How To Start Running!

Does the thought of running make you cringe? Would you rather do anything other than running? Most of the time, people don’t like to run because they gave it a shot and it didn’t work out. Sometimes, they just have no clue where to start and others make it look so easy.
Let me challenge you to give it ONE more try before calling it quits. Whenever I tell people of my insane race ideas or what personal record I’m trying to beat, they usually respond with “I could never do that.” I just want to let you know that yes, you can!

I honestly didn’t start working out until I went to college. Our tuition included a nice rec center with an indoor track. That’s like heaven in Texas where it’s usually 80 degrees year round. My first attempt at running was a fail. I laced up my shoes and tried to run. And it was HARD. I had no idea what I was doing and no plan. It sucked and soon after I quit.

I decided to join the ROTC program (because I’m crazy) and that forced me to be active. I ran but only when I needed to. I didn’t know anything about pacing or fuel so it sucked. It wasn’t fun and I would find ways to get out of it if I could. Strike number two.

I had a semester of summer school before my last year in college. I was BORED so I decided to work out again. This time, I made a plan. I was going to work my way up to running for 30 minutes straight. I visited the lovely indoor track and I walked and jog for 30 minutes. I started at slow intervals where I would run for 30 seconds and walk for a minute and I would continue this until the 30 minutes were up. Each week I would add more running time and less walking time but the workout was 30 minutes every time.

It began to get a little easier. I wasn’t quite as winded during my running portions. I no longer felt like I got hit by a train the next morning. My legs began to get stronger and I no longer dreaded the gym. I was excited because I was chasing that goal!

When I finally hit 30 minutes of running I was ecstatic! It took me about two months but I was OVER THE MOON. At that point, I didn’t call myself a runner but the fire was starting. I began running outside but continuing the same interval system. I still remember what it felt like when I ran for 40 minutes straight, for an hour straight.

Your body is truly amazing but sometimes trying to get it to run from doing absolutely nothing is HARD. Honestly, you wouldn’t expect an airplane to immediately take off without slowly warming up first, would you?

My Tips To Start Running

1. Set a goal. Do you want to run for 30 minutes straight. Do you want to run a mile without stopping?
2. Develop a walk/run interval plan. This doesn’t have to be rocket science. Just setting 30 seconds of running and a minute of walk is a good start.
3. Take is slow! This may be hard at first because you really want to reach your goal but this will help avoid any setbacks. Slowly increase running time and make sure you are stretching and warming up adequately.
4. Ask for help! Having a friend or family member go on walks with you is the best motivator. If they are runners, they can help you reach your goal. You’re also more likely to get out there if you know someone is holding you accountable.

I really hope you get out there and give it another try. Sometimes the stars have to align for you to like running but I’m the proof that it’s totally possible!