that most of us have taken up running at some point over the past year. With national, local and regional lockdowns, we’ve been forced to find ways of exercising at home without our trusty gyms.
The latest national lockdown only gives us an hour a day to get out of the house. So, naturally, we’re all reaching for the trainers once more and heading out on runs.
If you’re hoping start, we’ve got some first-timer tips for getting into running.
Set yourself a realistic plan
We’ve all been there, that sudden urge to commit to running takes hold and we’re out as often as possible. Then, we get bored and stop running. It’s an endless cycle many of us are familiar with.
It’s tempting to go all in and just start running nearly every day. After all, that’s how proper runners do it, right?
Well, actually, long-term runners don’t go running every day. It’s all about building up to more frequent and longer runs. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen in a month either. If you’re really committed to running, you need to set yourself a plan and stick to it.
Start with running once or twice a week and increase this every few weeks. Your runs can be shorter to begin with and lengthen them as you go. The NHS Couch to 5k programme is excellent for first-timers with plenty of useful tips for getting into running.
It’s going to be hard for a while
If you’ve never really run before, it’s going to be hard to begin with. It’s all too easy to assume running is a relatively easy form of exercise. However, running requires a lot of stamina and endurance.
So, when you first start, you probably won’t be very good. But go easy on yourself and don’t let this discourage you. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, people aren’t just born good at running.
If you’re beating yourself up over being slow, you’ll never get any better. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that any kind of running is better than no running at all. Don’t compare yourself to others either. Just because that girl ran past you at twice your speed doesn’t mean she’s better than you. She’s probably just been running longer than you!
Make running a social event
If you’re new to running, the idea of joining a running club might be a little scary. However, being part of a club makes running a great social activity. You’d be surprised at how many casual runners are part of clubs, they aren’t just for hardcore running nuts.
Or, if you don’t want to be in a club, get one or two of your mates together and make your own running club. Catching up with your friends while running makes the actual running bit a whole lot easier. You’ll be too busy spilling the tea to even realise you’re exercising.
Working out with friends also gives you that little extra bit of commitment. If you know you’ve got to go and meet someone for a run, you’ll be more likely to turn up than if you’re trying to convince yourself on your own. So, if you know you’re guilty of talking yourself out of running, organising a regular run with a friend is a great way of getting yourself out there.
There you have it, a few of our tips for getting into running. Do you have any of your own personal tips - share them below!