Do's and Don'ts for beginner runners
Growing up, I was never a ârunnerâ. And I never thought I could become one. Why would anyone want to run?! Legs hurting, shortness of breath, side cramps, sore body, and mental blocks are just a few of my old excuses. I caught the running bug and started seriously running in January of 2014, but that was not my first attempt at this sport. I had tried it on and off on several different occasions and failed miserably. But for several reasons (which I am about to list), I have stuck with it this time around. So you could say Iâm experienced: A. In failing as a runner and B. In being a successful runner.
DO find a running buddy. This is so important in the beginning. When youâre about to hit the snooze button (âwhat crazy person wakes up before the sun to go torture themselves?â), you remember that your running buddy will be waiting on you. There were countless occasions when, if it were up to me, I would have just slept in. When you run with a friend, it keeps a few things in check. First off, if you keep conversation going, it will help you discover what pace works best for you. Second, with a friend to distract you, the miles go by much faster. You will still have bad days, but a good friend makes for a great distraction.
DO spend money on a good pair of shoes. In the beginning, skimp on those name brand tanks and designer leggings and spend that money on your feet! They will thank you! I highly recommend going to a specialty store and being fitted for just the right pair. They will watch you walk/run and look at tread patterns on your old shoes to pick just the right ones for you.
DONâT do all your running on a treadmill. Itâs OK every now and then when itâs freezing cold or pouring rain, but running outside is always a new adventure. Donât let your mind get bored with running. News flash: if you ever get to the point where you dread going for a run, you will not keep it up for much longer! Which brings me to my next pointâŚ
DO try out new places for a run. I have around ten places in my city where my friend and I run. Changing up your routine keeps running exciting, and prevents boredem. It will also make you a better runner. If you arenât feeling great, hit up a nice flat course that day. And if youâre looking for a challenge, test yourself with a more difficult or hilly run.
DONâT expect immediate results. If you live in the south like me, then youâve experienced the brutal heat and humidity that July and August can bring. Right when I started feeling like I was getting the hang of the whole ârunning thingâ, the heat wave hit. My times got worse, my chest got tighter, and I felt like I had wasted the last 6 months training. But Iâm here to attest that if you can make it through the summer months, you will impress yourself when the weather cools back down.
DO sign up for a race. The challenge keeps you accountable, and gives you a tangible goal. Plus you get a T-shirt and possibly a medal. Trust me, youâll be hooked just like I was. Iâm certain there is a race out there for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail runs, themed races, night runs, or early mornings⌠Thereâs something out there for all of us. Just do your research.
And last but not leastâŚ.
DONâT forget why you started. Did you want to lose weight? Run a marathon? Improve overall health? Whatever your reason may be, donât forget it. For myself, the first 6 months were the hardest. During that time, I fell in love with the sport, and after that running was not a chore. It was a part of my everyday life. We have to stop picturing running as âjust another exerciseâ and start picturing it as a âlifelong sportâ.
