New to Running?

Wow, what a strange world we currently live in. I am so glad I have had my running to get me through. 

I really do believe running finds you when you need it most. It found me three years ago when I was at a very low point due to my mental health and honestly, it has helped me so much. 

I am so passionate about it, and I have helped so many friends of mine with it. Whether they still do it or not, I believe I helped them with many tips of my own.

So, what advice have I given to new runners?

I just want to add a disclaimer in here and say, I am not and by no means claim to be a ‘professional’ runner. But I do have three years experience in running both solo and in a group, and have jumped over my fair few running hurdles. So I want to share my experience with others, in the hope it helps them. 

First off, buy a good pair of trainers. Ideally some with gel and cushioning in will help. I have had two pairs of ASICS and found them to be really good for what I need, and there are certain categories to suit the type of running and runner you are, not just a general pair of trainers like say, Karrimor.

For the ladies out there reading this (men you can skip this one) a really good sports bra. When you run, your breasts move in a figure of eight pattern, not up and down like you’d think! So, your breasts are moving further then your legs, so we have to take care of them, right? No one wants sore boobs! I find the wired sports bra from Bravissimo to be really good, but also the Shockabsorber bras are meant to be amazing! I may have to treat myself to one... if it’s classed as a treat...?

Stretch. This is soooo important! You can find any that work for you. But I tend to do a few runners lunges, low squats, hamstring stretches and some flexing of the foot and ankle. There are some good stretch ideas you can find online. This is so important. Stretching before and after could help prevent injury. For the first two years I never stretched, so last year I was off running for 2 months because I had a bad injury in my groin. Find what works for you, as long as it stretches those muscles and leaves you warm before your run, you are on a good track.

Breathing. Oh the ability to breath on a run. It takes a long time, and even now I have days where i just don’t get it right. I don’t find the ‘inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth’ works for me. When running I inhale and exhale through my mouth, becahse I can take deep breaths to get my breath back and I keep a good pattern. It’s all about what works for you. When you’re a new runner, you’ll find you will probably need to stop for a breather, use that time to get your breathing under control. I often find myself counting to four and on that fifth breath I do a really deep inhale, and so on.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Just like everyday life really. Just because so and so down the road ran 10k without stopping, and you didn’t manage 4K without stopping, doesn’t make you a bad runner or mean you should stop. That insurance and frankly, confidence builds up. I see myself as a fit person, but even on the shortest of my runs I find myself needing to stop. For no apparent reason often. You do you. 

Finally, don’t worry about pace and times for a while. The first few weeks/ months is your time to get the swing of it. (Get the run of it doesn’t quit sound so good). Just focus on breathing and enjoying it. Explore a bit before you get into the nitty gritty of time and pace!

Whether you are a new runner, a senior runner, or someone who needed some positivity and push with your running, remember, enjoy it. That is key. Even if I have a bad run, I get home and think yes! I have released endorphins, which help positive feelings in the body. I always think of it as my sweat is negative energy leaving my body. 

I hope you enjoy my blog guys, and if you have any more questions for me, please ask! I love helping people with running! 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏾