How to Build a Running Habit You'll Love
By Genevieve Cunningham
Some people love to run. They love the way that it makes them feel, and they especially love the way that it makes their body feel. Other people don't necessarily love running, but they want to. They want the fit body. They want the stamina. But getting started? That's hard! Luckily, there are things that you can do to make it easier. If you want to build a running habit to improve your health and life, take a look at these tips for starting with success.
Find a Group
Sometimes it's just easier to do hard things together. Running is hard. It's work. But if you can find some friends or even a new group of people to do it with you, it gets just a little easier. Ask your friends if any of them would be interested in picking up the habit or training for a fun 5K race. If not, check for running meet-ups near you. If you don't like to do things alone or appreciate the additional motivation, find a group to help you get started.
Choose Wisely
There are so many choices that need to be made about your running routine. How long do you want to run? Where do you want to run? What kind of shoes should you wear? Find a place to run that feels good and provides comfort. Buy shoes that support your feet. The better decisions you make about the process, the smoother the transition will go as you create the habit.
Go Slow
Don't go out your first time and try to run a mile. Don't try to run fast. Just don't do it. You'll be exhausted, sore, and frustrated that you're not as fit as you thought. Instead, plan on going slow. Plan on only running for a few minutes at a time. Plan on a very long journey. If you know that the path will be long and slow, you'll be more likely to take it easy and stick with it for the long haul.
Running can be a great way to stay in shape. It's a full-body workout, and it doesn't require much in the way of equipment. Perfect! But it's a hard habit to keep. Use these tips to help you through the tough beginning stages, and build a running habit that you can keep for the rest of your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Summerville, S.C.