You promised you would start running in the new year. Guess what. It’s here! Time to pay the piper! The hardest part of getting started on anything is usually the getting started part. But running pays dividends faster than most new things. It’s a great way to get fit, feel better and even form new relationships with other runners. And starting doesn’t have to be hard — all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace.
You will be rewarded with all those burned calories and increased stamina. And you’ll be surprised at the heck of a good time you will have in the process. If you’re new to the whole running scene, however, it’s important that you, excuse the pun, pace yourself and know what you’re doing well in advance. Here’s a look at 4 simple steps required when starting a new running program.
1. Try on several pairs of running shoes.
First and foremost, before you even consider beginning a running program, it’s essential that you find the perfect pair of running shoes for you. There are currently more types of running shoe out there than ever before, so make sure you try before you buy. Running shoes provide comfort, they provide stability, and they provide protection. You can’t however, judge a running shoe solely on how it looks, and its specs, you MUST try before you buy.
2. Ease your way in slowlyÂ
When you begin a new running program, obviously you won’t be able to go flat out right away. Doing so would put you at risk of injury, plus you would tire yourself out too quickly, and leave yourself feeling exhausted and in pain. Instead, gradually ease your way in slowly and try to do a little more with each passing training day. If for example, you begin with a steady 2-mile run, aim for 2.1 miles the next run, or perhaps aim to shave a little time off of your previous best.
3. Run in ALL weathersÂ
As a runner, the majority of your running will be performed outdoors. Now, most people run seasonally and will run primarily in spring and summer, though seasoned pros and the truly dedicated will run during all seasons, no matter what. If you’re starting a new running program, you need to prepare yourself for adverse running conditions because you can’t guarantee that the weather will be nice and sunny every time you choose to run. If you’re training for a race for example, the event won’t be postponed because of a little rain, it will go ahead as planned, so you need to be prepared. Because of this, force yourself to run in all weathers and temperatures, no matter how cold or wet it may be.
4. Run on soft and hard surfacesÂ
 The great thing about outdoor running is the fact that you are running outside, so you get to take in your surroundings rather than staring at the same four walls in a gym if you were running on a treadmill. The problem here is that you will run on different surfaces. Sometimes you will run on asphalt, sometimes you’ll run on grass, sometimes you’ll be running on sand, and sometimes you’ll be running on a combination of surfaces. To help get you used to the different surfaces you’ll soon be running on, try running on hard and soft surfaces and mix your training up a bit.
