I think that many runners will agree that their passion for running wasn’t born overnight. Running is one of those sports one has to warm up to (hardly anyone ever enjoys their first jog) but once you let loose and are fit enough to keep a good pace without feeling like you are dying – therein lies the euphoria!
When the bug bites, you will start to enjoy running purely for its adrenaline-pumping action. You will slowly but surely start to stretch your body to new limits. You will feel a sense of pride as you master your footing and run distances that you thought you would never be able to walk, let alone run.
So, if you have ever considered picking up running as a serious hobby (or even as a profession), then perhaps the following advice will encourage you to put those trainers on and RUN FOREST RUN!
Be Motivated
To keep the momentum going, you need to stay motivated. Sometimes the adrenaline rush you get from running is all you need but if you find yourself stuck in a comfort zone where you simply cannot get off of the couch, then you need to find a stronger motivator.
One way to stay motivated is to set yourself goals. From beating your running time to completing races or attempting a long-distance marathon, reaching your goals can become a healthy addiction!
Invest in The Right Gear
If you plan on becoming a lifetime runner then you need to invest in the right type of gear from the beginning. The more comfortable you feel while you run, the more likely you will want to do it more and more.
The right type of running shoes will not only help to prevent injuries but they will also help to boost your performance and give you the encouragement that you need. Clothes that breathe well will also make you feel better while you pick up a sweat and with some good tunes in your ears – you might not want to stop running at all!
Enjoy the Good, Endure the Bad
No one said that running almost every day of the week would be easy. Your body is going to hurt, you are going to have to make sacrifices in your life, and before you feel revitalised, you’re going to feel tired (if not exhausted). The great news is that the “bad” forms part of the adventure and once you come out on the other side, then you will feel better than you have ever felt before! You will soon realise just how much your body is capable of.
Running Requires Baby Steps
If you jump from the pot and into the pan, then you are going to get burnt! Forget about running 10 miles on your first attempt. Expect to run, trot, walk, repeat – at least for your first few tries. The trick is to work your way up to marathon-style running gradually. With each session, attempt to run for two minutes and then walk for one. By your fourth week, you could already be running for 5, walking for 1. Eventually walking will fall away altogether and you will be able to run the full distance. Remember we mentioned goals? Baby steps is one of them.
Have A Plan of Action
If you know what you are running towards, then this may help you to keep your feet on the ground while your head may be floating towards the clouds. Ask yourself what type of results would you like to see from running? Would you like to race? Perhaps complete lengthy marathons? Or maybe you want to run so that you can spend more time outdoors and in nature? You are more likely to stick to a plan if you actually have on! And remember, your plan needs to be dynamic. I should include days for training and running but also days for rest and relaxation. This way you can balance your new pastime so that you do not tire yourself out at the beginning.
Try to Avoid Injuries
If you push yourself too hard before your body is ready for high-impact running or running long distances, then you are putting your body at risk of injuries. Not only do injuries hurt like heck but they stop you from running and this puts you in danger of getting couch-comfy once again. To prevent injuries, you may want to start including more protein into your diet and secondly, remember to warm-up before a session so that your muscles are not “shocked” into action.
Keep To A Modest Weight
The heavier you are, then the more you have to carry with you as you run. Try to keep to a good average weight so that running is easier. Obviously, the more you run, the more you will naturally slim down anyway. The trick is to stick to a healthy diet (with protein) and to exercise to maintain a good weight.
Reflect
Running is not always about where you are going but also where you have come from. It’s important that you take the time to reflect on the goals you have achieved. From the moment you decided to run to take those first few steps, each moment along the way is one to be proud of. Reflecting your running style and accomplishments will also help you to notice your strengths and weaknesses – so that you can perfect your “game”.
Much love - @sweetpea
Originally posted here: https://steemit.com/health/@sweetpea/how-to-become-a-lifetime-runner
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