A Beginner’s Guide to Running

Written by MVC

Introduction

Running. The word itself is enough to set most people (walking slowly) in the other direction. It conjures images of pain, feeling cold, burning lungs, and a “stitch” in you side. But it doesn’t have to be any of that. Running is whatever you want it to be, and no matter at what level you are participating, you will reap benefits that you can’t even imagine yet.

Benefits

That exercise is good for your body is quite apparent to most people. That exercise is also good for your mind, you spirit, your family life, your job… maybe not as obvious. Studies have shown that exercising will benefit not only your physical health, but is also helpful to stave off and treat depression and anxiety, gives a sense of happiness and well-being, and makes you more productive in your other endeavours of the day. You burn calories while you exercise, but you also “stoke up” your metabolism to continue burning calories well after the workout. That exercise is beneficial is undeniable.

Why!?

But why running? There are few forms of exercise that require less time and equipment. It is portable whether you are at work, at home or out of town. The hours are flexible to your lifestyle, and the world is your gym. Boring, you say? Our North American mentality dictates that we be distracted and entertained by others every minute of the day. To allow your mind to wonder while you run is a magical gift that you should give to yourself. Whether you are figuring out the day’s agenda, a problem at work, what’s for supper or watching the neighbourhood as it passes by you, the opportunity to allow your mind to think freely is a welcome and rare opportunity.

Starting

So, how do you begin?

  • First thing you should do is commit to starting. Whether it be starting the run that day or starting a learn how to run program, the key is to get out there before you talk yourself out of it. Put on your shoes, get out the door, and then after 10 minutes try to remember what you were worried about. Most often you will continue.

  • Second, make it a part of your day, not the thing you do if you have time at the end of the list of things to do. Just like you would make an appointment with the Dentist…oh wait, bad example. Let’s say you would make an appointment to meet a friend. Do the same for your run. If you schedule it, it will happen; or at least is more likely to happen. You’d be surprised how quickly running becomes a friend that you are looking forward to spending time with.

  • Third, talking about friends, if you have someone who wants to join in this journey, plan to run with a buddy. There is nothing better to ensure that you actually do the run than a friend (human or otherwise) who is waiting for you, relying on you, to show up.

    Equipment

    Okay, now hopefully you are convinced that you want to enter into this world. How to start. The equipment is cheap and limited. Buying a good pair of running shoes is essential. Plan to spend $100.00, maybe more if you want to get fancy. The rest is optional; now, don’t misinterpret me. Clothing of some kind is important if you don’t want to get arrested. But how fancy you want to get with high end technical fabrics is up to you. You want to begin with shorts, socks and a cotton T-shirt? Fine. You’ll decide what more you want as you go.

    Schedule

    Now the schedule. This is so variable that making a generic schedule is nearly impossible. It depends where you are starting from. I’ve had friends that start with the goal of getting out every day, walking from one telephone pole to the next, and then calling it a day. If that’s your level, then good for you that you are getting yourself out there. . But if you feel you are at some level of fitness, then begin with 3-4 times a week, 20-30 minutes a day. You can run the whole time, you can walk run as you feel fit to do, or you can run 10 minutes and then walk 1 minute alternating. The point is: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU START. Just start, be consistent, and you’ll improve. You will! Honestly.

    Oh, and my friend who could only go to one telephone pole on the first day? She has run 5 marathons now. So please, don’t tell me (or yourself) that you can’t do it.

    See you out there!
    MVC