The sun is out, and so are the runners. It’s springtime, and the winter treadmillers are migrating outside. With their cool neon sneakers and iPods, these runners are a visible reminder for the rest of us to exercise. We all know that running is good for us. Running has been proven to reduce stress, help with weight control, and provide endorphins. The problem for the typical non-runner is starting. The following list of tips is meant to help get over the initial hump of a running routine, and to get you on your way to a happier healthier you.
1.) Schedule it into your day
College students are busy. Between classes, homework, extracurriculars, and a social life, there doesn’t seem to be much time to fit in a workout. The best way to address this is to plan ahead. Think about when you’re going to run the night before or first thing in the morning, and commit.
2.) Make an Awesome Playlist
A good way to keep running from feeling like a chore is by adding music. Creating a good playlist makes me feel excited about my run, and makes the run itself much more enjoyable. Listening to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” makes me feel like I can conquer any hill or distance.
3.) Walk/Run Method
Once you’ve planned out when you’re going to run and what you’re going to listen to, all that’s left is actually hitting the pavement. A very common mistake of a non-runner is to do too much too fast. The secret is to start slowly. Don’t try to run 10 miles the first time you go out; you’ll almost certainly become discouraged and sore. For the first few weeks, running three times a week is fine. Walking is not a sign of defeat, and it is actually encouraged for new runners to help prevent injury. Stick to thirty minutes total for the first few weeks, and work towards being able to run continuously for that time period.
4.) Set a Goal, and Make a Plan
An easy way to make running a habit is to come up with a training plan, and set a goal. The plan doesn’t have to be overly ambitious and your goal doesn’t have to be a marathon. Signing up for a local 5k is a good way to start. Setting a goal gives you something to shoot for, and tracking your progress gives you the satisfaction of being able to look back on what you’ve accomplished.
5.) Take the Bad with the Good
Even the best runners have bad days. Expect them, and don’t let them get you discouraged. Stick with the program, because the next workout is often better than the previous one.
Picture source: http://arunnerslife.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/running-like-a-madwoman/
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Duke chapter.