10 Essential Aspects to Be Aware of Before You Start Running

It is for certain that a new runner will not be able to start running a marathon distance (42 kilometers) straight away. Even half marathons (21 kilometers), mini marathons (10 kilometers) or a fun run (5 kilometers) may be extremely difficult for some people in the beginning.

For this reason, it is of utmost importance to choose a distance that suits you personally. Put into consideration your safety, exercise capabilities, health condition and the amount of free time you have available for training. No less important is to understand what it will take to keep developing yourself, from starting out by running short distances to running a long distance race successfully.

Do we have to train? Can’t we just get out and start running to improve our technique, fitness and pace? The truth is that whatever the sport, a training schedule will help the participants understand more about themselves. This includes their levels of commitment and ability to improve their physical condition. In running, this will involve gradually increasing the distance and fitness levels until you are eventually ready to complete your target race distance.

• A 10-kilometer race will require at least three months of training.
• A 21-kilometer race will require at least four months of training (and completion of at least one 10-kilometer race).
• A 42-kilometer race will require at least five months of training (and completion of at least one 21-kilometer race).

Each week of training should include at least 1-2 rest and recovery days.

When you are truly ready to begin your training run, it is absolutely essential that you remember to warm up and cool down. This will effectively protect your muscles against injury. Whatever form of running you are about to engage in, be it a run around the local park, a training run, or an actual race, it is crucial to warm up. This is because warming up stretches your muscles and increases your temperature. This, in turn, signals your body that energy is about to be expended on running.

As for the cooling down after a run, this will help the body return to its normal state. You may begin by slowing down your pace as you approach the end of a run. Then, jog slowly for a short amount of time. Follow through with some arm swinging alongside slight hip rotations until you are no longer sweating. Finally, you are ready for your shower.

Even soldiers cannot march on an empty stomach. Before you go out running, you should eat in order to provide the body with the energy it will need. Consume a main meal at least two hours prior to a run. Alternatively, you can eat light snacks, such as bananas, bread or crackers, up to one hour before running. Additionally, be sure to drink 2-4 deciliters of liquids 30 minutes before your run. Then, sip on water often throughout your session, particularly when running long distances. This will prevent potentially dangerous dehydration.

You’ll notice that there will be aid stations located at various points along a race route. They will stock liquids and food items that provide energy, especially in half marathons or full marathons. This is because these require hours of continuous running to complete. Therefore, ensure that you take on a sufficient amount of liquids to compensate for those lost through sweat, while remembering that the fruit offerings are entirely optional.

Don’t be afraid of hunger pangs. These aid stations will be located throughout the route. Such stations may also have power gels on offer which, while runny, do still have the potential to cause a stitch if consumed in large amounts.

Running at a slower pace does not necessarily mean that your running fitness will be decreased. However, trying to run too quickly in the hope of preparing yourself for your next race can lead to stress and anxiety which results in a lack of enjoyment. Jogging at a slow pace during your recovery days can be an effective form of stress relief. Additionally, if you can have a chat with friends while jogging, exchanging running secrets and knowledge. Doing so may even help you to run faster at that next race you’ve signed up for.

Along with carefully selecting the right training shoes to buy, runners must also take good care of their footwear once bought. Moreover, although running shoes can be quite expensive, you should keep a spare pair of shoes to wear. It helps prevent wearing out your main pair, or to have a back up while another pair is being repaired. These are some of the things that all runners should keep in mind.

Nevertheless, when a pair of shoes feels like they are losing their shape and form, this signals that it’s time to buy some new ones. This is to ensure that your feet are properly supported and protected against impacts, and that your shoes fit your foot shape.

Since running is not limited to the leg muscles, it recommended you also cross train. Those exercises can help you build and develop other muscle groups that are used when running. It also works those muscles that may be getting exercised less regularly. On days when you have some free time, you may want to engage in some other physical activities too. Cycling, swimming or yoga can all build strength alongside improving flexibility.

With regard to weight training, it not only builds muscle and increases strength. It also improves cardiovascular health, reduces fatigue and prevents running injuries.

With this in mind, attempt to carry out weight training alongside cross training around 2-3 times per week.

Setting yourself realistic targets will help you feel more relaxed about achieving your running goals. For example you may increase training load by around 10% a week, being careful to not attempt large jumps in distance or speed. A weekly 10%-increase is appropriate, especially in terms of preventing muscular injury and fatigue. Both of those could result from constantly running at high intensity.

Runners must always think positively and maintain hope that their body will hold out and become fitter as they train. Furthermore, when out injured, make sure that you give yourself enough time to recover properly before you start running again. Rushing back from injury increases the risk of exacerbating your old injury. This potentially causes the condition to become chronic, meaning that it may require an even longer time period to recover properly.

Just remember that stopping your training to allow your body to recover is not the end of the world. Nor will that race you’ve applied for disappear overnight. Even if you miss a race, there’s always another one before long. You’ll enjoy the race much more when you’re in good shape and properly prepared.