Never run before. Don’t know where to start, which shoes, what clothes or what distance is the right for a beginner? From ZERO to Hero, running can be easy with the right tips and the right mindset.
My running journey started at the end of 2018. My mother is all into running and she tried lots of times to convince me to start running but without any success. Until one day, when I decided to change my NO sport routine.
Since my 18s I struggled with scoliosis and the best non-invasive solution was strengthening back muscles. As a sports teacher, my mother always said to me that swimming and running would be my best go-to tool to avoid back surgery. Well, better late than never. With a strong desire to get rid of the constant back pain and to get in shape after 2 childbirths, I started to run in the autumn of 2018.
I want to share with you the 6 tips each beginner should consider in his/her running journey. Some of them I've learnt from my mother - a marathon and semi-marathon runner at the age of 57, others are from my experience.
Tip #1 - I am unique
Don’t compare yourself to others! No matter your distance or speed you are still a runner and you are always going faster than those sitting on the sofa at home!
Tip #2 - Walk / Run program
Try Jeff Galloway’s Run/Walk program. You can find online more details about this program but here's an idea of what this might look like:
Warm-up
Walk 3 minutes
Run 1 minute
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until done
Cooldown
Tip #3 - Be patient with yourself
Don't go too far, too fast, or too soon, run at your own pace... if you felt tired and out of breath, slow down or just walk. Finally, don't forget to smile 😊
I started with jogging 1 mile per day, 2 times a week and it took me almost a month to get used to this new routine.
Tip #4 - Enjoy the process
Enjoy the process of becoming a better version of yourself.
"The goal isn't just to get there. It is also to have fun along the way." – Anonymous
Tip #5 - Invest in a good pair of trainers
Here I made my biggest mistake of not taking my mother’s advice. I started running with a pair of trainers not designed for running... and guess what happened? I've got terrible leg pains after the first week.
No more injuries since I've researched and invested in a good pair of running shoes.
Tip #6 - Your mind is your only limit
Take your mind off the hard bits with podcasts or music listening. I found that listening to my favourite songs boosts my drive and increases my adrenaline. This makes the process so much easier and enjoyable.
For safety reasons, I listen to music/ podcasts only in one ear.
Good shoes, a good mindset, and consistency!
Have you started your running journey yet? Which of the tips helped you in your running? Leave a comment below, would love to hear your story.