How to Run for Beginners

If you are first starting out running it can seem like an overwhelming task ahead. Running in itself is not the hard part; the hard part comes from your mind. Running is not all physical in fact a good portion of it is mental and determined on how you chose to look at the running ahead. Running short distances for beginners can require the same mindset as a marathon runner at 23 miles. The key to starting to run is don't try to do it all at once start off slow and work your way up, not even the best runners in the world got to where they were in one day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running shoes

1. Start off with a jogging and walking combination. This can consist of jogging for 5 minutes walking for a 1 minute and then keep repeating. The key is to do what you can and run as long as you can without killing yourself.

2. Have a goal. It is very important that you have a running goal for yourself. Many times if you don't then you end up slacking off. There are many training programs out there you can find that can show you a day by day planner.

3. Don't give up! EVERYONE is going to have bad days. It doesn't matter how experienced you are there are going to be days where it feels impossible to run. The key is just to keep pushing through and finish what you have set out to do.

4. Stretch! There are many injuries that sneak up on runners and they do not realize that they are injured until it is too late. Most of these injuries however can be avoided in the most part with good stretching. Spend at least 20 minutes when you get back from your run stretching out the muscles in your body, particularly your legs and calves.

5. Find a running buddy. Though this is hard to do sometimes it always helps to find someone else at your level to help you through your runs. If you can find someone to start with it helps to have another person pushing you and working together to accomplish your goals.

Tips & Warnings

• The main idea is to just stick with it. It is not going to be something you get better at after one or two times it will take time but if you stick with it you will see improvement.
• Do not overtrain, especially as a beginner, it can be more hurtful than helpful. Start slow as a beginner in running.

[sbarry77]

on 10/27/2009 Great tip on running, not an easy task but does get easier after awhile. 5*

[bakerthebrand]

on 9/20/2009 Nice post.

[shoegal13]

on 9/1/2009 Sounds like we have a lot of the same tips!!

[writinghigh]

on 8/20/2009 I've been running for years. This article is perfect for someone taking up the sport.