3 Simple Steps That Will Get You Running

Have you ever wanted to take up running, but don’t know where to start? This simple guide will help.

What Do I Need to Do?

1. Put something suitable on your feet
2. Go outside
3. Run

That’s It?

Sorry, were you looking for something deeper than that? Well, here’s the thing:

• Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated.
• You don’t need a lot of fancy gear.
• It doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time.
• You don’t need a whole library of know-how.
• You don’t need to be especially fit or athletic.

You just have to get up and do it.

So, That’s Your Expert Advice Is It?

No. And that’s because I’m not an expert at all. I fact, I’m a total novice at all this running business. I’ve never been fit, I’m overweight and I really can’t run very far or very fast. But there’s no value in focusing on what I can’t do nor on what I’m not. Rather, I’ve been focusing on what I can do, and by doing so I’ve started taking steps (pun intended) towards a little more fitness (or at least slowing down my otherwise rapid decline, which is a great start).

So, if I can do it, what’s stopping you?

Any More Words of Running Wisdom?

Here are a few tips to help you on your way:

• Get advice from experienced people.
• Take it easy at first. Don’t over do it.
• Make sure you drink enough water.
• Start off each run slowly, and slow right down towards the end.
• Motivate yourself with music.
• Don’t push yourself too hard.
• If it hurts, stop.
• Do it regularly.
• Don’t compete with others, only with yourself.
• Make a game of it.
• Have fun.
• Don’t quit.

Did You Say Running is Fun?

To be honest, I never much enjoyed running when I was a kid, but I’m over that, now. Here’s how:

When I Run, I’m Not Competing

As a child, I always came in last place, and that made me sad. As an adult, however, I’ve learned that I don’t need to prove that I’m better than other people, or even that I’m anywhere near as good as them. The only thing I need to beat is that feeling that I can’t do this. The truth is, I can.

When I Run, I’m Not Trying To Prove Anything

When I was a child, people laughed at my technique. To tell the truth, some people may still do so.I’m sure I look quite ridiculous to some people. But I don’t care. I’m not going to let other people’s childish ridicule stop me doing what I want to do. After all, I’m running for me, not for them.

When I Run, I Don’t Push Myself Too Hard

“No pain, no gain”, they used to say. And I used to say, “Pain? Not again!” and do everything I could to avoid the misery. Now, it is fine if you don’t especially enjoy your runs, but do your best not to make them a chore. If you do, you’ll soon give up. Better to run just 5 minutes and do it regularly than 45 minutes and never run again.

When I Run, I Motivate Myself

I make an effort to make my runs as much fun as possible. I’ve been playing Zombies, Run! which helps keep me motivated.

When I Run, I Take Care of Myself

Above all, I take care of yourself. I’m too important to mess up, and you are, too. People need you in good shape, and you owe it to yourself to get and stay that way.

The standard disclaimer for posts like this is that you should take medical advice before starting any exercise programme. That might be overkill for many people, but if you’re not sure either way then better be safe than sorry.

Right, I’m Ready. What Now?

Easy! Go get your running shoes. Go outside. Run.

Acknowledgements

• Image under licence Hemera.