How will I ever fit running in to my life?
We’re all so busy these days that the thought of finding time for a new activity can be daunting. You’ll be amazed at how easy it becomes once you’ve done it the first few times. It can help to have one or more friends who will agree a time with you and hold you to it! Once you’ve been running for a while, you’ll feel so much better that you’ll want to protect your running slots as much as possible. It’s a fact that fit, healthy people get things done faster and more effectively, so once you’ve got going you’ll get more done in the same time anyway!
THE BEST THINGS ABOUT RUNNING…
- Having more energy
- Looking trimmer
- Feeling healthier
- Being able to do more each day
- Having more confidence
- Feeling less stressed
These days I run out of pure vanity! I like to look trim, but I hate dieting. Running is the answer for me. It allows me to indulge without feeling (or looking) bad. I run around my home area with my friends, who all have their own reasons for running. The one thing we have in common is good health!
BEFORE YOU START…
- Go and see your doctor before you start any new type of exercise, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while;
- Get yourself a little book or a diary – keeping a record of what you do and how you feel will be great to look back on and feel good about;
- Print out your programme, put it up somewhere prominent and put the first few dates/times in your diary;
- Go and buy yourself some decent running shoes;
- Rope in a couple of friends – they will be invaluable when you’re down and need motivating!
GETTING GOING
Here is a great beginner’s program for you to try. It builds you up nice and steadily, giving your body time to adjust. A friend of mine did it a couple of years ago and has never looked back! Read Helen’s story. Before you start this programme you should be able to walk briskly for about 20 minutes. If you can’t do this, I recommend walking briskly 3 times a week until you can keep going for 20 minutes.
Some points to help you with the program:
- Whatever standard of runner you are, always start with a brisk 5 minute walk to warm up, followed by some stretching – read about stretching here;
- Always stretch after running to reduce stiffness and the risk of injury – read about stretching here;
- Always allow an extra 10 – 15 minutes for each session so that you can warm up and stretch down properly;
- Never run if you feel ill, giddy, or if you have an injury;
- Try and do all the sessions each week, but don’t worry if you miss the odd one;
- Your running pace should be slow for the first few weeks – not much more than brisk walking pace;
- If you’re gasping for air, you’re going too fast – you should be able to talk as you go;
- If it feels too easy, move on to the following week and try that instead;
- Forget about distances and concentrate on running and walking timings only
