How to start running (without hating it)

Three of the biggest mistakes that beginner runners make

You run too fast

One of the key mistakes that I’ve seen from so many different people who start running is that they start their runs way too fast. Pushing themselves from the beginning, thinking that is the way that they can improve their running speed in as short amount of time as possible. What eventually happens is that they burn out after the first few runs, or pick up an injury because their bodies aren’t used to it. Like all good things, it takes time to build up your running fitness, so embrace the journey, and with time you’ll improve beyond what you thought possible. 

You do too much

‘I will run everyday for the next month’. Don’t do this if you haven’t run before, your body isn’t adapted to running (yet) so this will likely cause you to either get injured or burn yourself. The aim is to build a healthy relationship with running as the benefits come from consistency across a long period of time, not 2 or 3 weeks of going all out and then having to stop. Then when you have to stop, it will then be difficult to get back into it or causing you to never want to give it a go again. With this, it’s key to not try to do too much all at once no matter how tempting it might be. The added benefit of this as well is that you will be able to rest in between runs, which allows your body to recover, rebuild it’s muscles and it’s here where the strength comes from to improve your running further down the line. 

You compare yourself to others

With social media being so popular now, it’s easy to see what others are doing and then comparing yourself to them. We are all guilty of this in our everyday lives, not just running but they are just ahead of you on the journey. I guarantee they are looking at someone else being like, I wish I could be able to run as fast or as far as they do, but I also guarantee there is someone looking at you being I wish I could run like them. Everyone has different goals in running, just focus on what your goal from it is, if that changes going forward then great. 

How I help people start running

I keep it simple, 2-3 runs a week structure so that your body gets sufficient rest between each one. 

Using a run-walk method, to help build up your cardiovascular sustainably. Consistency with this over a couple of weeks and you’ll see great improvements to the extent where we can phase out walking. 

Putting a greater emphasis on time run rather than distance. This takes the pressure away from having to run a certain distance so you can adapt the run to how your body is feeling. 

Take out your headphones, listen to your body, listen to your breath, listen to your footsteps, understand how your body is feeling. When you become more aware of your body, you’re able to adapt better.

Need help?

If you need a structure to help you get into running, get in contact with me and we can talk.