5 Things New Runners Need To Know Before They Start Running
A lot of people start the new year with the goal of getting heathier and more active and a lot of people use running as a means to achieving this. Running is a great way to get active and it could potentially change your life if you stick with it.
if you run, you are a runner. If you are training with purpose, you are an athlete.
I encourage anyone to take it up no matter how old or how unfit they are but there are a few things that might surprise you about your new past time. Here are the list of my top 5 things new runners will need to know before they start running.
1. People Will Tell You How Bad Running Is For Your Knees.
I’m sure these people are just trying to be helpful and limit any halm you might be doing but it is usually based on out dated or untrue research. The truth is the opposite with recent research confirming running is one of the best things you can do for your knees.
2. You Don’t Need To Dedicate Hours A Day To Be A Runner.
Maybe if your long term goal is to complete a marathon or ultra run, you may need to think about hitting the road and going for some longer runs. If you are just wanting to improve your health and get more active, you can allocate 20 to 30 minutes of running or even walking each day, you will get a benefit from this activity.
3. There Is No Instant Gratification In Running, But It Is Worth It.
If you’re looking to get really good at running really quickly unless you are very lucky, you might be in for a surprise. There is a good chance you will most likely suck at running when you first start. I think you truly start to appreciate running more once you are no longer simply concerned about running further and faster and start to enjoy the phisiological and psychological benefits of going for a run. A good run can get you blood pumping and clear your mind, and even if you aren’t running fast, you are still getting a huge number of benefits.
4. Friends And Family Will Be Your Biggest Fans.
Even if they are telling you running will ruin your knees, they will also be your biggest supporters. You don’t have to make them get up at 5am for your morning run, but if you include them in your journey, there is a good chance they will help you, support you and keep you accountable.
5. It Is Rare You Will Regret Going For A Run.
There is a saying in running “it never gets any easier, you just get faster", with even some of the best runners in the world struggling to motivate themselves to get out for their run. I don’t think there has been a run I have ever regretted doing. So if you are struggling to get out the door and do a run, use the 10 minute rule. Put on your running gear, lace up your shoes and run for five minutes. If you are still not wanting to do your run, simply turn back and finish the run. With the run home you would have done 10 minutes of activity, which is better than nothing.
If you’re having second thoughts about your new hobby, just keep going with it. There are people running everyday that are less capable and have less time than you. as I always tell people, if you run, you are a runner. If you are training with purpose, you are an athlete.
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Vince Sesto is a DevOps Engineer, Endurance Athlete, Coach and Author. One of his passion’s in life is endurance sports as both an athlete, coach and author. He is a certified running and triathlon coach with a goal to inspire people through his coaching and competition and to encourage people to live active and healthy lives.
His motto in life is, “I am trying to change the world, one run at a time”.
