Anyone Can Run
24 Feb
New fitness enthusiasts fill the gyms every January but their excitement tends to fizzle out by this time of year. I know many of you vowed to start running…but have your new shinny sneakers seen the pavement yet? What are you waiting for?
Running has many benefits; it minimizes stress, enhances your mood as well as improves your cardiovascular and bone health. Running is one of the most effective calorie burning workouts which is it great for weight loss. It doesn’t require a partner, a gym membership or any fancy equipment. All you need is a pair of sneakers and a little patience. Newcomers should try to follow these tips.
Set a realistic goal: as a new runner signing up for a local 5 km or 10 km race is a great way to stay focused. Most races are during the spring so this is the perfect time to start training.
Google it: search for a suitable training program that works with your lifestyle and stick with it! Depending on your level you may want to start with a run/walk program.
Schedule it: at the beginning of every week enter your workouts/runs in your blackberry or jot them on your calendar. This will help keep you accountable.
Support system: find a partner. Join a local running group or online chat forum. There will be bad days, I promise you. The support and reassurance that everyone has hard times will make it that much easier to stick with it and push forward.
Invest in a proper shoe: a good running shoe should last you at least 400 miles.
Pace yourself: Run slower than you think you should. But run more often than you think you should.
Posture: relax your shoulders, unclench your fists and stand tall.
Hydrate: Hydrate! Hydrate!
“Everyone is an athlete. But some of us are training, and some of us are not.” –Dr. George Sheehan
PT Girl xo
First time visiting your blog, it’s BEAUTIFUL! Love this!
Great post. I find that many people are really intimidated by the thought of running. And one thing that I can’t stress enough is that you don’t wake up with the ability to run for 30 minutes, you have to start small. Even if the person runs for just 10 minutes, it’s 10 minutes more than they could yesterday! I encourage all to run!
Good reading & helpful advice. I look forward to your next blog.
STEENA!
VWS
Hydrate? Are you telling people to hydrate? I remember you running for days and you’d never carry water!!!
And no, martinis don’t count as hydrating!!!
Go PTGirl!!!
Mikie Mike, who says GG & Gatorade isn’t hydrating? At least I didn’t mention stretching…
Mikie Mike,
PT Girl is just pointing out some good tips.
Hey Helsinki,
You’re absolutly right – one should always listen to good advice from well meaning friends. Right PTG?
LOVE it! It’s SO true that anyone can be a runner. I started running at nearly 300 pounds and it’s part of why I’m down almost 60 pounds. Try it, peeps!
Dear Seattle Girl, that’s amazing! Have you signed up for a race? xo