Did you know running can boost your mental health? If you want to improve your health and begin running, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over beginner running tips that will help you achieve your goals. You’ll learn about what tools you’ll need, and how to run in a way that won’t hurt your body.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Buy Quality Running Shoes
Pick up sneakers that will increase your comfort and reduce potential injuries. Find sneakers designed for runners.
Plan to go to your local running store and ask for someone to help fit you for a pair of running sneakers. You could meet with a podiatrist as well.
Buy Sweat-Wicking Running Clothes
Pick up shorts, shirts, and pants that are lightweight and created for exercise. You’ll want to consider the current season.
You’ll need to layer up in the winter so you can remove a clothing article when you begin to warm up. Learn more about running during the cold months at Run All The Way.
In the summer months, opt for lighter clothing and run in the morning or evening. This way, you can avoid the hotter temperatures in the early and late afternoon.
Use Apps to Track Your Running Progress
Some fitness trackers will help you stay motivated. You can track how many calories you’ve burned, steps you’ve run, and the distance. You can also learn what your heart rate is and your running pace.
Consider using one of these apps to track your progress. You will feel encouraged by the improvements you make over time.
Run Short Intervals
Are you feeling excited to start your journey as a runner? In the beginning, try not to make a massive goal to run the entire distance without stopping.
Instead, break your run into intervals and keep them short. Don’t feel bad about walking between the intervals. Give your body a chance to recover.
As you run, you can lengthen the running intervals and reduce your walks. Consider alternating between two minutes of walking and two minutes of running.
Increase your running by one minute every workout. You’ll be able to run the distance without walking once.
Don’t Go Too Fast
Your body will need to adjust to the new strains and stresses of running. Some people run too fast at the beginning, and they get injured or feel frustrated.
Try to run at a moderate pace. You’ll know it’s an average pace if you can still hold a conversation.
Maintain the same pace throughout the run. You want to give your body a chance to get used to the new demands from running.
Recovery Time
Did you finish your first run, and now you want to go for another one? Give yourself a day of rest before attempting another run right away.
You want to give your muscles and bones a chance to rest before the next run. You will avoid any injuries by scheduling your run every other day.
Take Short Steps
Running is a demanding sport that involves technique. A lot of beginners will jog hard and waste energy. Your body needs to develop the proper coordination to perform all the movements as you run.
As you run, try to maintain a good form but stay relaxed. Easy and short steps are more effective than powerful strides.
What Are You Running On?
Beginner runners don’t always know what surface they should run on. You can mix up the surfaces, so you aren’t running on one single plain.
If you’re a fast runner, you may want to run on pavement. You’ll have a lower chance of turning your ankle.
Yet pavement doesn’t cushion your steps and thus can be hard on your joints. Only run on pavement if you have proper form and are lighter weight.
A park or forest floor is excellent because they provide you with stable cushioning. Watch out for jutting rocks, tree roots, and bumpy ground.
Running across a beach will train your muscles and help lift your feet. You could overwork your calf muscles by training on a beach.
An all-weather synthetic track surface is springy and great for running. One drawback is that it can put stress on your Achilles tendon. A treadmill will allow you to train throughout the year and run on decent cushioning.
Side Aches
Try not to eat solid food two hours before you go for your run. Make sure you drink small amounts beforehand as well.
If a side ache hits you, take a short walking break. Breathe in a calm manner and press your hand against the pain. Don’t run again until the pain has gone.
Strengthen Your Core
Running will work out your entire body. Your core is the main center, and your arm movements will influence your hips, cadence, and step length.
To run well, you need a stable and robust core. The rest of your muscles need to be in decent shape, too, to run in a light manner.
A well-conditioned body will also prevent any compensation injuries. Add strength training to your exercise regime.
Cross Train
Your heart health will improve if you do different types of sports. Also, a variety of sports will reduce any stress that running places on your spine and joints. You will also feel less bored and keep your passion for running.
Now You Know More Beginner Running Tips
We hope these new tips for runners were helpful. Take the time to use these easy running strategies that don’t put a lot of strain on your body. Use these beginner running tips to start your running journey today.
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