Let’s Talk How to Start Running
When I was 16 I hated running and then I decided that maybe I should start working out, you know to get healthier and stuff. I didn’t really know of any other way to exercise aside from running so I started running on my parent’s treadmill, in the basement, and ran (huffed and puffed 1.7 with a LOT of walk breaks in between.) BUT I finished and I was so so proud of that.
Afterwards, I moved my running out doors and started running with my sister, which made running less of a brain numbing activity and more ‘let’s make as many inside jokes as possible while running,’ activity. Once we started and made it a regular thing (we did 5x a week, 1 mile a day, eventually morphing into 2 miles a day) it became something we did out of habit and because, more importantly, it was something enjoyed. Years later, it is still something I love and can’t wait to see how much I have in me and I know that this story isn’t unique, it is something that can happen for anyone.
So you want to start running but how? (I’ve been there too!) Maybe you are a brand, spanking new runner. WELCOME TO THE CLUB. It’s so good to have you. Something I love about running is that it is a universal sport. Anyone, literally almost anywhere can run. So, if that is you, grab some shoes and let’s go.
Or maybe you are just returning to running after a break / had a baby, break after an injury, picking the sport back up, etc. welcome back! We are glad to have you!
First of all, whether you are coming back or just starting out, let’s set aside from ground rules.
In order to run and get comfortable with running you need to know the secret. The secret sauce. The coveted secret.
And that is
Wait for it
Wait
wait waiiit
Consistency.
That’s the key. You have to be consistent.
And it isn’t crazy hard to do – especially when you are just starting (and it is all at the same time, because self discipline is hard!)
Either way, let’s start by saying you got to commit.
After commitment, let’s roll.
Now that you are committed to consistency, here are some key tips.
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Find a time/space that works for you. Some people LOVE early am running, others run after work – whatever camp you fall in, find a time of day that works for you and make it a habit.
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Don’t do too much too soon. Too often (especially those of us that return after a break) come back to running and want to go all in and do everything we once did right away. And that just isn’t possible or helpful. Start small and build up. 3x a week, run/walk to begin (depending on fitness levels.) but know where you are starting from (be honest) and go from there. There is NO SHAME in small beginnings!
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Find accountability. This is huge. Having someone to cheer you on, encourage you, and help you dream is so vital to achieving your goals, whatever they are (whether Boston or your first 5k)
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Find a goal that excites you. If you are like me (and a majority of most people) having a goal that excites, motivates (and maybe even scares) you is a great way to continue finding the discipline to get out the door. I will admit, when I don’t have a race on the calendar it is a lot more tempting to cut mileage or shorten long runs if I am not feeling it that day. But, having a goal and race on the calendar takes my motivation through the roof and makes it way more fun too!
Know that you aren’t alone and that everyone is a beginner at some point. Honestly, the more I run the more I realize I have so much further to go. The more I get hungry thinking about knocking out different running goals, pushing myself past my limits (ultra anyone – that word alone SCARES me.) and gets me more and more eager to fight for my dreams and goals. There is so much ahead, so many mountain top moments in store for you, if only you have the courage to take that first step.
(You have full permission to look crazy, like my above flattering pic. No shame in my running game haha. This was the era before I knew anything about proper running gear, lol)