I know it can seem really intimidating starting your running journey and you might not know where to start so here are some tips:
- Set a goal
- Having something to work towards is a game changer not only to have a light at the end of the tunnel but it gives you motivation to train and a reward at the end once you complete it!
- Your goal can be anything you want here are some ideas: complete your first Park Run, run to the highest point in your area, complete your first marathon, go on a running holiday, win a race, join a running club etc.
- Keep your easy runs easy
- I see this sooo often where runners do their easy runs too fast! Slow down and keep these easy. If you are not sure how easy to run you should be able to have a comfortable full conversation with someone. If you don’t have anyone to run with to test this give someone a ring and catch up with them on the phone as you go for a jog.
- Do some sort of interval training
- As well as keeping your easy runs easy you also need to add a bit of stress in order to improve and this is best done in the form of intervals.
- Sessions like 10 x 1 min fast, 1 min easy or 8 x 90 secs fast, 90 secs easy are a great way to start incorportaing speed into your programme.
- Do your strength!
- Please, please, please do strength! It keeps injuries away and makes you faster and stronger.
- Here is a link to the Couch 2 5km free strength programme that I made that you can start with