Taking up running can seem scary, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit. So we thought we’d share our top tips for anyone thinking of starting their running journey.
Start small
When starting any new exercise, you need to give your body time to adapt. Doing too much too soon can be difficult to maintain and increase your risk of injury.
Eat well and stay hydrated
When exercising, it’s important to give your body what it needs to perform at your best. Eating well and staying hydrated are key to helping fuel your body for running. It’s also important to fuel your body before a run, such as eating a meal or snack that is high in carbohydrates. Some high carb options could be a banana or porridge with fruit.
Warm up
Preparing your body to exercise is important to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching before a run will help get your body ready by moving your joints and muscles in a good range of motion. It’s also a good idea to set a couple of minutes aside at the beginning of your run to start off slowly and build up your speed once comfortable.
Don’t compare
Comparing yourself to others can often lead to a lack of motivation, especially if the person you compare yourself to is further on in their fitness journey. Remember, we all start somewhere, and doing something, however small, is better than doing nothing!
Need some help?
The Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners and will help you gradually work up towards running 5km in just 9 weeks. Read more about it here - Get running with Couch to 5K - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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