Unless you are one of the few people who have a natural affinity for running, starting a running routine can be daunting. You want to be like those people and just go for a run on a whim, but the thought of wheezing and feeling like you’re dying while your legs cramp up makes you wary of starting the process. It can be hard to ease your way into running when you don’t even know how to begin. So, here’s five steps you can take to start your running routine off on the right foot.
- Find a place to run. This place doesn’t have to be a gym. It can be a local park, your neighborhood, some back roads, or even your backyard. You don’t need to have a state-of-the-art treadmill or running track to start running. As long as you have space to run and the motivation to do so, you’re all good.
- Download a running app. This will help you track your progress and help you actually start a routine if you don’t know where to start. My personal favorite app is Couch to 5K, which slowly trains you to run a 5K in nine weeks. There are also apps like MapMyRun, Endomondo, and Running for Weight Loss.
- Find comfortable shoes. Sneakers are, of course, the best kind of shoe to run in. If the closest thing you own to a sneaker is a pair of Converse, then it’s time to go shoe shopping. Even the cheapest pair of sneakers can make all the difference while you’re running.
- Set up goals for yourself. If you choose to use an app, it will help you do this, but you ultimately have to decide what you want to achieve. Are you running because you want to lose weight? Do you want to become healthier? Do you want to make yourself physically stronger? Will running be your way to clear your head? Whatever your goals, make sure you define them. You’re doing this for yourself.
- Go for it. Once you’ve decided what your goals are, just start running. It will be easier to reach your goals and continue your routine once you’ve started. So, lace up those sneakers and start running!
Running can be daunting, especially if you’ve never really run before. It is possible to do, though. If you have enough motivation and the right state of mind, you can do it. Remember, you’re not doing this for anyone but yourself.
