How to Start Running - A Beginners Guide

For most beginners that take up running, they very rarely contemplate how to start running the right way. The general idea seems to simply be to sling on a running shirt, some old jogging pants and a pair of sneakers and off they go, running in to the sunset... and then back again in around 5 minutes time, feeling drained and demoralised about how difficult the whole experience was.

This is not how to start running. The next 5 steps are ones you ought to take in order to avoid the usual beginners running traps that most starters face.

Step 1

Get a pair of good quality, well fitting running shoes. Using the right footwear can make you feel like you're running on springs instead of feeling every lump and bump in the ground as your heel strikes the ground sending shudders up your entire body. Not only this, but wearing ill fitting running shoes can massively increase your chances of suffering from a great many of runners blights including shin splints, stress fractures and Achilles tendonitis, to name just a few.

Step 2

Get hold of a good running schedule that shows you how to run properly. The schedule needs to be written by an experienced fitness coach who has worked with beginners as well as athletes. An ex Olympian or extreme triathlete won't have a clue as to the way average people feel when they start running. Not only that, but one of their main drive for their sport is derived through pushing themselves as far as they can and the feeling that gives them.

Nearly all beginners don't start running to win an Olympic medal or put themselves through as much discomfort as they can. In actual fact most beginners are looking to simply lose some weight, get a bit fitter or achieve a goal of running a race for charity or just to prove to themselves that they can commit to something and achieve a target in their life.

Step 3

Write down a series of aims and objectives. They may be as simple as - "I will run on 3 days this week", "I will beat my best time on my favourite run" or "I can run for 1 mile without stopping at the end of 4 weeks". It isn't important what these goals are in as much as what they help to to achieve

Step 4

Learn how to run properly. Yes that's right, actually learn the technique of running. This could be one of the most important considerations of how to start running successfully. If you get this bit right now, you'll avoid teaching your body the wrong running technique which may well save you months of dissapointment and frustration if you pick up any niggling injuries due to poor running form.

Step 5

Begin slowly. Take a long term view of your running and try to enjoy the whole process. Don't feel that you need to run on your first few workouts, instead, power walk and add in a few short bursts of gentle jogging. If you approach running like a bull at a gate, you'll only lose heart quickly as you'll never build up enough stamina and strength in your heart, lungs or legs to be able to keep going for very long. Instead coax and encourage your body in to change.

Hopefully that gives you some insight in to how to start running properly so you avoid injury, stagnation, boredom and the frustration of not seeing any progress and you can go on to enjoy and succeed in your new chosen pastime.

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