Don’t Dream for winning, train for it!
– Mo Farah
Starting a running journey is a popular fitness approach due to its low cost and convenience. You don’t need a gym, special clothes, or equipment to begin. Many, including myself, started running to lose weight, assuming cardio was the only solution. However, I encountered initial demotivation and almost gave up. Thankfully, with the help of friends and coaches, I identified my mistakes and fell in love with running. I want to share some tips to help you start your running journey successfully.
Start with Short Intervals
If you’ve been leading an inactive lifestyle, ease into running gradually. Begin with short intervals of running and walking for 20-30 minutes. Increase the running time each week until you can run for 20 minutes straight. This gradual approach will prevent injuries and keep you motivated.
Pace Yourself
Avoid the temptation to run too fast right from the beginning. Running is a full-body workout, and pushing yourself too hard early on can lead to stress and injury. Focus on maintaining a conversation-friendly pace and pay attention to your running form to avoid unnecessary strains.
Choose the Right Route
The surface you run on can affect your overall running experience. While treadmill running can be beneficial for certain aspects, running on natural surfaces, such as grassy parks or dirt paths, can provide better cushioning for your joints.
Fuel and Hydrate
Never run on an empty stomach. Consume a pre-workout meal, like a fruit or some dry fruits with black coffee, at least an hour before your run. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the workout, but avoid excessive water intake just before running.
Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery are crucial for your body to adapt and grow stronger. Alternate your running days to give your body adequate time to recover. Proper sleep is also vital for physical and mental well-being.
Listen to Your Body
Injuries and pains are signs that your body gives to indicate when something is amiss. Pay attention to these signals, and don’t hesitate to correct your form or nutrition. Consider incorporating cross-training, strength training, flexibility training, or yoga to improve overall fitness.
Remember, your running journey is meant to be enjoyable, not punishing. Take it one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and embrace the process of getting fitter and healthier. Stay committed to staying fit and healthy through your running journey.
My Fitness Notion 
Great post and a lot of good info here.
My favorite is the listen to your body. I feel a lot of people get influenced by social media and others who are running a lot, so they push themselves beyond their current limits.
Your body is going to tell you what it’s feeling. It’s important to listen.
Great work.
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