I get asked so so many times how I got started in running or how to get started in running. I know I’ve written about this before, but lets do it again because if it helps one person find joy in running, I’ll write about it as many times as it takes! Going from nothing to running isn’t easy, but it is possible. I’ve done it once in the beginning and then once after each pregnancy with my girls so I consider myself somewhat of a starting-out expert.
- Make a time goal, not a distance goal. Make a goal to go for a certain amount of time (not that you will run to a landmark or distance.) Run when you can, walk when you must.
- Be consistent. Your endurance won’t improve much if your runs are sporadic. Try to make a habit out of it.
- Go outside. I’m not a huge fan of treadmills- especially in the beginning. It’s too easy to step off when it gets hard and your feet should set the pace, not a belt. Plus, one of the biggest benefits of running are the ones that you get from being outside- sunshine and fresh air.
- Find something that will help keep you motivated- a friend, a playlist, or an upcoming running event that you’d like to participate in. Don’t let a 5K or 10K scare you. You can do it! I promise promise promise. Everything seems impossible until you do it.
- It will be hard. There will be good days and there will be not-so-good days. Don’t get discouraged. If you are consistent, the good days will eventually start to outnumber the not-so-good.
- No comparing allowed! The only person you should compare yourself to was who you were yesterday.
Running is very rewarding. Some people only see the pain, but if you look for the good, you’ll see that there’s a whole boatload of it.
Happy Running!
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