How To Start Running
Thousands of people run for sport, as a hobby, and to get fit. Unlike many other fitness routines and plans, which require a large start up investment, running is very inexpensive. Getting fit and toned can be as simple as running around your block. Running builds muscle, increases endurance, and boosts your overall health. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your running career starts off great--and that you begin to lose weight on your terms.
Buy a good pair of running shoes. Though you shouldn't select shoes from the bottom of the barrel (shoes that have been pre-worn by someone else, lack arch support, or are made of cheap materials), you need not buy a pair of shoes over $135. In fact, many perfectly acceptable running shoes can be purchased for around $60 dollars form discount retailers or while on sale or clearance.
Buy clothing that is designed for running. These clothes are bright, reflective, and prevent chaffing. For women, they may also offer support in the breast area. Both men and women may find that they enjoy compression shorts, and so those are a good investment. In addition, a simple pack of sweat socks can be all you need to get started in your running career.
Find a safe route. If you are planning to run at night, pick a safe route in developed areas with a lot of traffic. This route should be one that contains a lot of lighting, and does not stray too far from where people naturally are at night. If you plan to run during the day, any route will do. However, if it is hunting season where you live, be sure to wear bright colors if you intend to run through the woods.
Determine the distance of the route using map applications or running applications so you can determine how far you are going to be running before you actually start. This can prevent you getting lost and exhausted somewhere strange. If you run close to home, you can easily get back if you get injured or fatigued.
Run the route, and time how long it takes you to run the entire route. In your beginning run, it is important to finish the run, not to see how fast you can do it. This means that, even if you have to slow to a very slow trot that can be passed by people walking, that you move in a slow trot, so long as you finish the route.
Keep a log of each time you run the same route. Only run about five to six days a week, and give your body time to rest on the seventh day. Each day you run the route, mark down the time on a calendar or chart. This will motivate you to keep running, as the calendar fills with lower and lower times.
Each time you run, try to beat the previous time you ran the route in. Know that you will not always be able to beat your previous times, but that each time you do beat it, you are closer and closer to being a fast, efficient runner. Note that each time your time gets faster, it denotes that you are getting fitter.
Running is a great form of exercising. By following these simple tips, you can get involved in running without much of a start up investment.
