Outdoor Running Tips for Beginners

By Rojer @healthxwellness

Outdoor Running is free, you can do it anywhere, and it burns more calories than every other mainstream exercise. Regular running can reduce your chance of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Additionally, it may boost your mood and keep your weight in check.

Running is a great way to remain active at a time when peoples lifestyle generally diminishes active in adulthood. There are lots of medical studies (although not all are conclusive) showing that running can help to eliminate your chances of developing many heart, bone and physical conditions. It is shown to strengthen your heart & cardiovascular systems and reduces your body’s excess fat.

Many people start running as a way to lose weight or tone up, but just like any diet or exercise plan you need to get the basics before embarking on a radical change in lifestyle. By trying too much too soon then there’s a strong chance you will get demotivated and slip back into your improper habits.

Buy Running Shoes

This appears like a no-brainer, but starting your running with the right footwear can help head off possible injury. The sneakers you’ve been knocking around set for the past two years are great for just that-knocking around in. A good thing to do is visit your local independently-owned running store and ask them to fit you for running shoes. Let them know you’re a new runner and you’re not sure the thing you need and that you’d like them to analyze your gate and determine the very best shoe for you.

Start With Low Mileage

If all you are able run is a half mile, quarter mile or perhaps a few hundred feet. Add a a bit more distance at a time and very quickly you’ll be up to a 5K or more. If you choose to increase your mileage all at once, you’ll risk injury or just simply burnout. You might want to try a Couch-to-5K or Couch to 10K program that will help you gradually increase your distance.

Don’t Run too Often

When many new runners start, they believe they have to run everyday. That couldn’t be more wrong. Most experts recommend running three to four days a week. Should you run everyday, you do not provide your body time to recover and get stronger as the body actually strengthens your muscles in your non-running days. Running everyday does not let your body the recovery time it needs to get stronger.

Outdoor Running Tips

Don’t Compare Yourself To Other Runners

Many new runners get demoralized by watching other runners that appear faster or better than they’re. If you’re a new runner, keep in mind that getting good at anything needs time to work and practice. There are people that are faster than you, but don’t forget there are also people that are slower or don’t run whatsoever. Set your own goals and don’t be concerned about others. On the other hand, if planning to be as fast or as strong as the second runner really motivates you, then be my guest. Just make sure that the comparison motivates instead of de-motivates you. Running is such a great sport since you can truly compete with yourself.

Drink Lots of Water

Running, especially in hot weather, can dehydrate you. To avoid dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water before your run, during your run, and once you finish. Also, do not disregard the benefits of drinking water regularly through the week, even on your non-running days. Being even slightly dehydrated can drastically impact your run and allow it to be far more difficult.