Get running – my top tips to get you pounding the pavement

Up until around 7 years ago, you wouldn’t have caught me dead in overpriced active wear, wanky sports watch to boot, working up a sweat pounding the pavement, RUNNING of all things! Alas, it’s amazing what the impending date of one’s nuptials will make a woman do. You know what though? Zero regrets, because running has become one of my constants in life, that thing I love to hate. For me, the benefits of running have been many, and it has offered up far more positives than the bucket loads of sweat and swear words I’ve expelled over the years whilst doing it.

Unless you have an underlying physical injury or disability that inhibits you from running, I have come to believe that if I can do it, anyone can, TRULY. The awesome thing about running is that unless you aspire to be Usain Bolt, the only person you are competing with is yourself. You set your own goal posts, and how you’re going to go about achieving that, and with a can-do approach, running is literally accessible and do-able by anyone, anywhere.

Alright Kara, you’re actually making me think I can give running a crack. How do I go about it? So glad you asked! Without further a-do, here are my top tips to get you out there in your active wear, channelling your inner cheetah.

The gear

A good quality running shoe is essential (connies and crocs are a no-no), but you do not need to spend squillions on the right pair. I suggest heading to your local sports or shoe store, and letting the staff help you out if you’re a first timer. Me personally, I’ve tried several brands, and made a few mistakes along the way (with fit), getting some sound advice from those in the know is wise so you can avoid my mistakes. I’m currently running in Adidas Questar TND, I’ve transitioned to Adidas because of their environmental & ethical standards being better than other well-known sports brands. This is important to me but by no means a prerequisite for everyone. You may also like to invest in leggings that fit snug, nothing worse than leggings that sag in the crutch mid run, trust me, I’ve been there! A fit bit, sports watch or smart phone may be handy to record your efforts or listen to phat beats, but they are not essential.

Just start

Sounds simple right!? From a serial procrastinator, stop making excuses and just start! Start small if you need, but get out there and get cracking. Starting is often the hardest part of creating a new habit, so try not to overthink things, strap up those shoe laces, and head outside. A walk/run program may be a gentle way to ease into your running journey; these are but a Google search away.

Doesn't matter how dorky you look, get out there and give running a try!

Don’t go too hard too soon

The fastest way to derail your foray into running is to go all-in too fast and too soon. You’ll either burn out quickly or injure yourself. Be gentle with your temple, if you’ve never run regularly before, your body will wonder what the actual fuck you’re doing! This is normal, and my advice is to ease into it, perhaps start on a treadmill before outdoor running. Or maybe find a nice flat street, and aim to run its entire length once or twice a week to begin with, and then add more distance in increments over time. Remember, the only person you need to show up for and prove anything to is yourself, and you can’t do that if you’re injured or burnt out. AND, a good warm up and cool down/stretch is essential, do not skip this!

Track your progress, don’t obsess over it

Tracking your runs can be a really useful tool to set small goals for yourself in the beginning. It can also be very tempting however to get obsessive over your results. My best tip here is to remind yourself that each time you step out to run it is going to look and feel different. You may run the same stretch of road, but the circumstances leading up to that run vary each time. How much or well did you sleep the night before? What did you eat the day before or for breakfast? Did you have a busy, tiring day at work? Are you stressed or feeling anxious? All of these will have some effect on your current run. Track your progress to set goals and celebrate wins, but don’t let those results define your running experience.

It’s all about timing baby

Now, depending on your circumstances, choosing when you run may not be afforded to you. Can I suggest though, if you can, experiment and listen to your body’s ques on when it performs best whilst running. For me, early mornings on an empty stomach are optimal. I’ve tried afternoon runs with breakfast and lunch consumed prior, and it was stitch central. Very uncomfortable! You’ll more than likely work out pretty quickly what works and doesn’t work with the timing of your runs.

Don’t let a bad run get you down

Don’t let a bad run discourage you, we runners all have them. I’ve had stitches, heavy lead legs, annoying ill-fitting clothing and equipment malfunctions (I have a love/hate relationship with earphones). I even had a 6 month bout of plantar fasciitis; this meant zero running, a lot of pain and general frustration and fuckery. I was determined not to let it beat me, and by helping and allowing my body to heal, I was eventually back running and have had no issues since. Bad runs WILL happen, but tomorrow is a new day and another opportunity for a better one.

Explore your hood

Use running as a way to explore new places, this has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of running for me personally. You may choose to start on a treadmill, but I highly recommend running in the great outdoors if you can. Not only will you get your Vitamin D fix and fresh air in your lungs, but you may just discover places in your hood that you never knew existed. I’ve also witnessed some epic sunrises and rainbows over the years, these moments definitely get those feel good endorphins flowing and make running (dare I say it) pleasurable.

Some extra stuff

Some other tips that I myself don’t do often, but many other runners find helpful

· Run with music or a podcast

· Run with a friend or group

· Sign up to an event or join your local Park Run (I sometimes do this)

· Interact and connect with fellow runners on Strava (running app)

And that’s a wrap friends. I hope this inspires you to perhaps get out there and give running a try. I NEVER considered myself a runner, but at age 33 I started (you’re never too old or young!) and I’ve never looked back. Running is a little like meditation for me; I can shake off a grey mood, sort through my thoughts, and know that I’m setting myself up for a better day ahead. I’d love to hear from you if you give it a red hot crack.

xx Kara

P.S I have a Good Stuff social media crusade running for the month of September. If you haven't read your monthly email, the deets are in there. Otherwise keep your eye out in my social feeds and stories #goodstuffseptember is what to look for.