Running is one of my favourite things to do, and I love going for a good run after a stressful day to release some endorphins! If you're thinking of starting to run, it can be daunting.
You might feel like you can't do it, or you're not fit enough, or you need to buy lots of new gear to do it properly. But that's not the case! I was a beginner not too long ago, and now I'm training for a half-marathon.
In this blog post, I want to offer some running tips for beginners. You'll find out how to set yourself goals that you can achieve, and a few things that helped me out when I first started getting active.
Whether you want to start training for a specific challenge or you just want to do a bit more exercise in your day-to-day routine, I've got you covered!
1. Set yourself achievable goals
It's important to set yourself achievable goals when you start a new hobby or sport. It's great to have ambition, but you need to make sure your goals are always within reach to keep up motivation and inspiration.
Find little things you can aim for, such as going for a run every weekend or every other day.
2. Try out Couch to 5K
I found Couch to 5K really useful when I first started running, and it's a great idea for beginners. It literally shows you how to get from the couch, to running 5K.
It might sound like a long distance when you've not been for a run yet- but it's an achievable distance and it doesn't matter how long it takes you. You can do it, trust me.
Couch to 5K makes sure you're starting to run safely, and you know what you're doing while you take on this new challenge.
3. Get the gear
When you first start running, you need to make sure you have everything you need to successfully complete your runs.
This doesn't mean spending lots of money, but you need to make sure you have comfortable trainers and gym wear for your runs, otherwise you could hurt yourself.
If you're going to keep up your new hobby, you need to be as comfortable as possible.
4. Tackle the mental challenge
Running isn't just about the physical challenge, there's also a mental challenge to surmount! You need to understand how to motivate yourself to go for a run after a hard day, and how to feel good about yourself as you try your best at this new challenge.
Starting a new sport is always challenging, and it takes motivation, consistency and mental drive to keep going with it. It's worth it when you get those endorphins, and running has had such a positive impact on my mental health!
5. Give yourself a treat afterwards
If you're anything like me, sometimes you need a little motivation to get out for a run. Make sure to give yourself a treat after you've finished your run.
It's a huge accomplishment, and you deserve to soak yourself in a bath for the evening or enjoy a nice cold drink when you get back home.
6. Make the most of the after-run endorphins
After you've finished a run, you always feel on top of the world! If you're a running beginner, make the most of these endorphins by timing your run before you start your day, or head out to meet friends afterwards.
It's important to focus on the endorphins so that you feel like you want to go for a run again soon.
7. Plan your run around your schedule
I cannot stress this enough! You need to plan your run around your schedule, or you'll never keep it up. Go for a run after work, before work or only on the weekends.
It doesn't matter when you head out, but you won't keep it up if you don't find ways to make running as convenient as possible for you.
8. Find a challenge
I've been training for a half-marathon recently- and it's really pushed me to try harder when I run.
Even if you just set yourself a little challenge, or you find someone else to set one for you, this is a great way to stay on top of your running schedule- and make this a regular habit that will stick!
Are you a running beginner? Do you agree with my running tips for beginners? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
