It can be hard to know how to get started running outside.
Running can be a fun and relaxing experience once you get into the swing of things for your body and experience level. With all the trends and expectations online, it can seem overwhelming knowing where to get started. Here are some simple steps to help you find your groove!
All exercise should be performed while under the care and supervision of a doctor.
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Get Started
It may seem cliché, but no matter what your experience level is, you always must start somewhere. It can be easy to get stuck in the research rut, so sometimes, the best way to get started is to try and identify your room for growth later! Try and go as far as you can to determine your beginning limits, all while paying close attention to your body.
If you feel any pain or alarming discomfort while first starting to run, stop immediately to address the issue. Before you start on a running exercise program, it’s also important to first check with your doctor for any limitations or concerns they may have regarding your health and safety.
Set A Goal
Once you have gotten starting and feel a moderate understanding of your level, it is time to start setting goals for yourself.
Whether committing to jogging a lap around your house or setting a mile or time limit to push through, setting challenging yet achievable goals will push and motivate you to feel better and improve! Little by little, you will start to see progress in how far you can run, and improvements in your bodily strength and stamina.
Replenish With Enough Food & Water
Food and water intake needs before and after exercising can vary on a person-to-person basis. Some people feel the best running with little food or water in their system, whereas others prefer to feel full! The best way to know how you run best is to feel what your body is telling you. If anything leaves you feeling unwell, try altering your situation to set you up for success!
Always remember to pre-hydrate before your run and hydrate even more in hot weather.
Find Music That Motivates You
Music is a powerful tool that can be used to motivate you during your run. When your mind feels jazzed, you’ll feel the effects in your body, giving you that little extra dose of motivation to get through those last few miles.
Take a bit of time, put together a playlist of your favorite music, or use one of the many fast-paced, curated playlists available for dance and exercise music curated across music services.
Push Past Your Comfort Zone
Once you begin to find a rhythm to your run or jog, it is time to start pushing your limits beyond your comfort zone. It may feel strange, but you can train your brain to know that you can go faster and harder than it thinks it can. When you have that moment in your mind telling you that you must stop and cannot go any farther, if you feel comfortable, you can run a little longer, push a little harder.
Even if it’s for 10 seconds more than you thought you could, you have already begun to prove your brain wrong!
How can a beginner start running?
A beginner runner can get started by taking short, daily walks and increasing distance, speed, and intensity over time.
How do you start running if you never run before?
If you have never run before, you can first start with daily walks and begin running when you feel your body is strong enough.
