I know I haven't posted in awhile. I have been going through some things and had to take a break from working on my physical health and spend some time working on my mental health, but I'M BACK! So, I started running again this week and it was like I have never ran before. Crazy how in such a little amount of time I lost all my stamina! I ran through my head all the mistakes I made the first time I tried running and hated it and I wanted to share some of those to help others not make the same mistakes.
1. Don't expect to run! When you are starting out, it isn't about speed! Shoot for a steady pace jog that you can keep to throughout the entire run. Many people (myself included) begin thinking they are going to run like they are being chased with a knife and end up so sore the next day that you vow never to do it again. You can increase speed with time but be patient, it's not a race (ha,ha,ha). Today I ran a for 2 1/2 miles and my speed was 12-13 min miles...and I am proud of that. Why?? BECAUSE I DID IT.
2. Keep your stride short. Think baby steps. If you try leaping like a deer, you will strain your hip flexors and increase the probability of shin splints and plantar fasciitis and trust me, those are not pretty!!!
3. Don't expect to go from couch to 5k in a day...or even a week! Begin with a mile or two. Remember, your body needs time to adjust to this new form of torture and if you want it to cooperate, take it slow. You can go a little farther with each run if you want but just like going too fast right out of the gate if you go for too long, you will burn out and quit.
4. STRETCH!!. I can't stress this enough. AFTER your run, when your muscles are warm, stretch your hip flexors, calfs, quads, hamstrings and ankles. They will work hard for you if you take care of them.
People say they can't run but mostly they just don't know how. Anyone who wants to can be a runner. Be smart and try to enjoy it! (That comes with time too;) )
