Set Up Your Beginner Running Program

Congratulations on your decision to explore the world of running. The long term benefits of this sport are endless, and you will find yourself energized, with more pep in your step and better sleeping habits than before. There are many reasons to start running, but it doesn’t matter what yours is, as long as you go about your first running program in a safe and constructive way. A mistake many beginners make is jumping in too fast. They end up believing that they can’t run, or that they just weren’t made for the sport. Here’s a secret: we were all built to run. It’s in our genes, and the way our bodies are made. All you have to do is help your body prepare properly. Our modern world may have slowed you down some, but the building blocks for a great runner are buried somewhere inside of you.

Your goals with your Beginner Running Program should be twofold. First, you want to get better. Just like any hobby, you want to see yourself improve as you continue to run. Second, you want to be safe and injury free. It is unrealistic to think you’ll never be in pain, but if you treat yourself right, you will be able to avoid the kind of injuries that can put a major damper on your new hobby.

Consider safety your number one priority, with everything from how much you run to where you run. When planning the routes you’ll use for your beginner running program, make sure you pick safe roads. Generally speaking, a road that is safe to walk, is safe to run. You can also explore local parks and trails, where you’ll be free from automotive traffic.

Don’t try to do too much too soon. A lot of runners try to push themselves to run quickly when they are just starting out. This leads to frustration early in the run, as they hit the wall and find that they are too tired to keep up the pace they have set. Start by running about one to two minutes slower than your optimum speed. This will allow you to keep a steady pace while still working your heart and muscles.

Finally, your beginner running program must continue when you are not actually hitting the road. Give your body the nutrition it needs to be healthy and regenerate muscle tissue. There are many guides out there that will provide helpful tips on a successful beginner running diet.

About: Tarah Meyer-Martin Blogs about running and training