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Getting started with running
What is Running and How to Start a Running Routine
Running is an incredible exercise that can be done almost anywhere - it's cheap, easy to learn, and can provide a great workout. Whether you're a beginner or experienced runner, everyone can benefit from learning the basics of running and how to start a running routine. This article will provide tips for beginners on how to start jogging and build up their endurance. We'll cover the basics of running form, nutrition, and developing a beginner running program that will help you reach your goals. With this information in hand, you'll be well-equipped to take your first steps into the world of running!
Get Your Heart Rate Up and Release Some Energy.
One way to start a running routine is to jog for 6- 8 minutes at an easy pace, then walk for 2-3 minutes. This heart rate release technique can help you build up your endurance and get yourself ready to run again! To keep the heart rate up, try brisk walking or the long strides of jogging.
Start Slow.
Starting slowly can help your muscles transition into the activity gradually, so they're not overloaded with too much too soon - it'll reduce the risk of injury and increase your chance of sticking to a routine. It also helps the body acclimate and actually buffer itself, which will provide a more natural and comfortable experience. If you're new to running, start with just 5 minutes (no matter how long your run is supposed to be), then build up from there!
Rehearse The Route.
Before you head out on your run, make sure you know where all the hurdles are and have enough time for all of them.
Run With Others.
It's hard not to be motivated in the beginning - try starting slow with others! Runners usually stick together, so take advantage of that!
Plan Ahead That First Week.
If you're new to running, don't try and do a lot at once, and don't be disappointed if you're not able to run a certain distance or speed.
Enter A Race.
If you want to take it up and see how far you can go, enter yourself in a race!
Have Goals.
Before starting your run, think about what your goal is and set it in your mind - it will help keep you on track all the way through!
Developing the Right Mindset & Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals and developing the right mindset are essential for any runner. Without them, staying motivated when running can become a challenge. It is important to have short-term and long-term goals that will help you stay focused and on track with your running journey. Developing the right mindset involves understanding what motivates you, having realistic expectations, and believing in yourself. It also involves setting realistic goals that are achievable and challenging simultaneously. When you have set your goals, it is important to track your progress, so that you can adjust your plan accordingly if needed. By developing the right mindset and setting realistic goals, runners can stay motivated when running and achieve their long-term fitness goals. Developing the right mindset involves understanding what motivates you, having realistic expectations, and believing in yourself.
It is important to have goals that are achievable and challenging simultaneously. When you have set your goals, it is important to track your progress, so that you can adjust your plan accordingly if needed. For example, if a goal was to run a marathon in six months, but after three or four weeks of training, runners may want to lower their goal to one mile at a time until they can run for an hour or more before stopping for the day. This strategy allows runners who want to reach the marathon goal to continue towards their goal, while also taking the time they need to run the longer distance. The right mindset and realistic goals are important for runners, because without them, runners may feel overwhelmed when starting new running programs or when injuries occur that force them to stop running altogether. Developing a healthy mind set and setting realistic goals allows you to stay motivated as you begin your new running plan or recover from injury.
Choosing the Best Equipment & Apparel for Your Run
Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but having the right equipment and apparel can make or break your running experience. From finding the perfect pair of shoes to choosing the most comfortable clothes, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting the best gear for your runs. In this article, we'll discuss some of the best shoes and workout clothes for runners of all levels, so that you can enjoy your run without any distractions.
Best Shoes for Runners
Shoes are the most important piece of running gear you can have. They can be a huge source of pain or soreness throughout your long runs, and they'll provide enough support to run comfortably. Before selecting your shoes, it's important to understand the differences between running shoes and walking shoes. While walking shoes may provide more cushioning than running shoes, they don't offer the same support or protection that running shoes do. As a result, runners should consider purchasing just one pair of good-quality running footwear to get the most out of their workouts.
A good running shoe will provide excellent support for your feet, which means you can run long distances without pain or discomfort. Running shoes are typically made from lightweight materials like mesh, leather, and synthetic material, or more durable materials like rubber and carbon fibre.
As a general rule, running shoes should have a heel between two inches and four inches high. The cushioning in the shoe should also be thick enough to protect your feet from impact, but not so thick that it becomes difficult to move through the shoe. There shouldn't be too much padding in the heel, because it places pressure on your Achilles tendon. Running shoes with a large heel to toe drop have been shown to cause more injuries than running shoes with a small heel-toe drop.
The materials used in your running shoe should feel soft and supple. The interior of the shoe should be made from high-quality materials like leather or suede, which help provide breathability and durability, as well as wick away moisture so your feet don't become sweaty while you run. The shoe's outsole should also be made from durable material that won't wear down quickly, but it needs to provide enough traction so you don't slip or trip on the ground.
The width of your running shoe should match the length of your foot, as this provides optimal stability. Shoes that are too small or too large will not offer the same level of stability.
Learn the Basics of Proper Form & Technique
If you want to get the most out of your running workout, then it’s important to learn the basics of proper form and technique. Knowing how to properly position your body while running can help you run faster and longer distances safely. It can also help you avoid injuries by using the proper breathing techniques while jogging. Learning proper form and technique is essential for any runner who wants to maximise their performance and stay safe while doing so. The following are some of the most common form and technique mistakes that you need to avoid when running:
Running with your hands behind your head.
The common mistake many runners make is running with their arms at their sides, throwing their hands up in the air like a scarecrow, or putting them behind their head. In all three cases, this puts strain on the lower back and can lead to added stress on the vertebrae. Instead of doing this, it’s best to have your arms carry out a natural movement as you run by swinging them from side-to-side. . This will keep the momentum of your running going forward and help avoid unwanted stress on your back.
Going for a run warm up.
A big mistake some runners make is to go for an out-and-back run without properly warming up beforehand. If you want to increase your chances of getting injured, it’s best not to start running until you are warmed up properly. This includes warming up by walking, jogging in place, or having a light jog around the block with some light stretching afterwards. After about 15 minutes of this warm-up routine, it’s time to start your run.
Running when you’re ill or injured.
A common mistake of runners is to run when they are sick or injured. This is a big no-no and will only worsen your injury. Instead, it’s best to take days off from running while you recover. If you feel the injury can be managed without surgery, then it’s usually safe to start running again once the pain and swelling has gone down significantly.
Not hydrating properly.
A big mistake most runners make is not hydrating properly before a run, which leads to dehydration and discomfort. The right way to hydrate before a run is to drink fluids or sports drinks. After hydrating, it can be helpful to drink extra water as you exercise.
Running too long.
If running for long periods is your goal, it’s important that you take time away from running and start again when the soreness has subsided and your injury has healed. Too much running for too long can lead to overuse injuries, such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
Recap (Making a Plan & Sticking To It - Tips to Keep You Going)
Making a plan and sticking to it is the key to success when it comes to running. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned runner, having a plan and following it can help you stay motivated and reach your goals. In this article, we will discuss some useful tips on making a plan and sticking to it, so that you can become an even better runner. From creating the right training plan for beginners runners, setting realistic goals, tracking your progress, and more – we’ll cover everything you need to know about making a plan and sticking with it.
Create a training plan.
When it comes to running, there are many types of training plans that you can follow. What works best for beginners is one that provides gradual progression and allows time to rest between runs. A target running distance for the beginner is generally 3-4 miles per week. Beginner runners should also keep their workouts under an hour and start with 2-3 runs per week, before moving up to 4 or 5 runs per week if desired. The key to a successful training plan is easy progression and plenty of rest time, so you don’t end up over-training.
Choose good running shoes.
Your running shoe choice is important, as it can make or break your training. It may seem like a small detail, but when it comes to injury prevention and even performance, the choice becomes obvious. You may wonder what shoes are best for your needs.
A good first pair of shoes can help you get started and gain confidence as you find your stride. The shoe should provide comfortable cushioning without sacrificing support, so that you don’t risk injury. It should also be lightweight and have an easy-to-grip toe box that allows for natural foot movement. The toe box should be wide enough so that your toes have plenty of room to move around, but not too wide, as to provide too much comfort and cause blisters. The air mesh upper will allow breath-ability and airflow. This is especially important for warm weather running shoes, as you need adequate ventilation during warmer months. The shoe should support the arch of your foot by providing a solid platform with enough flexibility, so that the shock absorption in each step is distributed throughout multiple layers of the mid-sole. The material used in the upper should not slip, rub, or cause friction.
Begin your run slowly.
One of the most common beginner mistakes is simply starting out too fast at first -- this can lead to injury if taken too far, and can set you up for injury for the rest of your running career.
The best way to tackle this is by experimenting with your own pace at first, and gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable with each run. It's always better to ease into a workout than to jump right in and risk an injury.
Pace yourself if you're struggling with your training.
A common mistake runners make is overdoing it when they are coming back from a break, even though they may be feeling good at the moment. This often leads to injuries, as well as burning out quickly before finishing their program properly. If you struggle with your training, it's always best to gradually ease back into it. You might even want to start with a shorter program, and just do a few weeks of low-intensity running before you fully ramp up again.
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