So, you’ve decided to take up running. Well, congratulations! By putting on that pair of running shoes and walking out the door, you’ve taken the first step to a healthier, fitter you!
But just because you’ve started that process doesn’t mean you know everything you need to know to be a successful runner. Below you will find some tips to guarantee that you will end up in the upright position following every excursion.
Know your speed
Look, we all want to run fast but, unfortunately, that just isn’t possible for many of us. So, when you’re out running, be sure to know your pace. If you can’t do a 10-minute mile, don’t sweat it; you can work your way up to that with practice and dedication. If you can’t run a mile the first time you’re running the neighborhood or the track, that’s fine too – there are plenty of people who use a run/walk method. In fact, one of the most popular methods out there, the Galloway Method developed by famed marathoner Jeff Galloway, utilizes timed running and walking intervals.
Increase mileage slowly
Be sure to keep this in mind of you may regret it the next day when you roll out of bed to find your legs don’t work the way you remember them. Start slow; if you’re not used to running, start with a half mile. Increase that distance as you feel comfortable – there’s no need to rush right into a 10K if your body isn’t ready for it. Doing so will only enhance the possibility of injury or excessive soreness. Keep the distances short, keep the pace slow, and you’ll build up to where you want to be!
Stay hydrated
For us in the South, and especially during the nine-month summer we experience in North Florida, this is a big one. If you’re running any distance – whether it’s a mile of 10 miles – make sure you’re staying hydrated. Even though many runners turn to those high-priced sports drinks, water will do the trick most of the time. Staying hydrated helps prevent a decline in performance, and if you’re feeling fatigued, there’s a good chance a glass of water can help push you toward the finish line.
Sign up for the right races
We love the local runs, but everyone wants to sign up for the big name races, whether it’s a Disney World event or the Boston Marathon. But if you haven’t completed a 5K, don’t sign up for a full marathon. Despite the low cost of running around your neighborhood, race fees can add up, especially if they’re some of the more well-known runs in the area. And if you sign up for a race, be sure to train – there’s nothing worse than paying money for a race and realizing, come race day, that you are completely unprepared.
Have fun
I’ll be honest – those first few runs, they won’t be fun. You should know that now. But, they’ll be less fun if you push yourself harder than you should. Do what you can at first – the distance and speed will come later. Running can be an incredibly rewarding activity, if you hang with it.
