What started as a casual walk around your neighborhood suddenly shifted to jogging. You’re getting faster and stronger, and the idea of longer runs sounds fun.
You’re interested; you’re hooked on your new hobby. In your free time, you look for your next running shoes, races, and friends who also caught the running bug. It’s contagious yes, but in a good way: running is easy, accessible, and comes with all the health benefits your doctor advises.
As a beginner who is now addicted to running, you might be wondering what’s next. Here’s a quick guide to help you make your “running era” enjoyable.
𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒
This is the first and probably the most important step a beginner runner must do: set achievable goals. Whether it’s staying fit, losing those extra pounds, improving your pace, or setting a new personal best, the list goes on. Realistic, short-term goals will motivate you and push your training to the next level.
It’s only a matter of time before you find yourself running three times a week, going nonstop for 30 minutes or an hour, and eventually signing up for your first race.
𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐑𝐇𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐌
The key to any sport, not just running, is consistency. Athletes, especially beginners, need to establish a routine that fits their lifestyle. This is an important aspect, particularly for those who are juggling work and training daily.
Morning runs can perk up your entire day, while afternoon or evening sessions are a great way to relax and unwind after 8 hours of hard work. Just be careful to listen to your body and adjust your schedule that will benefit you holistically.
𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏
Scour your social media channels, and you’ll find a bunch of running groups that welcome runners in all shapes, sizes, or forms. They might look intimidating at first, but these groups were formed to provide support, motivation, and a sense of belongingness, especially for beginners.
One perk of joining a run club is that they organize regular training sessions, group runs, and social gatherings. It’s an excellent venue for runners to share their experiences, celebrate achievements, and learn from the best.
𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐑
If you want to enjoy running more and stretch your longevity in the sport for years, having the right gear is just as important as doing warmups and cooldowns before and after your training.
In all honesty, running is an expensive sport if one decides to delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of running gear. Some runners invest highly in their shoe rotation, nutrition, and fitness trackers, while others go beyond the norm and get one-on-one coaching from the experts.
On the flip side, having a good pair of legitimate running shoes, a couple of moisture-wicking tops and bottoms, a running belt, socks, and a GSP watch can and will do the job.
𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐒
Signing up for your first official race is a milestone for beginner runners. While this is not mandatory, joining a race will test your training and determination.
But before you hit that register button, try to assess your fitness level and confidence. Start with shorter distances like 5K or, in some cases, 1.5K. This can go up to 10K for some. A half-marathon and a marathon is a whole different scenario and will require intense training and determination, especially if a runner is attempting to break a personal record.
But then again, crossing the finish line and taking a selfie with your first-ever running medal will come with a different euphoria. The feeling is unparalleled, and that sense of accomplishment will make you sign up for the next race right there and then.
