Contributed Collaborative Post
Since it’s marathon season, it seems like everyone has picked up jogging as their new hobby, and it’s easy to see why! Running is cheap, accessible and can be easily adapted to your own personal needs.
However, many of us have never been interested or even thought it was possible to be a runner ourselves. If this sounds like you, yet you want to give it a go, read below to uncoversome great beginner tips.
Running shoes
Although running as a hobby is budget-friendly, a pair of good quality running shoes is the one thing you should spend your money on. Investing in comfortable and supportive trainers is vital for your entire body, particularly your joints and feet. It will also help you to extend your distances!
Visit your local running shop and have your gait analysed by professionals. This way, you can understand your running pattern, and be advised on the best trainers for you.
Correct equipment
Trainers aren’t the only thing you need to perfect your skills!
Depending on your health, you might need equipment such as knee supports or gels too. A running vest is also a great purchase, as it means you can run further distances while still staying hydrated and keeping your belongings safe.
To motivate yourself to run faster and further, listening to energising music or podcasts is a must. Invest in a quality pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones to enhance your experience, as some may find this sport a little tedious without audio entertainment.
Follow a plan
If you are working towards a certain goal, i.e. a specific pace or distance, following a plan is essential for staying on track.
You can find useful guides online that will help you reach your own personal goal, depending on your ability. If you’re a beginner, this might entail starting off at 1k and working your way up to 5k over the space of a few weeks.
This is also a great way to manage your timing. Use a running app such as Strava to keep an eye on your progress, and we are sure you’ll be running a half marathon in no time.
Stretch!
Of course, this should go without saying, but stretching is hugely important when wanting to run safely, while stillmaking significant progress.
Without warming up beforehand, you are much more likely to face an injury, so before each jog, you need to make sure your quad, glute and hamstring muscles are thoroughly loosened out.
Dynamic stretches involve repetitive motions that increase circulation, making them the perfect warm-up before most exercises. Include side lunges, hamstring sweeps and ankle and calf mobilisation to ensure prime flexibility.
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