Most people choose to start their fitness regime with running as it can be done anywhere and needs no expensive gym membership. To get started with running, you need comfortable running shoes and comfortable athletic wear. Most men prefer to wear mens runnings shorts with pockets as it helps them carry a few other items like music player, protein shake, hand towel, and mobile phone.
Running takes patience, as you won’t see the results overnight. For beginners, it is essential to keep a few tips in mind to ensure that you do get discouraged and leave this healthy habit midway. Running is all about staying motivated and enjoying small successes that come your way as you continue with your cycle of running. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for beginning runners –
Get New Shoes
Getting a pair of comfortable running shoes is essential as it would help you improve your performance and reduce energy consumption while running. Using any sports shoes won’t provide the same level of comfort and performance. There are specialized running sneakers available in the market with padded soles and breathable liners that allow for running for long-time without feeling sweaty or any discomfort.
Get New Clothes
Get new clothes for running that is made of technical fabric and is not 100% cotton. Wearing pure cotton shorts or tops can lead to irritation, blisters, and chaffing and make your running experience very unpleasant. Wearing a comfortable pair of shorts and a t-shirt made of a technical fabric (Lycra, polyester, smart wool, nylon, bamboo) would help your body breathe during intense running sessions. It won’t lead to sweat accumulation that can dampen your running experience. For men, buying mens runnings shorts with pockets is always an added plus.
Find a Running Buddy or a Group
When you are a part of a running group, it continues to motivate and inspire you to reach your goal and would also help you feel committed and remain accountable. If you are unable to find a running group to join, try and find a running buddy who you can join daily. At times when you feel unmotivated to run or aren’t feeling up to it, having someone push you a little or knowing that someone is waiting and counting on you can make a difference.
Make a Plan
Just getting out of the door and starting to run may seem like a good plan. However, having a plan is essential to ensure that you can get visible results sooner. You can contact running coaches in your area or inquire about the assistance offered by running clubs and stores regarding a beginner’s running plan. Following a plan would help you track your progress and ensure that you are on the right path to achieving your goals.
Fuel Your Body
When beginning with running or for that matter, any form of physical activity, fuelling your body is essential. Time your food consumption in a way that it enhances your performance while providing your body with enough energy to continue uninterrupted. Having around 200 – 400 calories an hour before you start running would ensure you don’t get drained out of energy while running. Refuel after you are done with running, and it should be ideally in the ratio of 4:1 carb to protein.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink at least a glass or two of water half an hour before you get started with running. After you are done with running, having a sports drink can help replace electrolytes in your body that contains a high volume of magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
As a running beginner, it is crucial to keep these few tips in your mind to get the maximum out of running. As simple as it may look, running can be quite complicated, and following these few tips would significantly enhance the results you get out of it.
