Make a run for it
RUNNING is undeniably one of the best ways to get in shape.
Why? You don’t need a fancy gym, expensive equipment or other people to get moving.
All you need is yourself and your running shoes.
But just because it’s such a simple sport to take part in, it doesn’t mean it’s easy.
We asked Nike head running coach Lydia O’donnell to share four of the biggest mistakes newbie runners make that can be easily fixed, so you can learn to eventually love running.
1. There is no quick fix. Be patient
Becoming “running fit” is completely different to any other fitness.
It takes time to not only build your cardiovascular fitness, but to also condition your body to the act of running. Give yourself time to get there.
2. Do it for the right reasons
Running is such a pure sport and it should be approached in a holistic way. Don’t run because you feel that you have to or for aesthetic reasons. You’re not running to prove anything to anyone else.
Run for yourself and your mental health, and everything else will fall into place.
3. Get rid of the pressure
As beginner runners, we tend to put all these expectations on ourselves to be able to run for a certain time or a certain distance. Allow yourself to start running with an open mind with no pressure to be running any specific paces or any specific kilometres.
Just run to enjoy it. This way you will fall in love with the sport and build a long-term relationship with it.
4. Don’t be afraid to run with others
While you may not feel “running fit”, don’t be scared to find friends to run with.
Having company will help pull you through the tough runs and will keep you distracted when on the run.
Allow your friends to do all the talking but work together to get through the run.