Health & Wellness Writing

Are you ready to run?

This beginner's guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started on your running journey. From choosing the right shoes to setting realistic goals, we've got you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Lace up your sneakers and let's go!

Invest in a good pair of running shoes: Walking has less of an impact on your feet than running, therefore footwear is different. Running shoes give foot and ankle support, reducing injuries. Any shoe that is too tight, too loose, or worn out may result in blisters, discomfort, and fatigue. They offer comfort. A quality pair of shoes is an investment that will benefit your feet over time.

Following a training program: There are many training apps that offer a program that benefits your goals and holds you accountable if you are unsure of where to begin. Such as Strava, Runcoach, Nike Run Club, and others.

Don’t run every day: It's crucial that you pay attention to your body and avoid overexerting yourself. Running is a high-impact exercise that, if you don't take rests, will lead to fatigue or injury. Plan to run every other day, but also pay attention to your body, stretch on your days off, or do another type of exercise.

Hydrate & eat healthy: Drink plenty of water and feed your body nutritious foods like protein and carbohydrates. If you want to keep track of your water intake, a quality water bottle is a smart investment. The body recovers more quickly after exercise when it is eating the correct nutrients and drinking water.

Try different types of runs: Running the same path again can get boring at times, so you might want to give yourself a bigger challenge. A long run, an interval run, a tempo run, and other types of runs are all good to try. Every run has a specific objective that helps you develop as a stronger runner.

Warm-ups & stretching: Spend at least 10 minutes warming up your body before every run to prepare your muscles and joints. A few basic stretches are leg swings, lunges, calf raises, and many others.

Find motivation: Starting is often the most difficult part, but once you're done, you'll feel proud of yourself. You may motivate yourself in a variety of ways, such as rewarding yourself, making a running playlist,  going for runs around nature, using social media, and joining a running group.

Be safe: Tell someone where you're going, remain vigilant, wear a watch, or carry your phone just in case. So that you can hear what is going on around you, don't have the music playing loudly on your headphones.

Finally, starting a running journey as a beginner can be thrilling and transforming. Accept the difficulties, honor each victory, and never forget that the journey itself is what matters most—not the finish line. Find your stride, lace up, and go! Happy running!