Running is a sport just like soccer or golf. It requires great discipline and practice before it gets easier or rewarding. It can be intimidating at first because you think you can just pop outside and start running. However, your body will need time to adjust to the physicality of the sport and your mind will need to learn how to guide you all the way through the finish line. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to become a runner, keep reading for our tips and suggestions to start up this new active hobby.
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Why become a runner?
People start running for different reasons: to lose weight, improve their health, try something new, or release stress. Running is a great way to help increase confidence and self-esteem. Whatever your reason for becoming a runner is, the benefits will help you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s also an activity you can do by yourself or with a group, making it easy to pick up and share with others.
How to become a runner?
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If you are trying to become a runner, you need to start with a training plan. It will help get you started and build up your endurance. The first thing you should do is plan out three days a week that you want to run on. This is more than enough days per week when you’re first starting out.
Then, on two of those three days, you should run or run/ walk for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. It doesn’t matter how many breaks you take to walk since you are just trying to get your body to adjust to that much time spent doing endurance training. On the third day, try to take a longer run or run/ walk for at least 40 minutes to one hour. This will push you to go longer than you want, which is essential when first learning how to become a runner.
On your days off, you should rest. Light walking is okay, but in the beginning, your legs are going to be exhausted and maybe even in pain from the soreness. Make sure to warm up before you run with lots of stretching and even light cardio exercises. This ensures you don’t get a cramp or spasm when running. You should also stretch after you run and on your rest days to keep those muscles loose.
Lastly, you will need to get proper running shoes and gear. We suggest going to your local running store in-person to get fitted properly for running shoes. You want to be comfortable and have good support so accidents do not happen when running.
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Can anyone become a runner?
You don’t have to be athletic or in shape to become a runner. The hardest part is taking the first step outside to run or find a treadmill. All you need is the motivation to put on the shoes and get started. Your weight or financial status doesn’t matter if you can get a pair of shoes and get to it. Running can work with whatever lifestyle you have and whatever you can afford. Running is also easy to fit into any schedule during the day or even at night. You can go to your local Goodwill or thrift store if you don’t have good shoes and get a used pair until you are more comfortable getting a new one.
How do become a faster runner?
To become a faster runner, you will have to train consistently over a long period of time. You will also have to factor in lifting weights in addition to your running time in order to gain muscle. It would be best to incorporate one run per week that focuses on speed intervals. It’s important to factor in speed and interval training, but not all the time. Ultimately, the cardio you build up when learning how to become a runner will serve you the best and get you in shape enough to increase your speed.
Tips on how to become a runner
- Don’t be afraid to start by walking and get the feel of things first.
- Figure out your pace based on what you can hold for 5 minutes because you don’t want to burn out too fast.
- Don’t run every day. You don’t want to stress your muscles and do too much too soon.
- Focus more on the time you spend running rather than the miles. You will succeed if you can run for 30 minutes and keep your pace.
- Mix your runs up by going uphill for some parts of your run. This will help your legs get stronger and keep your focus on the road in front of you.
- Make sure you get the correct gear for when you are running. The most important thing is having great running shoes.
How long does it take to become a runner?
Becoming a runner can take 3 to 5 months. However, it also depends on if you’re running for fun or looking to train for a race. Training can take much longer depending on what kind of race you want to do. It will take time to build up a program in order to get your body ready to run more than a few miles a day. It won’t happen overnight, but it will be rewarding when you finish a run without having to stop to catch your breath or achieve a new milestone. Like anything else, it takes hard work, but within 3-5 months you should be able to consistently run a 5k.
How do I find the perfect pair of running shoes?
Finding the perfect pair of running shoes can be difficult, but we have some article guides that may help. First, we have a helpful product guide for women, “The Best Running Shoes for Women,” and then we also have “25 Best Running Shoes for Men.” Depending on what or who you’re looking for, these guides will help narrow down the best running shoes. There are also a variety of styles and prices available, but a good pair of running shoes tends to be around $100.
The most important tips for new runners
- Wear supportive shoes and clothes that will not restrict you from when you are running.
- Drink plenty of water before and after running to stay hydrated.
- Make sure to do light strength training before or after your run.
- Let your body take breaks every time you run, at least 24 to 48 hours.