There is a time in the lives of many when they begin to look at the people around them and notice that many of them are spending a lot of their weekends doing competitive running. This can them cause them to wonder if maybe this could be a thing that they would enjoy too after all the people doing it do look great and those medals all look amazing, why shouldn’t they give it a go?
Many don’t because they find the thought of getting themselves fit enough for a race too scary, so they talk themselves out of trying. If done the right way though, getting ready for a race can be fun and an incredibly positive experience. Here are some tips that will help a new runner get to that starting line.
Scheduling runs
The hardest part, really, is getting started. To make sure that runners do get theselves out there it is best to schedule in those runs on their calendars and treat them like they would anything else in their schedule. Nobody would push back a meeting because they need to nip to the store, for instance, so runners shouldn’t be tempted to sacrifice their run when things go a bit haywire either. Those who have their running schedule in their calendar should find that it stops them from agreeing to do anything else when they are meant to be out enjoying a run.
Runners should take it as slow as they need to
Nobody expects a new runner to jump straight in and win their first race, in fact, the people around runners generally only expect them to do the best that they can do. Times are important in races but what runners enjoy the most, especially at the beginning of their running career, is just the knowledge that they completed the distance. It is Ok to worry about times later when runners become more accomplished but it is no big deal when runners are starting out. In training, a new runner should start off as slow as they need to. If they really push themselves, they won’t enjoy the experience and this might stop them from carrying on with the sport.
What is Success?
Runners should decide for themselves what is achievable for them. It is no good setting up a schedule where they are out running 5 days of the week if they really can’t manage that. Before they pencil in a schedule it is a good idea for new runners to sit down with the people in their lives who will be affected by their new pursuit and really decide what is manageable. That’s where success is, in setting goals that can be achieved because they have been thought through rather than allowing failure to seep in because goals are off track.
Record progress
Many runners use an app to track their progress and it could be argued that this is one of the most positive things a new runner can do. There is nothing quite like the proud feeling runners get after they have been running for some time and look back at where they started from. Seeing progress physically recorded in times and distances is such a great motivator.
Think about joining a group
Group runs are great for boosting that competitive edge. A runner might, for instance, find themselves pushing a bit harder to beat that person in front or just the camaraderie might help them train a little harder or run a little bit further. Plus, there are all the benefits of building a new social network and having a supportive team around you.
There are many groups out there offering to help beginners and they really do work. The thought of joining one straight away might be daunting but really, everybody is in the same position. By getting into a group a runner can be race ready before they know it and they probably won’t even notice all the hard work they have put in because they have been having too much fun.