As a passionate runner, I decided to put my running skills to a good use and take part in the Race for Life 5K marathon run back in July and now I can happily say that I managed to complete the race in just under 40 minutes. Of course behind every race, a lot of preparation is needed to help push ourselves to reach the best that we can, that’s why I’ve decided to share my top tips for anyone who wants to try out running for the first time and don’t know where to start.
Invest in the right pair of running shoes
The most common mistake people make when buying their first pair of trainers is they tend to go for looks instead of the two most important things – feel and fit. The main problem with that, is you’re most likely going to end up with blisters or other foot injuries because you didn’t pick the right trainers suited for your personal needs and running style, that’s why trainers are meant to be the most important piece of kit especially for runners. My personal choice is Los Angeles Adidas trainers, there not only comfortable and stylish but their lightweight which makes it easier for me to run in.
Nutrition and energy
Whenever I go for a run I always make sure I have a bottle of water with me, this is mainly because by drinking plenty of water I know I won’t get dehydrated of feel dizzy afterwards.
Eating the right types of food can also play a very important role in your daily energy levels, if you suffer from an iron deficiency like me, it’s especially important to eat rich foods like fish, bananas, apples, almonds, spinach, yogurt and any others that are high in iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin D which can help contribute to your energy levels and stop you from feeling tired.
A good playlist
There’s nothing better than having a great playlist to listen to whilst running, especially when you’re on your own and need to work out for longer and harder. Music for me is therapeutic and an instant mood booster so every week or so I’ll add a new song to my playlist so I don’t get bored of listening to the same song again and again.
Set yourself realistic achievable goals
When I first started off running I knew it wasn’t going to be easy at first, that’s why I set myself small goals to begin with so I wouldn’t feel bad at the end of the day for not doing as much as other people did.
Nobody said running was going to be easy and some people just run faster than others but that’s not to say you won’t get there eventually, it takes time and determination.
Start off with half an hour of running to begin with and as soon as you get used to it start to slowly increase the minutes and distance in your daily routine even if it’s an extra ten or five minutes, at least you put in that extra effort and pushed yourself and that itself deserves a round of applause.
Finding the motivation
When I first started out running, I found it boring, hard and tiring but then I came across a running group called Parkrun in Heaton Park, Manchester, a group of runners from all ages and backgrounds who aim to run 5km every morning at 9am so I decided to join in instead of running on my own.
I was welcomed with open arms and I’ve made some new friends who motivate me every time and support me every step of the way. I’ve recently started bringing my best friend who’s also now my running partner to these regular runs so we can challenge each other and support each other to do the best that we can so we didn’t feel that we wasn’t good enough somehow.
Running has now become a habit for me, even if it means going out for half an hour, I tend to run three or four times a week and bringing a friend along is one of the easiest way to enjoy yourself.
– There are organised 5K park runs across the UK, just go to their website to see if there is one near you –
