So you want to start running?
You know what was the hardest part of running? Getting started. Once I did, I just kind of didn’t stop and I’ve been loving it oh so very much ever since. Maybe not every run is super enjoyable, but I can tell you I’ve always felt good about a run afterwards. When I started running I had so much anxiety (not just about running, but about everything and everyone), I was out of shape, I hadn’t really exercised in YEARS, I had no idea what I was doing and was just a mess in general. So here’s my advice for getting started, I’m taking it back to basics!
Find your safe space
No, my first suggestion is not to buy the right running shoes (that comes later), but to find your own safe space to get started. There is no right or wrong place to run. You could run around your neighborhood, at the gym, in the park, at the beach, a trail you love, in a parking garage… What’s important is that the setting doesn’t add to your hesitation to start running. Maybe you feel a little self-conscious, or you don’t want to deal with the outside elements… so choose a setting that works for you.
I started running because I had crippling anxiety and was coming out of a pretty severe mental health crisis. As freeing as running outside is, at that point in my life that notion terrified me, I was afraid of leaving my apartment. So I decided to run in the treadmill at the gym in my apartment complex. I didn’t have to leave my building and I felt safe, it worked for me, and that’s what matters.
Mini goals
Be realistic about where you are and where you want to go with your running goals. Don’t start comparing yourself to other people, it will not go well. You will hear or read a lot of “I ran a half marathon/marathon/any race and didn’t train”… yeah, it’s possible but believe me, it hurts a lot afterwards and more than likely you’ll get injured. Even worse, the experience will probably suck and you won’t want to run after that. So don’t go from zero to a hundred. Start slow and listen to your body. Maybe you start by running one block from your house, or pick 5 parked cars… from one tree to the next…. customize your experience to your journey! Remember to start slowly and build up. The first time I was able to run one whole mile without stopping was a glorious day!
Consistency
Part of the reason you want to build up slowly is so that you can begin to build consistency in your running. Let’s say you start today and you have a ton of energy so you go and run hard and totally exhaust yourself. You probably won’t want to run tomorrow, or even the day after. So pace your workouts. Plan them ahead and include recovery days as part of your workout schedule. Pick something that will work for you, it could be every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday or maybe you can’t pick specific days but you start with 2 days a week and eventually add a third. The point is you try to get as close to the schedule you chose for yourself as possible.
Support
When I first started running I knew a lot of people who ran, but they were “real” runners (that’s how I saw them,: they’d done races! they were skinny! they were fast!) so I didn’t want to run with them because I was intimidated. Guess what, they were also the most supportive when I would share I had started running. They were genuinely excited for me and pretty helpful. You know who wasn’t as supportive? Non-runners (what about your knees? you’re running alone? what if you get hurt? one more drink, it’s Friday….). I’m not telling you to shun your non-runner friends, but know that once you start making changes, not everyone will get it. Of course there will be people that will support you even if they don’t run (or get it, once you start going longer distances…haha), hang on to those people, they are the best. Also, consider joining a running group, runners are really some of the friendliest people you’ll meet (and endearingly weirdest…. ha!) and love to talk about everything running, so you will be inspired and learn from them as well.
Gear
Last but not least. Get yourself a good pair of running shoes. They don’t have to be expensive, but they do need to fit well. If possible, go to your local running store and get fitted for the right shoe for you. It will make a huge difference and possibly save you some pain and discomfort in your running journey. Get a good sports bra, or compression shirts and learn what works for you to avoid chafing (vaseline, squirrel’s nut butter, body glide….. there’s a ton of stuff out there). While you’re at it also get a reusable water bottle. Start making a habit of making hydration a priority (and plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so it’s a win-win). I won’t go into any additional gear in this post (like headphones or watches) as I don’t think they’re necessary to get started. Same for running clothes…. wear whatever is comfortable and the more you run, the more specific your needs will get!
So start slow, build up and stick to it. This is advice for running but it can easily be applied to any other fitness goal you have in mind. More importantly, be kind to yourself. Starting anything is always difficult, so approach it with a sense of curiosity and remind yourself why you’re doing it. I hope you find joy, strength and clarity in your running journey!