Running – some helpful tips on getting started

Running may seem boring. To some people maybe it is. I don't agree with this statement though. For example, if you take a different route each time, how can it be boring? You get to experience some new surroundings each time, different people passing by, and you feel differently as well.

Being out with some people you don't have anything in common might be boring, but have you ever tried to get bored with just your own company? It's also a great way to rethink your problems and other thoughts you've accumulated over your day or even week.

And running is cheap. You don't need some fancy equipment. Having a pair of some comfortable shoes to spare? You're ready to go then.

Don't overthink it

Let's be honest, everyone has done that at some point. We all like to think, analyze the situation, the possible options. It's normal, but doesn't always help. Before going out for a run you'll often start thinking about it.

Is the weather okay? Am I too tired? Should I really go? Maybe tomorrow?

Many times after asking yourself all those questions you'll probably end up staying at home and watching Netflix instead. When it comes to going for a run – don't overthink it. In fact, don't think at all – just go.

Find a running partner

It's so much easier to make running a habit when you do it with someone else, plus – it's more fun!

Find somebody who also likes running and do it together. You'll both end up being more motivated and it'll be easier to stick to the schedule when one person engages the other.

You don't know anyone who runs or you prefer to do it alone? No problem, find someone online and follow them in your running app of choice. You don't even have to talk to them, just seeing someone being active and reaching more and more kilometers can be truly stimulating you to move! That's what I did when my friend that I used to run with moved out of my city. Being able to see our workout history in the app creates kind of a healthy competition – you want to go for a run when your friend just came back from one. You want to run faster when you see his pace improved. It's a win-win situation.

Don't work out too much

You might get really passionate about running – and that's okay. But please, don't overdo it. Listen to your body. Always make your health an absolute priority – getting a few kilometers more is never worth an injury. Let your body recover. Let your muscles rest. It's so important, I can't stress this enough.

If you have any health concerns, please always consult with a doctor first. It's one thing to overcome your weaknesses and a completely different one to hurt yourself in the process. Remember to always give 100%, be strong but never sacrifice your health. It's all about the fun and pleasant experience in the end!

Pain is temporary, pride is forever.

Start slowly

If you're an absolute beginner it might be a good idea to start by walking. Yes, that's right – walking. Try to prepare your body for some new exercise first. Walking for an hour or even half an hour might really help in the beginning. Do that for a few days and then mix up your walks with running. Keep the pace you're comfortable with. Doesn't really matter if you do it really slow. You don't need to become another Usain Bolt straight away. It's meant to be fun!

When you feel that you can go faster someday – feel free to do that. But remember that it's not all about the speed. Some people might prefer speed over distance, though I'm in the distance over speed camp myself :)

Take more steps

This might sound like a bad advice but I think many people, especially the beginners, don't know about this. You might think that by taking more steps you'll get more exhausted, but actually that's the opposite!

Taking long strides will make you less effective and more tired in the end. Taking more steps is also beneficial to your body, because the landing is much softer. It's harder to get injured this way and that's definitely what we're aiming for.

Breathe

It might be hard to breathe the right way in the beginning. Don't worry, it'll all come with time and experience! What I can surely recommend is trying to avoid short and shallow breaths. You'll probably have to fight with that urge for a bit, but once you'll get used to more calm, deep and long breaths it's going to change the experience a lot for the better.

I hope I gave you some motivation and helpful tips! Are you curious how it could feel? Try it on your own, if you end up in love with running – amazing, if you find out it's not your cup of tea – no problem. If you never try, you'll never know, right?

A year from now you'll wish you had started today.