Remember that running is just putting one foot in front of the other. It is one of the most natural things a human can do. Don’t be scared or intimidated.
It sounds a little cliché, but putting one foot in front of the other is the biggest step. BUT more than that, you need to make sure you are running proper shoes.
I always recommend going to a store with knowledgable staff to help you get fitted for the right running shoe. NEVER buy running shoes just because they look pretty. Did you know that certain running shoes are neutral shoes and others are stability shoes? It depends on whether you over pronate or not and some other factors. A store I always recommend is Road Runner Sports. They will have you run a little bit on the treadmill and see which way your ankles turn etc. and recommend a shoe based on that. Running in the wrong shoe can lead to loads of pain…literally. When I first started running I didn’t know this and I actually ended up with a severely sprained foot and lots of knee pain.
Sticking to a regular training plan is really important when you are trying to build up your running stamina. If all you can start with is run/walking a mile, then start there! The more you do it though the easier it will become, the longer you will be able to run, and the more improvement you will see.
The key to start your running journey is consistency. A great play list will help keep you motivated and upbeat to hit that pavement. I find when I am lacking motivation to go for a run, a great song cam help change my mood and keep me going.
Whether your goal is to run one mile without stopping or to run a full marathon, there is no goal too small. But goals will help keep you going and it keeps you accountable. If you r goal is a 5k, then find a 5k and register, this way you have some skin in the game. There are lots of training plans that you can Google and follow to help you train for a specific distance. If run/walk/run is what you like to do I recommend Jeff Galloways’s training plans.
Remember that every runner has a hard day sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up if a run didn’t go how you wanted. I always have some runs that are so amazing Morgan Freeman should narrate them and then there are some runs where it feels like I am wearing cement shoes. Don’t let a hard run derail you. Just know that it is a new day tomorrow.
Don’t push yourself so hard that you end up with a serious injury. Part of any running journey is listening to your body and knowing when to rest, ice, or see a doctor. There is a big difference between just being sore and actually injuring yourself.
This is a great way to ask questions and get tips from other runners. Not sure about the best sports bra? Ask the group! Curious about a specific race? Ask the group! I manage the Facebook Group Women’s Running Community and you can click here to join.
The best part about running is that anybody can do it in some form or another. It doesn’t matter if you run a 6 minute mile or a 12 minute mile, you are all runners. You are already beating everyone who is still sitting on the couch.
Here are some more posts you might like:
10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running
10 Things You Never Thought You Would Do Until You Became A Runner
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