Running is a much-touted form of exercise that both burns calories and builds the muscles in your legs, buttocks, and core. However, it’s not the kind of thing you want to start as a beginner without some understanding and preparation. In fact, doing so sets you up for failure at the least, but an injury at the worst. For that reason, it’s a good idea to get ready before you hit the pavement, and there are a few easy ways to do this.
Check with Your Doctor
Before starting any new exercise program, it’s always a good idea to discuss it with your doctor. This is especially important if you have health or physical complication. Running isn’t a good choice for everyone, so it makes sense to clear with your doctor first to be sure it works with your health and fitness goals.
Form and Fit
Running isn’t just a case of lacing up your kickers and hitting the pavement. If you are going to run regularly, proper form is going to reduce risk of injury and also help you get the most from your runs. There are lots of tips online to help you achieve and maintain proper form when running. Check out video tutorials for the best advice. And be sure you wear the right type of shoe. You can find tips online for this too.
Start Small
If you’re new to running, chances are that you’re not ready to start out with miles and miles at a time. Instead, you should aim to start low and build as you gain endurance and speed. Start by running short distances at an easy pace and then add time and increase your speed as you become more comfortable with running. Going too hard or too long right away increases your chances of suffering an injury.
Commit to a Routine
If you’re serious about becoming a motivated runner, it’s vital to create a routine that you can stick with. Perhaps that means running for 30 minutes 5 days per week or perhaps it means running for one hour, 3 days per week. Whatever works for you is what you should choose. Creating a routine you can’t fit into your lifestyle sets you up for failure and keeps you from achieving the fitness you’re after when you decide to start running.
Run with a Partner
Sometimes it’s more enjoyable to exercise when you have someone alongside you. Choose a running partner that you like spending time with and who has similar abilities to yours. That way you can run at the same pace and both get something out of the workout. Experts say that the ideal running speed for novices and intermediate runners is fast enough to elevate the heart rate, but slow enough that you can carry on a conversation while you run. Having a partner is also a great way to stay accountable – you wouldn’t want to let your running partner down.
Commit to a Race
There are running races held in cities and towns all over the world, so committing yourself to one can give you a goal to reach with your new running routine. Whether it’s a 5K or a marathon, signing up means being ready and that can only be achieved by training and practicing. If you’re worried that you might slack off, having a race coming up is a great way to stay on track.
Take Care of Your Runner’s Body
A dedicated runner will fuel his or her body with the right foods. That means limiting your intake of junk food, soda, fast food, and desserts and filling your body with complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean protein from foods like chicken breast, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds.
All said, running is a superior form of exercise that is worth a try for most people. However, it’s important to be ready first so that you can run safely, as well as get the most out of each of your running sessions.