Running for those who are wanting to run but are nervous to commence.

You desire to be able to run.

In the past you may have had a love-hate relationship in trying to learn to run. This could be your first time getting into running and trying to be able to do it.

 

Look, I feel that everyone can and is capable of running but our fears, pains, discomfort and motivation are holding us back from starting.

First, let us think about why and the purpose of all your running. Why are you choosing to run?

Is the reason you are running because you want to have clarity from a stressful day at work? You want to have an active lifestyle? You want to improve your health? You want to be able to socialise. Think about this when you are in the middle of your run and it is getting tiring to continue. Draw back on that purpose and it will help you take steps closer towards your goal of being able to run.

You know you want to run. And you have thought about the purpose and reason why you are running. The question now pops up on how to run.

A couple of considerations to have a think about when approaching learning how to run.

First consideration

Is think about how do you like to run? And what I mean by that is consider the different ways you can go out to run. You can go out running with music on, three times a week, solo running. Or you could find a buddy, a friend or a group to go running with. Do you prefer to do it on your own or a group?

Do you love the indoors on a treadmill in a gym or your own home? Or do you love getting out in the fresh air and hitting the outdoors more so than indoors? My preference is outdoors! The other one to also think about is do you like road running or do you like going out in the bush and the trails if you are an outdoor lover? Figure out which suits you best.

Second consideration

Consider items that are going to help you learn to run. Things like running apps, music, running shoes and water bottle carriers. With apps, there are great ones out there that have a voice telling you when to run and when to walk. Which helps you build up your distance and confidence in running. Couch to 5 K is a well-known app that I do recommend as well.

If you are getting out and doing longer runs look into water bottle carriers or holding a water bottle. Now, probably the other one to consider and is probably very vital as well is a firm and supportive sports bra. This is must.

Third consideration

Our third one in the same line as a sports bra, which is appropriate & comfortable clothing.

Are you wearing a baggy top or a tight-fitted top? Whichever your preference is. Do you wear longer pants or shorts? Do not come along in jeans or something that is not comfortable to wear when you are moving and running.

Think about your running shoes as well. They are important when you are moving around because that gives you the most amount of support, especially when you are hitting that ground and being comfortable when you run is important and makes the process of running a little easier as you do it.

Starting to run

Now, getting into how to run. The biggest thing with running is consistency! You can not beat actually physically doing the work of running to get you towards the goal of running. Now, that is sometimes hard to hear but break it down. Start where you are at right now.

If you are just walking at the moment, but you are doing it consistently, great. Let us step that up a little bit by going let us make one or two of those three times a week a run day. And start with a small time period. Start with a 10-minute time period. Or shorter if you need or more if you need but start with that same time and then gradually build one to two minutes every week. Only time, not the distance, just go with the time. What you will find is that if you are going the same pace or you are going faster or slower, and you stick with the same time, it is a tick and start, actually no, give yourself permission to put the bar where it needs to be. Set it at a certain point that you feel comfortable and work up from there.

Build it up

From here, then it is just like building muscle. It is changing up and varying what you are doing to create that stimulus. You might need to do faster runs in a shorter time period. You might need to increase your time period to get that endurance going. There are lots of different ways and I would recommend if you are looking to that, look around your local area for running groups. A Park Run on Saturday mornings is wonderful around the world. Or even a local outdoor fitness group to help you guide you on how to learn to run.