7 Helpful Running Tips For Beginners (Especially When You’re Not Motivated)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer for more information.
If you are looking for some helpful running tips to get you started, then you are in the right place. From one newbie to another, I hope to help you change your mindset so you can actually learn to enjoy running.
Truthfully, sometimes running can be so hard, no matter what your level of fitness. Just the thought of getting out there and pounding the pavement can be overwhelming.
Everybody has a different reason for running. Whatever your reason, you will experience overall emotional, physical and mental benefits and running can actually add years to your life.
Let’s dive in. Here are 7 awesome tips to get you laced up.
1. Find Your Personal Motivation For Running
Figure out what your motivation is to start running – whether it’s weight loss, to try a new sport, get a more restful sleep, or improve your overall health – keeping reminding yourself every day of what your motivation is.
When you feel those moments that it’s too hard and you want to quit, remind yourself of your initial motivation. This alone will really empower you to propel yourself forward those first few runs and you will get these unexpected endorphins that will make you feel amazing.
2. Start Off Slow and With Short Distances
If you are a beginner runner, START OFF SLOWLY. You are not expected to complete a marathon the first time out of the gate.
A lot of people tend to give up right away because they are struggling just to breathe and keep their pace. Stop and walk for a bit or slow down your pace.
Don’t push yourself too hard or too far in the beginning. Try alternating walking and running around the block in your neighborhood. Gradually you can increase the distance.
3. Set Reasonable Goals
We often tend to compare ourselves to others when it comes to fitness and that’s the wrong thing to do. We all have our own set of personal circumstances and you need to set goals that are reasonable according to your fitness ability.
Try the “SMART” setting goal approach.
This is actually an acronym for steps to setting a goal and how to achieve it.
SPECIFIC
MEASURABLE
ATTAINABLE
REALISTIC
TIMEBOUND
4. Wear The Proper Running Gear
A good pair of quality running tights and running shoes can make all the difference in comfort and enjoyment. I went to a running shoe store and got properly fitted so I had the proper cushioning and support. I have a Garmin Vivoactive 3 watch that helps me to track all my workouts and I love it.
5. Run With Friends
Staying motivated is not easy. Maybe you are struggling to climb that steep hill or you want to break your pace, working as a team you can overcome these challenges together and have fun doing it.
Running is a good pick-me-upper when feeling stressed. Even better, we can vent when running with a friend and that alone can help us feel better by the time we are done.
A running partner is also a pacesetter. If you want to challenge yourself, then call up a friend and they can help you push yourself to new limits.
6. Take Rest Days
Taking rest days when running is important. If you are a new runner it’s best to start off slow so you are not putting too much strain on your body. Your body is an incredible machine but it still needs time to recover and adapt.
As a beginner, running three times a week is ideal. As you build up your stamina and endurance, then you can increase your days.
7. Running Can Be Done Anywhere
I love the fact that you can run virtually anywhere. You don’t need to take the same route and you can change it up anytime you want. When you are on vacation or traveling is another opportunity to go for a run and see different scenery and the best thing is that is doesn’t cost you any money.
