| Caity Viant
Running Influencer & Content Creator, Caity Viant, shares her top 10 tips for entering your running era.
If your desire to start running is fuelled by a negative relationship you have with your body or exercise, not only will you not actually enjoy it, but you probably won’t stick with it. Figure out exactly WHY you want to start running and set yourself a goal to work towards - such as an upcoming race or a distance you want to run.
The biggest mistake people make when they first start running (including myself), is focusing solely on their pace and comparing themselves to others. Put your ego aside and go as slow as you need to ENJOY yourself and build your aerobic base. If this means running for 2 minutes, and then walking for 2 - so be it!
The shoes you run in will be detrimental to your running journey. Investing in shoes suitable for your feet and running style will help prevent injury and discomfort. The same goes for what you wear, right down to your socks - find what you feel most comfortable in!
Food = fuel! Under fuelling can lead to feeling drained and depleted on your runs and will also prevent optimal recovery. Ensuring that you eat a high-protein diet will also aid in maintaining muscle mass if that is your goal.
Running is all the hype right now, which is amazing because it opens so many doors to meeting new people. I can almost guarantee that there is a Run Club in your local area. I know how nerve-racking it can be to step out of your comfort zone, but I promise it's worth it. Running with a group of people who have a positive and uplifting vibe can make your journey a whole lot more fun and can help keep you accountable to show up each week. Personally, my favourite part is getting a pastry and coffee together after the run.
It's super important not to neglect your weight training when you start running. Not only will strength training help you to increase and maintain muscle, but it is crucial for injury prevention. You want to make sure that you are also incorporating unilateral exercises to eliminate any sort of strength imbalance you may have.
Scheduling rest days and getting adequate sleep is essential for muscle recovery and will ensure you are feeling your absolute best when you are running. A few other forms of recovery I personally love include foam rolling, saunas, ice baths, and compression boots! If you don't have access to any of the above, simply focusing on stretching and mobility work will be just as helpful!
No matter what your end goal is, it's super important to reflect on the progress you make along the way, no matter how small. Don't forget, you don't HAVE to workout, you GET too! You are capable of so much and whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve.
Incorporating a variety of runs into your routine can be a great tool to improve performance, prevent injuries, and keep you engaged. It is such a fun way to change up your training and find what works for you. I personally LOVE intervals and find them super fun, whereas others may prefer a slow and steady long run.
Most importantly, make your running journey FUN! Try out new routes, go to Run Clubs and meet new people, run with your friends, listen to your favourite music, and ENJOY yourself. I know that running can be so hard at first, but I promise if you take it easy and find what works for you, you will have so much fun.
**Please note this has been written on personal experience. Please consult your doctor or health advisor for medical advice or guidance.
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