Whether you’re a consistent runner, only run a couple times a year, or have never even ran in your life. There’s no better time than the present to consider taking up this activity, and there certainly isn’t any excuse.
As an amateur runner, I would classify myself between running consistently and running a couple times a year. But when this pandemic put a twist into my fitness routine and overall life, I turned towards the outdoors for some guidance. Running.
Running is a love hate relationship for anyone, even for top professionals and Olympians. I never thought that I was a runner and I know most people out there have the same idea. After some guidance from athletes of all types, backgrounds, shapes, and sizes, I have fallen in love with the sport.
Here are 10 things that I wish I knew when I first started running and I still think about every time I lace up my shoes and head out the door!
- Remove these thoughts from your mind
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“I’m not a runner.” “I don’t run.” “I can’t run.” “I hate running.”
Everyone is a runner. Everyone runs. Everyone can run. And you don’t hate running; you just hate running the wrong way. As humans, we were literally born to run. We ran all the time when we were children, so why stop now? These thoughts are your first roadblock in getting into the sport. Limit adding extra stress with any negative and limiting beliefs that you have about yourself and running.
- Understand why you are running
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Every run that you take has a purpose. Start off by avoiding the narrow reasons for why you run, whether it’s to hit a personal best on a 5km distance, lose weight, or to cross a finish line. Instead, run to gain something. To gain fitness, to find clarity or peace, to see more physically and mentally or simply because you can. Run because you have two working legs that are able to move you.
- Have no expectations
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This just sets you up for failure. If you’re expecting to hit a personal best one day and it ends up being one of your worst runs ever, it’s going to ruin your running experience. Head out the door with no expectations and you’ll be happily surprised after every run that you take. You’re not an Olympian, yet.
- You aren’t going to have a great run every day
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You might only have a great run once a month! And that’s okay. Always remember that the fact that you put on your shoes, went outside or to the treadmill and you physically ran, now that’s something to be proud of. You can measure success in so many other different ways. The first step is always getting out the door.
- Invest in a good pair of headphones
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The most annoying part of my first couple of runs were my old school wired headphones. Constantly flailing and falling out of my ears, they soon became my nemesis and ruined many of my runs. I definitely recommend finding a pair of headphones that work for you and your ears.
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Invest in a good pair of running shoes
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I know you’ve probably heard it before, but seriously, having the right shoes tailored to your body is so important for a good and comfortable run. Even if they’re the most beautiful shoe in the world, if they make your body and joints ache after you run, it’s time to find a new brand.
- Start slow
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On every run that you take, start slow. This will allow you to observe how your body is feeling that day and whether or not you can keep a steady pace, slow yourself down or pick it up. Treat the first part of your runs as a warm up to dictate the rest of your effort that day!
- Don’t base your run and routine on anybody else
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Your body is specific to you. We live in a time where we are easily influenced by the constant information on social media. Don’t base your run on someone else’s PB you saw yesterday that they may never hit again. Of course you can implement some of their tips but by trial and error, you can work out your specific running routine that will make you fall in love with the activity. Don’t make it too complicated. All you’re doing is running.
- Download the Nike Run Club App
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This app completely transformed my running journey. It has a library full of guided runs by legendary runners and coaches, with motivating curated playlists and it’s free. Try out the “Suckcess” run, it’s by far my favourite.
- Look at the bigger picture
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You won’t realize in the moment as you’re huffing and puffing along that track or trail but running does wonders for not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. It’s you vs you out there every time you start to move those legs. That is the most powerful feeling in the world.