Top Tips For New Runners

8/18/16

If you’re thinking about becoming a runner, STOP! Before you lace up and hit the road, or track or treadmill, here are my top tips for new runners. These are things I’ve picked up along the way that turned an aversion to exercise into a love of running.

Use a program!

I used the C25K program. It’s an app for your mobile device that takes you through an eight week program to get you running 3.2 miles.

C25K (couch to 5K) will gradually build up to running by giving you walk/run intervals until you can run that first 3.2 miles. It’s a small commitment, with only three workouts a week and you’ll be shocked at how fast you’re logging those miles.

I like this program because it’s gradual. So many people who decide to start running set themselves up for failure by doing too much too soon and they either burn out or get injured. Don’t let that happen to you!

Sign up for a race!

Don’t let fear of commitment get in your way.

By signing up for a race you’re committing to it, you now have something to work towards. There’s an end game to all those workouts.

If you have something to work towards, it gives you that extra incentive to stick with it. Just think about how proud you’ll feel when you cross that finish line. How awesome will it be to wear that race shirt as a reminder of your hard work.

Another great app for training is the Nike+ Run Club. You can chose the distance of your race (and a few other variables) and they will create a program you can follow.

Get a proper shoe fitting!

The fastest way to fail is to get injured. If you get shinsplints two weeks into your journey into running, you’re not really going to want to stick with it.

Any reputable running store will be more than happy to give you a free fitting. They should also be able to work within your budget. Just let them know what you are willing to spend on a pair of running shoes and they can (probably) find you a pair that will work with your body mechanics AND your budget.

I will say that you get what you pay for and there is a big difference between an $80 shoe and a $120. Getting cheap running shoes is not always the economical way to go when you have to replace those shoes sooner.

My top tips for new runners will help you begin your journey to become a runner.

Do you have any questions about running I can answer for you in a future post? Reach out and let me know how I can help you love running as much as I do.