For some, starting to run means facing a real monster: not only the fatigue of the athletic gesture itself, but also the need to convince them to leave the house, perhaps overcoming some embarrassment and the preconception that pushes most people to believe that they will not be able to get to the end of training.
Not only a physical question, then, but also psychological.
Yet, running is really liberating: even if you go slow, even alternating with walking, even limiting the output to ten/twenty minutes, the sensations you feel at the end of a session are almost indescribable. The tension disappears, the mind is free and you start to feel a lot of satisfaction.
Here, then, are some small tips for those who do not feel too motivated, but would really like to start taking a few steps outdoors.
Starting to run: one step at a time
Shoes, shorts, a little determination and... go!
Is it always that easy to start running? Not really: for some, it's a real act of courage.
Here, then, are the things you should never forget when you decide to become a runner (or at least to run alone or in company):
Change your habits: what does it mean? It means that running alone is not enough. To feel really good you need to radically change your daily activities, including a new diet, more hydration, the choice of stairs instead of the elevator, maybe the decision to do an extra piece on foot rather than take the car or bus. A complete transformation, which will help to motivate even in the most difficult moments and will allow you to improve your physical condition even more quickly.
Does that sound too much? Your body will thank you, you will be happier and your runs will soon turn into complete workouts!
Don't exaggerate: some days will seem easier than others and you will want to pull to the maximum, without ever stopping. Well, in these cases, positive emotions will be of great help to you, but you must remember not to do too much together. Your body may suffer and the accumulated fatigue may, paradoxically, slow down your body on less simple days. Take one step at a time, always keeping your health first.
Choose a goal: even a simple one, like a non-professional race of a few kilometers. Or choose something more personal, such as getting down 1 or 2 kilos by a certain date, or maybe being able to close the kilometer in a given time: these are little tricks to keep the motivation and to keep track of their improvements. The important thing, however, is to avoid comparisons: each one is done in a different way and setting yourself as the ultimate goal "beat" another runner can bring more damage than anything else, both to the body and to the morale!
In this sense, finally, it may be useful to fill out a daily diary, marking your meals, times, routes, days of the month you have chosen to train: it is not an activity that everyone likes, it certainly takes a lot of time and energy, but it is also the best way to see at a glance the progress you have made over time!
He often changes route and company: many people say that to start running you need a lot of patience. Because, especially at the beginning, the outings will seem very long, maybe even boring: with the first results will slowly come the ability to isolate, to enjoy the loneliness.
But the first training sessions will be complex, needless to deny!
For this reason, beginners should think about the possibility of changing the route often and maybe even company: seeing different things, meeting different people, changing the time means allowing your brain to get distracted, disguising at least a little of the fatigue.
Is it not possible to change the route (some roads are unnecessarily dangerous and it is better to be safe)? Headphone music remains a valid alternative, as long as the volume is always controlled and doesn't stop you from hearing traffic noises! Better to avoid any possible risk.
Create a training table: get advice for safety!
Not everyone can start running, some need to get used to walking, others must alternate, still others can try from the very first outings in very hard and complex workouts.
A little planning helps motivation!
Make yourself comfortable: breathable jersey, few seams, soft, durable running socks and the right size of running shoes.
Get only the highest quality garments: running involves a repetitive and "traumatic" movement, using the wrong accessories means risking bubbles, abrasions, scratches and muscle and joint pain that could easily be avoided.
Don't worry about fashion and don't worry about other people's opinions: wear only what you like, that is useful and that makes you feel good, in any season. Being confident is the first step to running in peace!
Hang on: the most complicated advice to follow.
Motivation will come and go, as for all other activities in life: it is essential, however, not to give in to the flattery of the sofa at home! Put on your shoes, go out just to get some air and see how it goes: don't be too hard on yourself, but at the same time continue to believe in your possibilities.
Running will become a fun, a way to detach the brain and empty your head from the daily routine: very soon, you can not do without it!
Starting to run: summarizing
In short, starting to run requires a little constancy, motivation, a minimum of preparation and a lot of organization: does it seem impossible?
It's absolutely not!
Remember that the important thing is first of all to listen to your body, protecting it in the right way: give yourself some time, don't be too hard on yourself and you will see that every hoped-for result will come.