Fit Friday #6: 5 Tips to Get Started with Running

Welcome to a new series on the blog: Fit Friday! We’ll explore topics in fitness and wellness together. Have something you want me to answer or cover? hmu at fitwithaundra@gmail.com. Here’s a collection of all the Fit Friday posts.

When I first started my healthy life journey, I turned to running. It seemed easy enough — I could just go outside and start moving, right?

It totally was easy to get started! After several years of running for fun, prepping for races, and building my skills, I’ve discovered a few other things that made it even easier to get started with running.

Here are a few tips for new (or getting back into the groove) runners:

1. Just go. Lace up your sneakers, get out of the house (unless you have a treadmill?), and move. That leads me to #2…
2. Don’t worry about how far you go. Every time you go for a run, you’re going to improve! The best advice I got was not to focus on distance, because thinking about all those miles ahead of you can be daunting. Instead, start with a few minutes of running/jogging. Alternate with walking, and pretty soon, you’ll work your way up to those miles.
3. Walking breaks are necessary. A run/walk method is such a great way to start. I love using markers on my outdoor runs (“Ok, run to that corner, and then stop for a short walking break”). Do NOT feel like you are not a runner because of walking breaks. YOU ARE A RUNNER. Even after years of running and doing multiple races, I love walking breaks on my training runs!
4. Find a running buddy. When I first started running, I liked doing it solo. It was my time–for reflection, a chance to get away from everyone/everything. And then I got bored. Years ago, I responded to a post on a fellow runner friend’s facebook page about joining up for 1-2 runs a week, and now I can’t imagine running without someone! I’ve loved all of my running buddies! I know I’ve learned something new about running from training with each of them. Occasionally, especially if it’s a gorgeous weekend day, I’ll lace up my sneaks and hit the pavement for a solo run, but I definitely prefer running with a buddy.
5. Don’t get lost in all the gadgets. I do not run with a Garmin or a watch. At first, I did like to keep track of my time, but then I became obsessed with it and that caused me to stop running for awhile. At that time, if I didn’t hit a mile in a certain time, I would get so upset at myself, and that’s not fun. Running is supposed to be fun! (Gear is another story, check out some of my must-have items!)

Are you a runner? What tips do you have for those new to the running scene?