How To Become A Runner Even If You Think You Hate Running
anjala farahath .
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Do you run? No, we don’t mean running from responsibilities or running from your ex, or from the traffic cop for not wearing a helmet. We mean running as a sport. If you clicked on this article it’s quite possible that you’re a non-runner and are eager to put your running shoes to use. Or you could be an inquisitive reader who wants to read this for general knowledge. Either ways, we are here to help.
Running is an activity that’s as easy as taking a walk in the park. But, the sport doesn’t find popularity among some for its high impact and intensity. And that’s fine, because not everybody needs to love this sport. But, have there been instances when you wished that you were a natural runner and that would help you burn away all the extra doughnuts and chocolates that you happily much on frequently? We recently found out that just five minutes of running could add some extra years to our life, we were happy to cut down on our Netflix and chill time and give our bodies some TLC.
Wasn’t that difficult? Well, a little maybe. So, how did we manage to ace itt? Here’s how you can take it step by step:
Prep Yourself For The Run
Before you run, you need to get some basics right. No, it’s not like training for a marathon, but you need to prep with some basic organizing and scheduling.
- Get Your Sneakers Out
You probably don’t need to spend a fortune on new sneakers. Just make sure that the sneakers you have are light, fit your foot well and support your ankle. You don’t need to go out and buy a pair of new shoes that are just designed for running. So that excuse is now out of your window. That said, refrain from using old, decrepit shoes that look like they are from the war-torn days.
- Pick Your Pace
None of us here is Usain Bolt, you know. (If you are, thanks for reading my article!) So, you needn’t run like there’s a lion chasing you. Just start slow. Maybe, you can start with walking for starters and then slowly shift to jogging. If you think you can push further, increase your pace and start running. The easiest way to do this is to alternate between running and walking.
- Make Your Runs An Outdoor Activity
Don’t limit yourself to the four walls of the gym and run on the boring machine. No matter how fancy the treadmill is, it will not give you the same feeling as running outdoor with fresh air and plenty room. Another reason for starting with outdoor runs is that it prevents new runners from hunching their backs and injuring their knees. Once you get this foundation right, you can run indoors (but, we bet you would like outdoors better).
Now that you have chosen the location, picked a nice pair of shoes and monitored the pace, here’s how you should continue running and enjoying it:
Make A Run Buddy (Or A Dog)
We all have that one friend who is super active and never misses a workout. Maybe it’s time to make use of this friendship and hit them up every day so they can accompany you for a run. This will also keep your lazy self motivated when you feel like giving up. If you don’t want to socialise while running but still want that daily dose of motivation, get a dog or befriend someone who has a dog. Whenever Scooby needs to go for a walk, guess who has to go along?
Set Goals
Running without a goal is like driving without a destination. You’ll have fun, but you’ll get bored and then stop doing it. So, set a goal. Maybe, you can get an activity tracker and set a goal of burning 2000 calories a day, or maybe walk 10K steps a day. Also, set a daily target and try to achieve it. On days, when you go a little over the target, treat yourself!
Make The Runs Your Cardio Before Other Workouts
If you enjoy doing other exercises like crunches, squats, and weight training, you must be aware that these exercises needs some cardio to go along. So, make these runs your cardio workout and then continue with your other exercises. It will get your heart rate up and prep you for other workouts. If you’re too bored of running, you can also alternate it with a spin class, swimming, or skipping.
Set Aside Some Recovery Time
Often, beginners make a mistake of over-exerting themselves. Just because you started a particular workout, doesn’t mean that you over do it. You can’t go for a run 7 days a week. Your body needs rest and time for recovery. So, keep one day for your muscles to recover. Maybe, you can for a massage or for sauna on your day off from running. This will help you relax and ease out the cramps, if any.
Post Running
Stretch, stretch, stretch! It’s important guys! Never forget to cool down and stretch your leg muscles, your back, your neck, your thighs, calf muscles, and your butt. If you don’t know any of these stretches, just do a quick google search on runner’s stretches and you will know. Also, ensure that you eat a snack or a meal with protein or carbohydrates after the run. Eat a bowl of yogurt or a banana with peanut butter, etc within an hour after you’ve cooled off. Additionally don’t forget to hydrate! The more you run, the more your body sweats and ergo, you need more water.
Are you ready to run? With these steps in mind, we’re sure you’ll become a pro at running and you will certainly brag about it. You’re welcome, in advance.
Do you think running is the best exercise? What’s your favourite full-body cardio workout? Let us know in the comments below.
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