Starting running as a complete novice can be a daunting task for many people. Maybe you saw the New York marathon on TV recently or perhaps your friend down the street is always out there, hitting the road. You see these people being fit and healthy and they’re often talking about how wonderful it feels to have that endorphin kick from their daily exercise. Now you’ve been inspired – but, where do you start?
You can read up all about running, talk to people at your local gym for training ideas or go to your local sportswear shop to ask about what gear you need. These are all good things to do if you’re a complete beginner. You should even chat to your doctor before starting, just to make sure your body can handle the exercise. However, at some point you’re going to need to get out there and start moving.
Take up running this summer and feel alive
Before you get started on your road to running fitness, there are 3 things that you should take into account:
- Wear the right kit –While it isn’t important to have all of the fancy equipment or expensive technical clothing, it is vital to have the right running shoes for your foot type. You need to take the time to get the proper fit and support in order to avoid injuries that could stop you before you even get started. When looking for your footwear, it’s important shop at a retailer that has a range of brands and knowledgeable staff, for example Total sports in South Africa.
- Get a training program– Just simply hitting the road is definitely the harder method of getting into jogging. It’s highly advisable to get a proper schedule that takes you from only being able to run for a minute to being able to complete 5km comfortably. There are plenty of these to be found by a quick online search for “how to start running”. However, make sure you get one that breaks you in gently with more walking than running and then slowly changes the ratio.
- Join a club –You know the saying “two heads are better than one”? Well, this is definitely true for getting fit. Exercising with a partner will help you to stay motivated and keep going. Additionally, if you join one of the running clubs in your area, you’ll be able to get advice from people who have already experienced what you’re going through.
The most important thing to remember when you take up running is that you’re doing this for you. If it becomes a chore or you do too much and end up injuring yourself, there’s no point as you won’t be getting what you need out of the sport. Remember, if you’re wondering how to start running, the first step is to make it fun.
Lezandre Joubert achieved her provincial and national colours in both biathle and netball. After recovering from a knee injury, she started running again and now competes in triathlons and multi-sports events, such as the Total sports Challenge.