Celebrating National Running Day
June 4, 2014Tips on How to Kick-Start Your Running Routine
Today is National Running Day and the perfect reason to get outside and enjoy one of the most beneficial yet basic exercises out there! For those who enjoy running – you know who you are – I don’t need to tell you all the ways you can improve your life through running; physically, mentally and even socially. I never want to press upon anyone an activity they sincerely do not enjoy, but if you haven’t given running a shot or feel you haven’t found “your thing” yet, today is the day to test that out.
Here’s some simple advice to get you literally up and running:
Start slow! Run at a pace you can easily carry on a conversation and don’t attempt to run the entire time. There are many training plans that cater to those starting with NO running base and include walking then running at a 1:2 ratio, slowly building until you are running continuously. Check out the free Couch to 5K program here!
Run with a friend or music. 7 miles used to be my long runs, then I joined a running group that met once a week and you could choose to go 4-5-6 or 7 miles. I planned to do 5 my first time but was enjoying everyone’s stories and meeting new people that I didn’t want to turn around and I did 7 every week from there on out! Need to go solo? Find a podcast or make a fast paced playlist and lose yourself in that.
Make it a habit. Even if you can only fit in a short run, making it a regular activity will not only make it become part of your routine but part of who you are. Write a run into your schedule and treat it as any other meeting.
Be patient. Pushing too hard or going too far too fast will only set you back with an injury. Slowly build your endurance and you’ll get there. For more training plans, check out Hal Higdon’s free programs here!
Need more than National Running Day as a reason to run? Check out this list of 30 convincing reasons to start running now and begin finding yours!
