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Running for Beginners: Two Surefire Ways to Start Running and Keep Running
Ultra-runner Tellman Knudson encourages newbies to "get going".
So what's the best way to start running, and keep running? It's much more simple than you'd think.
Step 1.) Just start. Today. You don't have to go ballistic; go out for a 5-minute jaunt and get your legs back. You'll probably be uncomfortable and you might even feel awkward. But it will be 5 minutes that you didn't run yesterday, and getting started is by far the most important step. Start small and work your way up. Realize that it takes time to build up endurance - don't get frustrated if you're not seeing immediate results. Even if you're increasing your distance by just one mile per week, give yourself a pat on the back. You are a runner.
Step 2.) Find someone that's in better shape and make a date. A trainer, a friend, Uncle Murray... it doesn't matter as long as you schedule dates. Not only will your running partner's experience and technique rub off on you, but you'll also be more likely to stick to a routine. Miss this run and not only are you letting yourself down, you're letting down a friend.
You don't need fancy running shoes or the latest "breathable" fabric shirt to start running. As long as you're wearing a pair of shorts that allow maximum comfort and freedom of movement, and your feet are in a well-fitting pair of shoes, you're ready to roll. Heck, you don't even need shoes! Barefoot running is growing in popularity and various studies have shown that it reduces injury. So really, you don't have to spend a dime to start running, as long you have a pair of loose-fitting shorts and a tee shirt.
You may not need brand new equipment, but you do need to initiate momentum. Take that first step, get outside and run for five minutes. What's wrong with starting right now? No, like, RIGHT NOW. Once you get going, you'll realize that running is little more than placing one foot in front of the other.
About Tellman Knudson:
Tellman Knudson is an ultra-runner preparing to run from New York to Los Angeles, barefoot, to raise money for homeless youth. He is the founder and creator of startrunning.com, an online community for runners.
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