Have you ever been interested in running but don’t know where to start? Have you felt too intimated, the wrong the body type, or not the right age? I’m telling you, you were born to run. Your ancestors ran and so can you.
The benefits include: losing weight, stress relief, improved fitness and cardiovascular health, promotion of a healthier lifestyle including better eating habits, improved self-esteem and goal setting.
All you need to head out your door is a pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothes.
Find the perfect time of day: morning, lunch, after work or evening. The perfect time is when it’s perfect for you; re: you have time. Also, experiment with different times of day to find what you like and what works for you energetically.
You can run alone, with a buddy or in a group. What a great, healthy way to get a visit in. This also makes you accountable.
You can run for time or distance.
I’ll let you in on a couple of secrets: you don’t have to run the whole time and, you don’t run at full speed.
Running coach Jeff Galloway and Running Room founder/owner John Stanton, promote the 10 and one approach. That is run 10 minutes and walk one minute. The first week start by walking one minute and running one minute for 20 minutes total. Increase that running by one minute each week until you reach the 10 and one. You could also use landmarks to split up your run/ walk such as run one block, walk one block or use light poles, whatever you choose.
Start with maybe two or three runs a week. It is especially important for the older runner (over 50) to have recovery days between running.
Don’t judge your run by the first 10 minutes. As your body is warming up and adjusting to the increased demand for oxygen and blood, you may feel like you’re dying or at the very least, you’re too out of shape. Give it time.
Make sure you have clearance from your family doctor before you begin a running or any other exercise program.
I have been running for 10 years and regularly enter races of distances between 5 and 50 km.
