GOOD for you! Really! Running is amazing. I mean, you will HATE it as long as you’re actually running but as soon as you are done you will look forward to your next run. It is a feeling of freedom and accomplishment. Also, the post-run showers are sooo good!
Okay, you’ve never run before. That’s OK! I find that the best way to get started is to go by a c25k program. That’s short for “Couch to 5k” :)
There are several c25k apps out there. Personally I would recomment the Zombies, Run! 5k app. It is sooo fun that I promise that you will both smile like an idiot and even break into laughter while running! The company behind this c25k have also released a game called Zombies, Run! (I will get back to this later on in this post :)) and they are experienced and skilled voice actors whom will guide you throughout your training and the game plot. You will NOT have to run from actual zombies during the c25k app, so you don’t need to worry about that (yet ;))
Right. You are Runner 5. You have been taken in as a new runner and this is your training. It’s a 9 week program where you slow and steady will learn how to run further and further until you will be able to run 5k. I was able to run 10k before even getting through week 8 - and believe me, I couldn’t run for shit before starting. Amazing, I know! The 5k training is available here for both Android and iOS users :)
If you are a more experienced runner and want to get into some REAL fun, get the Zombies, Run! app (also available here) In this game, you will HAVE to get away from zombies. They are super scary, so you will want to run - trust me on this! They will not be chasing you all the time - but when they show up, you need to run app. 30% faster than you already was to get away alive. Eek! This does mean that you can use this app for walking and add running for whenever you’re under attack, but I would recommend using it for slow jogging&bursting/sprinting.
Whenever you are NOT chased by zombies you will be picking up supplies to help build up Abel township (this is the town you are helping out in the game :)) This is an automatic action and nothing you need to worry about - the app will tell you whenever you have picked up something new. If you are a completionist like me, this is really the game for you! ;)
First of all: A pair of comfortable running shoes. The best thing to do here is to go to a store where they specialize in running shoes and let them help you which shoe would be the best one for your running step. Pro tip: Don’t actually buy the shoes in their store - write down the name and all that you need and look for them on the internet. I bought my running shoes for HALF THE PRICE on Amazon, you can’t really argue with that ;)
A good playlist. The Zombies, Run! games uses the phone playlist, so you will need to download whatever music you will want to listen to. Choose whatever song you like to workout to - but make sure that at least a couple of them are really upbeat! You will want to have those extraordinary burst songs to keep you going!
Patience! Understand that running will take you further everytime you get out to run, but don’t push youself too far beyond your limits. You will get there in time, I promise. Just be consistent and fair to yourself and you will be running 10k’s in no time! :)
Precisely so! Be it your tumblr, pen&paper, your Facebook wall: Keep a journal of your runs! Be honest, write how you felt, what you accomplished today, thoughts for next run.
You wonder why? Because whenever you are feeling down and think that you’ve come nowhere: Look back a couple of weeks. When you find that you wrote “OMG I ran for 2 minutes without stopping!” in excitement, you will realize that those 10 minutes you just finished are really something special and that you are making such amazing progress. Trust me! :)
Awesome! Now, remember: It is sooo important that you have fun and enjoy what you do! Let yourself fall in love with running and for all that is holy: Make sure you DON’T get caught and eaten by the zombies!
As soon as you’re running: Congratulations, you are a runner! You will notice how your body starts asking you to run even when you are out for a walk - I can’t really describe the feeling, but it’s like a longing to fly. Running is flying. Just get out there, you’ll see what I mean ;)
And, finally, some words of wisdom:
(and never hesitate to send me an ask if you need someone to talk to, ask for awesome running songs, brag about your best run and if needed be comforted by. I’ll be there, and I promise I won’t eat you <3)
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