Useful Things to Know When You Start Running

It seems like each day more and more people decide to start taking better care of their health.  More often than not, aside from trying to start eating healthy and be more mindful, many decide to start running. However, those who get into it willy-nilly soon decide that they absolutely hate it.

On the other hand, people who actually take some time and do their research prior to their first run can’t help but wonder why they haven’t started it sooner. The fact is that running includes so much more than going outside and starting to run like your life depends on it. That being said, here are some useful things you should know before you start running. 

Start out slowly

The first mistake people make when running is concerned is that they all start with just that – running. What you should do instead, however, is try to ease into it, especially if you’re not a particularly active person. Begin with going on regular walks and gradually turn them into run/walks. This way, you’ll be activating and warming up all of your muscles slowly. Once you manage to build up stamina and your muscles get used to the pace, you can start gradually increasing the running and lowering the walking portion. After a while, when you feel like your body is ready, you can start running. 

The gear makes all the difference

Another common mistake is usually reserved for the choice of the running equipment. What most people fail to understand at first is that an old tracksuit bottoms, a worn-out t-shirt and a pair of old sneakers can be considered anything but running gear. Instead, get some running shorts and running tights – if you need extra coverage. Additionally, a running top and running gloves will provide you with an additional dose of comfort. Most importantly, however, you should get a pair of high-quality running shoes at WALKJOGRUN and some running socks to keep your feet nice and comfortable. 

Give your body enough time to heal

Moreover, people usually want to be able to see the results of their labor as soon as possible. That’s why some of them try to increase the covered distance every time they go for a run. But this will potentially lead to more problems than benefits. When running at a slower pace, your body will use your fat as fuel. When running at higher intensities, your body starts breaking down carbs instead of fats. Aside from these two, your muscles actually also break down during any type of exercise. That’s why it’s paramount to allow it to heal afterwards. While you may feel like you’re only going backwards with your exercising attempts when you rest, you’re actually doing the exact opposite. You’ll be allowing your body to heal and reducing any chances of injuries. 

Don’t try to power through

Finally, always try to stay safe when exercising. No matter how slowly you take things and how mindful you are, there are still chances you may end up hurting yourself. This is especially the case if you start feeling any discomfort during your run and decide to just push through it. Listen to your body and what it’s trying to tell you at all times. If something starts to hurt, stop with your exercises immediately. If you feel like your body hasn’t quite healed during your resting days, take a couple more off. 

The thing is that we live in a society that made instant gratification not only possible but practically mandatory. That’s why some people like to see the results of their efforts as soon as they start making them. But just like with all the best things in life, good things come to those who are patient. So, don’t rush, always stay safe and enjoy the process. And remember, the journey is half the fun.