HOW TO START RUNNING AS A BEGINNER!! 👟
Here are my tips for how to start running as a complete beginner! I definitely do not consider myself an expert in the topic, but I have fallen in love with running over the past few months and here is how I got started!
1. Find Your Why- Getting the initial motivation to start is one of most important parts of this process! You want to find a “why” that will keep you going on the days you don’t feel like it. That being said, my original motivation came from watching running influencers on TikTok and the main goal I set for myself was just to be able to run farther…so it doesn’t have to be complicated! Now that I’ve been at it for a while I notice how good running makes me feel physically and mentally and that keeps me motivated! I know that when I’m done with my run I will feel energized and accomplished!
2. Make A Plan- In the past, when I have tried to make workout schedules I would create very specific routines. I often bit off more than I could chew which led me to feel discouraged and eventually give up when I didn’t meet those goals. I personally found success with setting a more flexible goal. I decided how many times a week I wanted to run (rather than specific days). This allowed me to have flexibility when I felt tired or got too busy. I also kept in mind that this was a goal and it was not set in stone. Sometimes I hit my goal, sometimes I didn’t and that’s okay.
As far as the mileage itself, I found that starting off with a mile each time was a great way to establish a routine and get my body used to running. It had been years since I had actually ran a mile or more! It’s best to ease into it at first to prevent injury and burnout!
3. Track Your Progress- I have had lots of fun tracking my running with Strava! You can keep your account private, or you can make public posts. You can also follow along with other people’s running journeys! Strava is super nice because it has a GPS feature you can use to track your run as you are going OR you can manually add in your run OR you can import your run from your smart watch. Tons of choices! No matter how you do it, definitely keep track of your progress. It’s so cool and motivating to look back and see how far you’ve come!
Reminder: No need to put pressure on yourself! It’s okay to take breaks, slow down your pace, take rest days, etc. The important thing is to keep showing up for yourself and enjoy the process!
#running #runningtips #healthylifestyle #workoutroutine #workout
Starting a running journey can feel daunting, especially if you're like me and used to think running was just not ‘your thing.’ But trust me, with the right approach, it’s incredibly rewarding! Beyond just finding your why, making a flexible plan, and tracking your progress, here are some extra tips I picked up along the way that made a huge difference. First, let's talk about your plan. While starting with a mile is great, don't feel pressured to run the entire distance. I found immense success with walk/run intervals. This means you might run for 1-2 minutes, then walk for 1-2 minutes, and repeat that cycle for your desired duration. This method is a game-changer for building endurance gradually and preventing early burnout or injury. Each week, you can slowly increase your running intervals and decrease your walking time. Remember to always include a 5-minute warm-up of brisk walking and dynamic stretches before you start, and a 5-minute cool-down with static stretches afterward. Your body will thank you! Fueling your body correctly is another piece of the puzzle I initially overlooked. It’s not just about what you eat, but when. Before a run, a small, easily digestible snack like half a banana or a piece of toast can provide the energy you need without weighing you down. And hydration is key! Sip water throughout the day, not just right before or after your run. This helps prevent cramps and keeps your energy levels up. Now, for the mental game. There will be days when you just don't feel like it, or runs that feel incredibly tough. This is where giving yourself grace comes in. It’s okay to slow down, walk more than you planned, or even cut a run short if your body is telling you to. The important thing is to show up and try. I also realized that avoiding comparison with others is crucial. Everyone's journey is different. What matters is your progress, not someone else's pace or distance. Celebrate your small victories, whether it's running an extra minute or simply completing a run on a day you felt unmotivated. When it comes to tracking your progress, Strava is fantastic, but don't just use it to record. Dive into its features! Set personal goals, join challenges (many are free and fun!), and even connect with friends for some healthy encouragement. Seeing your mileage accumulate, your pace improve, and your personal bests (PBs) pop up is incredibly motivating. If Strava isn't for you, a simple notebook or another fitness app works just as well. The key is to have that visual reminder of how far you've come. Good luck, and enjoy the process!
