Date : 2024-10-11
So you want to run? Congratulations - it is the first step in the right direction if you want to become a runner: WANTING to run!
I never played sports very seriously as a child growing up, but only tried a little basketball and football and only started training when I was around 18-20 years old. It didn't come naturally in the beginning and I tried a lot (which I also do as an adult when the spirit strikes, although not as frequently as when I was a child) and I have always dealt with different forms of exercise at the same time and tried a little to possible, but running is what I have devoted myself to the most and which has always been with me during my active years and even today.
Running has enormous benefits for your health, among other things it lowers blood pressure, makes you manage stress better, increases your cognitive ability and simply makes you happier as it releases endorphins in the body such as dopamine! For those who want it, it is also a very nice social activity and if you have children who are old enough and can ride a bike with you or a dog that needs a rest, it is an excellent opportunity to combine this.
Some will also claim that it is a cheap sport, but for a gadget geek like myself, it is rather the opposite! However, having extra equipment besides a pair of shoes (if even that, you actually CAN run barefoot!) is highly optional and it doesn't have to cost a lot to run (on the other hand, I personally think it's fun to have equipment and clothes, it motivates me more to exercise, is a way I use to reward myself and since exercise is my biggest hobby and such a big part of my life, it is also something I like to prioritize spending money on).
So how do you get started?
You just DO IT.
O it may sound simple and you may think "easy for you to say" but that's exactly how it is: just do it.
Because if you want to be a runner, you have to run, and you don't have to run fast or far, but I really want to make a point to talk about yourself as a runner -manifest what you do! I see far too many posts in running Facebook groups and in social media where people devalue their achievements and say and write things like: "I'm not a real runner", "I was walking slowly", "I didn't run, just jogged".
Own who you are and what you do. If you move at a higher speed and in a different movement pattern than when you walk, you are running and thus a runner. Point.
Oh of course it's not easy in the beginning and of course there are days it's hard and no you won't be able to start from couch potato to a marathon right away but we all have to start somewhere.
Once you've started, it's also easy to compare yourself to others - and do it! IF it motivates you, but if it's rather something that brings your mood down and makes you feel worse than worst, then you need to work on not comparing yourself to anyone other than yourself!
Here is a list that can help you get started or for that matter maybe keep you going:
-Set a goal and log your workouts. Being objective without data to look at is not easy but in the long run you will be able to see results and something that is more motivating than anything else to achieve goals!
-Pepper yourself with new training clothes, shoes or maybe a pair of stylish running glasses?
-Find someone to run with. Maybe a running group (there are several that are, for example, free) is something for you, a friend, a colleague or maybe you can borrow a neighbor's dog as company?
-If you are a person who likes to train to music, download a really good playlist -here I just want to emphasize the importance of safety, if you are running in traffic or others, use only one earphone and at a low volume so you can pay attention to your surroundings.
-Social media. Join running groups on Facebook, follow other runners on Instagram, etc. Network and inspire!
-Experience new places. Run on holiday, or take a different run than you usually do. Take the bus to a place and run home or run until you see a yellow car and then you can turn around.
-Sign up for a race so you have something to train for and look forward to!
If you have more tips, please fill them in below, either as a comment here or you are most welcome to my instagram account: Ultrasuz
The next post will be about how to dress when you're going to run and the weather is a bit tricky and changes - most relevant now that it's starting to fall and I also thought I'd take the opportunity to give some advice on equipment that I, as a runner, think is a little extra good!
Have a great day, hope to see you on the trail! 👋🏻
