Lace up and hop to it! These 6 steps will start you off on the right running foot.
Running can be tough on beginners, but it will quickly evolve into an activity you crave every day. An incredible form of exercise, running increases health, blasts calories, and builds fitness. It’s also extremely versatile. You can enjoy the cardio in a gym, on a track, or outside in nature! The key to enjoying these benefits involves enjoying running in the first place.
Skinny Ms. wants to transform a tiresome necessity into an exhilarating form of fitness, and you into a regular runner. With these foolproof tips and tricks, you’ll improve physical technique, gain speed, and learn to love the cardio. These 6 steps to become a regular runner will start you off on the right foot and help you stick with it!
1. Lace Up the Right Way
If you want to make running a regular part of your routine, consider buying shoes from a running specialty store. Wearing the wrong gear can wreak havoc on your running style and lead to running injuries. Your feet swell when you run, so wearing a pair at least half a size bigger than your street size is smart.
2. Have a Plan
Don’t kick off your workout with a grueling sprint. Pushing yourself to the limit without the time you need to build speed and endurance will lead to exhaustion, which could tempt you to quit early on. Instead, create a plan that incorporates stretching, a light warm up, and a gradual build-up of intensity. Check out this Running Program for Absolute Beginners or our 30 Day Beginner’s Running Challenge for manageable running programs that’ll set you on the right path.
3. Fuel Right
It’s important to find a happy medium between running on an empty stomach and running when you’re too stuffed to function. This type of cardio requires proper fuel, and it all comes down to timing. Small, energy-fueled snacks that hook you up with digestible carbs and sustained energy are perfect right before a run, but you should consume a meal of complex carbs and substantial protein 2-3 hours before your workout.
Check out Energy Food Recipes or 10 Foods to Fuel Your Run for ideas that’ll give you the right boost to rev up your system.
