First time runners have quite the uphill battle! Pun intended!
Rather than racing off and injuring yourself, take a moment to stretch and read through our top tips to make the journey a little less painful.
Apparel Tips
- Wear spandex shorts under your regular running shorts so you don’t chafe “down there.”
- Cotton socks will only lead to blisters; invest in socks designed for running.
- Ladies, do not skimp on a bra. Even if it costs more than your shoes it’s still a bargain.
- Buy running clothes you look good in and that will motivate you to run.
- Buy new running clothes at the end of the season when stores dump the old season’s line. Think clearance!
Community
- Join your local running club—check with your local running store fitness center and/or recreation department to find one.
- Volunteer at a local race—meet runners support runners and connect with your Community.
Manners
- Remember to say “Thank You!” to race volunteers (e.g. when you get that cup of water at the aid station) and family and friends who support you.
- Conscientiously share the trail with walkers, bikers and other runners.
- Always try to balance running with the people you love by making a schedule that involves and is considerate of everyone.
- Don’t carry loose change. It will annoy those who are running with you.
- Don’t neglect and irritate your family and friends by spending all your time running and talking about running.
Motivational Tips
- Sign up for a race as soon as you feel up to it.
- Find a committed running partner. It is much harder to skip a run when you have someone else depending on you.
- Remember that you will have plateaus in your progress and tough days along the way. It gets easier.
- Accept and appreciate the fact that not every single run can be a good one.
- Be prepared to remove the words “can’t” and “never” from your vocabulary.
- “Do not compare yourself to others. Run within yourself and for yourself first.
- Don’t expect every run to be better than the last one; some of them will hurt.
- Don’t think too much about it or you won’t do it.
- Even a bad run is better then no run at all.
- If you normally run with music try skipping it and listening to your feet to hear your pace and your gait.
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t experience weight loss immediately.
- Running is not an excuse to triple your intake of doughnuts because runners gain weight too.
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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