If you are looking to start a new running program or routine in the New Year, here are some helpful hints and tips to build the healthy habit- and make it stick.
Top Fifteen Running Tips:
- It’s never to late to start: Regardless of your age, the benefits of running are plentiful, from increasing your energy levels to decreasing your risk of heart disease.
- Contact your physician: He/she will more than likely perform a physical on you to be sure that you are as healthy and as free from injury as possible.
- Partake in a running program: This will help you stay consistent and motivated. A running schedule will allow you to plan ahead and know what is to come.
- Start with a run/walk (interval) program: This will help allow you to fight through the toughness of beginning something new. Varying between running and walking allows you to catch your breath while improving your stamina. After a while, you will be able to jog the entire time.
- Track your heart rate: It is always a good idea to wear a heart rate monitor; this helps reduce the risk of over-doing it.
- Keep a running log: If you don’t partake in a running program it is a good idea to keep a log. This will let you monitor your progress and it provide you plenty of support. Nike + has a great running and log program for those of you that have the Nike + products (shoes, phone, iPod).
- Listen to your body: I can’t emphasize this enough. Your body knows when enough is enough.
- Set goals: Goal setting is one of the best ways to stay focused. Goals helps us stay motivated and on track with what we want to accomplish.
- Be consistent: Find and make time for regular workouts. By being consistent, you are more likely to achieve your goals and be successful.
- Reward for achievement: Every time you hit a goal, give yourself a reward. This will help you strive for something worthwhile.
- Don’t get down: Do not get discouraged if you don’t lose any weight or aren’t seeing any results. Keep on trucking and I promise you will break down the barrier eventually.
- Add proper nutrition into the mix: Proper nutrition will not only help you feel and look better, but it will help provide you with the strength and energy to maintain your running progress.
- Find a running buddy: A running partner is never a bad idea. Having a partner will help with motivation and the ability to push each other harder and longer.
- Use warm-ups, cool-downs, and cross-training techniques: By warming-up and cooling-down, you will help prevent the risk of injury. The use of cross-training will help you from becoming bored and it will help boost your strength, stamina, and endurance.
- Engage friends and family: By getting your friends and family involved, you are ensuring that everyone supports you, which is huge when taking a major step in life.
Good luck and train hard! Never give up!