0 How to Start Running

Running is a great source of regular exercise and has many benefits. Wanting to start running? Like starting anything new, familiarity and knowledge will come with experience and will be one of your best teachers, however, that doesn't mean that taking some advice beforehand is useless.


1. Go Outside and Run

The easiest way to start running is simply to start, which is a bit of a rubbish piece of advice but in reality is the truth. If you want to begin running then the best way to start is to simply get outside and place one foot in front of the other. Whether it's pavement, grass, soil, snow, or sand, it doesn't matter as long as you are getting out there and running. Also, you don't need to invest in some state-of-the-art running shoes, just some old trainers should do the job.

2. Choose the Right Clothes

You can all out if you really want to and get some top-of-the-range running clothes but what it comes down to is wearing clothes that you don't mind getting sweaty in and that are comfortable.  They don't have to be nice clothes, as long as they are comfortable and don't hamper/restrict your movements then it's up to you what you wear. For me personally when I exercise, I like to wear tracksuit-bottoms and a t-shirt with some old trainers.

3. Run 3 or more times a Week

If you want to get into the habit of running then you are going to need to run regularly. If you are just starting out (which chances are you are if you are reading this post) then I wouldn't suggest running everyday and would advise you to run 3-4 times a week. For someone who doesn't run at all or very much, running everyday will probably be too much and could put you off altogether.  

4. Set a Time Limit

Ok, so lets say that you are running 3-4 times a week and have gotten into a routine - which is great. However, to really solidify the habit and make consistent progress you should as well as running regularly also run for a set amount of time. It's no good running 5 minutes one day and then 30 minutes another, yes you will make progress but you don't have a reason to carry on. You may say, well the fact that I want to run should be a compelling enough of a reason to continue running. This may be true, but we all go through periods of time where we don't feel like doing something, and for those days - having a time limit is going to be important. For example, if I was running and I really wasn't in the mood for it and wanted it to end, and didn't have a time limit, then I would more than likely stop. If however, I made sure that I ran 25 minutes a session, then that time-restriction would compel me to continue until I had achieved what I had set out to achieve.

For starting out, maybe the first week or two 10 minutes is sufficient. Then for the week or two after that extend it to 15-20 minutes, and continue the process until you are happy with the amount of time spent running.

Having a time limit when first starting out, I would say, is the most important time to have one. I say this because you won't be used to running and doing too much too quickly won't help you out. So, take things slowly first and work your way upwards, but make sure that you have that time-restriction implemented into your run.

5. Add Distance

An alternative to adding a time-restriction is to add a target distance to complete. So instead of doing 25-30 minutes running, for example, maybe run 2 miles instead. It is just like setting yourself a time-limit to achieve but distance instead.

6.  Try Different Routes

Running back and forth along the same route every time you go for a jog can become stale and tedious. Try mixing it up a bit by having 2-4 different routes planned out so that you can add diversity to your runs.
Different surroundings can make all the difference to your run and can surprisingly help motivate you. Explore different routes and before you know it you'll have lots of places to choose from. Whether you're in the middle of a city or in the heart of the countryside, changing up your running route can really make a difference.

7. Don't Give up During the First Stages

When first starting out you may not really enjoy it or think that you are good at it, and so may be inclined to stop. Don't stop though. In the beginning stages of anything you can't expect to be brilliant, the beginning stages is the most likely place for people to give up. If they just persevered at it then they would improve over time and get good at it, and that's why I encourage you to stick at it before deciding if you would like to dismiss it. I'm a big believer in giving things a chance, and if you are willing to give something a chance, who knows what a big part of your lifestyle it may become.

When I first started this blog, I had a clear view of where I wanted it to be and had clear reasons to why I wanted to start a blog. However much I read up about blogging and running a website it's still not the same as actually doing it yourself. I have learnt a lot since first starting and have been through stages where I really considered quitting, but am very pleased to have given it that chance. Now it is a big part of my life that I want to continue and can't imagine not having.

8. Organise a Routine

People like routines. People like things that they can expect and rely on, having an exercise plan is one of these things that a person can rely upon.
A post of mine dealing with this can be found here: How to Create an Exercise Plan.

9. Stay Hydrated

Exercise, although is very healthy and is something that our bodies need, can dehydrate you. Taking necessary measures to make sure that you stay hydrated is a must. A lot of runners take a water-bottle with them on their jog so that they can drink on the go.
Also, many people before even beginning exercise are already dehydrated, so making sure that you are hydrated beforehand is essential. When I used to jog I would have a glass of water just before I left out of the front door.

10. Don't do Too Much Too Soon

Often when we are starting something we want to start at a level that is way above where we actually are. Wanting to get through the tedious beginning stages is a normal thing that a lot of people feel, for example when starting out with a musical instrument - you want to be able to play lots of fantastic amazing music but instead you have to go through the foundations first and work your way up.
The same holds true for running, a person starting out may (or may not) want to run a marathon but the reality is that it isn't going to happen straightaway. In fact, even a mile may be too much. So start small and work your way up to a level that you want to reach. Doing too much too soon is, whilst understandable, silly and could (certainly in the case of exercise) do more harm than good.