Tips for Running Newbies

18 September 2017
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Kit

  • Invest in the right pair of running shoes.
  • One for the ladies – make sure you have decent sports bras.
  • Invest in some technical clothing. This doesn’t have to be expensive, there are plenty of companies who sell running specific kit that won’t break the bank!

Training

  • Get into the habit of warming up before & warming down after your run.
  • Take walking breaks if needed.
  • Build mileage gradually.
  • Go for distance rather than time. Slow it down, be patient & don’t worry about your pace or time.

Safety in Numbers

  • Join a running group – use the experience of people who have been there, done that! Most running clubs have several groups training at different distances & speeds at their training sessions.
  • Alternatively use a Couch to 5k app or find a local group that start you from this point.

Nutrition & Hydration

  • Don’t eat just before a run!
  • Try & eat within 30 minutes of finishing a training session with a mixture of protein & carbohydrates. Don’t overdo it though if you are just starting out, the longer/more intense your training session the more attention you will need to pay to your nutrition.
  • Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day especially on a training day & rehydrate post training session.

Cross Training

  • Mix other types of training into your week such as weight training or do a regular Pilates or Yoga class.
  • Make sure you have rest days!

Achievable Goals

  • Keep a training log to make running a habit
  • Set small achievable goals on a regular basis to progress your training & keep it interesting!

Pain!

  • Listen to your body! Running through pain is never a good idea. If you do have any pain during or after running, take some time to rest & if the pain persists see a therapist or your GP to get some advice.

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