As many of you know I’m a runner, a slow runner, but I run none the less. When I first started “running” a year ago I could not physically run for more than 30 seconds. Last night I ran (jogged) for 15 minutes! I know for a lot of you serious runners that may not seem much, but to me it’s a massive achievement! I think a lot of people, especially women, don’t think that they can run. And I understand, I thought the same thing, and I was so self conscious about running too and I know that’s a major problem for a lot of people. So here’s a few tips and pieces of advice on how to get started…
- You may not be able to run more than 10 seconds. And that’s okay. What’s important is that you go out, and you run those 10 seconds. Just don’t stop moving. When I started I ran for 30 seconds then walked for 5 minutes, and if that’s all you can do then that’s absolutely fine, just don’t stop moving!
- Dress the part. I used to run in really baggy tracksuit bottoms and t-shirts, but as I started to lose weight I brought myself some proper running clothes and it just makes you feel so much more confident! Also, don’t buy really cheap crappy shoes like I did… They will hurt! Give running a go first, but if you’re planning on doing this for the long haul invest in some halfway decent shoes!
- Don’t run everyday. I made this mistake! I ran every single morning, until my body was hurting so much and I pulled a muscle in my leg and couldn’t run for the next two weeks. So, pace yourself! If you can, try giving yourself a day’s rest in-between each run. And if you’re a beginner, maybe run 2-3 times a week, that’s probably a good starting point.
- Stretch. For the love of all that is holy, please stretch before and after running! There are thousands of YouTube videos and websites showing you a few stretches you can do, and just take 5 minutes before and after running to do them to help prevent injuries.
- You don’t have to run in the mornings. Some people are naturally morning people, so if you are then do your running in the morning. But if you’re like me, I much prefer to run in the evening. Find out when you’re at your most energetic and run then.
- Please don’t be self-conscious. This was a huge problem for me. I used to wake up at 6am, in winter, and go for a run then because I was terrified of people looking at me. Now I just don’t care. My body has carried me thousands of miles, it has been through hell and yet here it is, looking fabulous! If this really is holding you back though, maybe start off running in the early mornings or later at night. But as you get better and faster and stronger, you’ll start to realise how amazing your body is!
- Eat and drink well. How can you expect your body to work hard if you feed it crap? Food is still a big problem for me because I have a habit of snacking. But try to just be more aware of the food you eat, and a lot of people find it really useful to write down what they eat each day. I personally really struggled to cut back on food, especially because my family is really unhealthy. In the end I bought myself healthy snacks, like dried fruit and cereal bars. Anything to stop me eating 5 packets of crisps a day! Also, cut out fizzy drinks. Trust me, they taste absolutely amazing when you haven’t has them in ages! If you drink fizzy drinks everyday, maybe try just having one a week? And try to drink more water!
- Treat yourself. Don’t cut out every food you love though! Because this will most likely lead you to quitting and binge-eating. Just eat everything in moderation and you’ll be fine! I know this is easier said than done, but just use your common sense 🙂
- Don’t focus on losing weight. Instead, focus on “non-weight related goals”. I made a list of mine, because as you all know, I love lists 🙂 So these may include things like: being able to run from one place to another without stopping, being able to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath, or maybe you just want to feel good. The weight will drop off if you stick with running and eating better, but I just don’t want anyone to get discouraged because weight loss takes a very long time. This sounds silly, but my main goal was to be able to feel my collarbones. Two years ago I had never felt my collarbones, I wasn’t entirely convinced I even had them! But here they are, and I love them! And if you’re really focused on losing weight, don’t focus on how much you weigh, focus on how many inches you’ve lost around your waist and hips etc. Because as you run you’ll gain muscle, and of course, muscle weighs more than fat so your weight might not drop but seeing those inches go down can be a real motivator.
- Running is not for everyone. Despite how much I encourage people to run, it isn’t for everyone. Give it a go, but if you really hate it then don’t do it. Instead, try other forms of exercise. Join a club, try swimming or cycling, or even home workout videos. My favourite is Blogilates, if you don’t want to go outside to get fit then try her videos, they’re amazing!!
I hope this will encourage a few of you at home to get up and run! If it has then I’d love to hear from you, and if you have any more running tips let me know in the comments 🙂
Thanks for reading!
I loved your tips! I’m thinking about doing a page on cycling.
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Thank you! That’s sounds good, go for it 🙂
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I need to run more. A LOT more.
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Haha, no worries, I need to stop eating so much Chinese takeaway but it’s soo good! Plus I get it for free 😛
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HOW?!
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I work for a Chinese takeaway, which means unlimited Chinese food 😛
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You’re SO lucky!
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This has really come at a good time…my friend has been pushing me to start running and I am also up for it…the only problem is i don’t wake up early..! will get started from tomorrow..sure thing!
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Yes, go for it! Run in the evenings if you have to, just as long as you get up and do it 🙂 Good luck!
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Thank you…that is very much needed!
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No problem, good luck and have fun!
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i wl do ds , a great advice
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Thank you 🙂 And good luck!
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I love Blogilates!
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Right, she’s awesome!
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I used to run but I stopped because I’m either lazy or I was too busyðŸ˜
But this blog post is like encouraging me to start running again😊😊!
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Yay! Good luck 🙂
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Thank you, I’m so going to need it 😊!
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Awesome post!!! My mom thinks it’s unsafe for me to go jogging and she works so I don’t exactly have company -_- Would you recommend watching those jogging/walking at home videos on Youtube? And I LOVE Blogilates too, I don’t even finish her workouts, they’re crazy hard but I’ve really noticed a difference since I started doing them ^-^
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Does she let you outside? Because surely there’s no difference between walking outside and jogging?! Maybe talk to her about it? Say you’ll run during the day, round a set route, perhaps with any friends? I’ve never tried running indoors, I hate running on the spot but you can give it a go 🙂 Right, they’re so hard! But I’m the same, they definitely make a difference 🙂
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This has helped a lot thank you!!
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No problem!
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Hey, I nominated you for an award,, check it out on my blog ^^
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Thanks!!
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Aw this is so sweet. I feel the same about my cycling if I was to start now. Its great advice
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Thank you 🙂
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Congratulations! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Reblogged this on My Crazy Path and commented:
Lots of good information here!
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Thank you!!
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Awesome post !! THe hardest of them all is number 6, at least for me. I needed a click in my head that it is all for me and it is nobodies business. 🙂
Best wishes, Katherine
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Thank you! And I completely understand, that was my biggest problem too. Too right, you need to realise your body is amazing!
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I love these tips. I tried for cross country last year and just physically could not do it because I have problems with my lungs 😦 I’d love to give it a shot another time, I’m just not ready yet.
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I understand, I have heart problems and that definitely effects my ability to run a lot of days. But just take it slow and build yourself up 🙂
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I love running! But for about 20 seconds (; I tried starting off (like you said, actually! Doing a little run/walk/jog/run/walk sort of thing) and thought ‘I’ll do this again tomorrow!’ I didn’t in the end but I did do a slightly too enthusiastic walk… Hmm think I’ll rest today ;D but thank you! I usually give up new exercise ideas but if I feel like quitting I’ll just read this again! X
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Yeah!! Keep going, I know it’s tough but you can do it!!
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I love running! I do it on the treadmill though…never liked to run outside where everyone can see me. I push myself do do 20 mins whenever I can. You feel really good after a nice run! 😀
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Yes, I love that feeling!
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Genuinely speaking the hardest part about exercise, running included, is actually starting. I want to run so bad I just never get to it. This post was perfect.
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So true! And in the words of Shia Labeouf – just do it! Good luck 🙂
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