How to Start Running for Beginners
If you’re wondering how to start running and you’re a total newbie, there are probably a million questions flying through your brain: How fast should I run? How will it feel? What should I eat? Could I do a race? Trying a new skill can bring a certain level of anxiety, but also a ton of excitement. Running is a great activity for anyone to try, regardless of age or fitness level, so if you’re chasing the feeling of the so-called runner’s high, use this helpful guide as a resource for how to start running for beginners.
1. How to Get Started On a Beginner Running Plan
First, you’ll want to map out your schedule and set aside time to devote to your new running routine. You can reap fitness rewards with just 30 minutes a day, three to five times per week in your beginner running plan. (The same can be said for walking 30 minutes a day.)
When you start running, don’t plan to go too far or too fast right away — doing so is a very common cause of injury among runners. Start by running for 20 minutes at a time, three times per week. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re running and the number of days you run, but don’t increase either until you feel comfortable completing your current level of training. If 20 minutes is too much, don’t be afraid to take walking breaks. Perhaps begin by running for four minutes and walking for one minute until you complete the 20 minutes. As you get stronger, begin eliminating the walk breaks.
When you’re learning how to run, don’t worry about how many miles you’re running — focus on the number of minutes instead. Gradually, you’ll begin to cover more ground in the same amount of time, and that’s when you’ll want to increase the duration of your workout. Following a plan can help keep you accountable and help you ease in without going too hard or too fast.
2. Invest In the Right Running Gear
One advantage of the sport of running is that so little gear is required. But the most important investment runners should make is in a good pair of running shoes — not cross-training, walking, or tennis shoes. Running shoes are best purchased at specialty running stores, where employees can recommend models based on your current running level and goals as well as your gait (aka the way your foot strikes the ground).
You should also have a quality, well-fitting sports bra, preferably made of a sweat-wicking material to keep you cooler and drier. A digital sports watch (or a free running app on your phone) is also helpful. As you advance in your running and set new goals, a heart-rate monitor is nice to have, to make sure you keep your effort level where it should be.
3. Know That You’ll Feel Sore
Your legs will be sore in the beginning, but if you keep up the routine, the leg soreness will subside relatively quickly. If you feel acute pain anywhere, stop running for a few days and let your legs recover in order to prevent injuries. Shin splints are the most common injury, usually incurred when you overdo your training or wear improper shoes. Be aware of the difference between being tired and being injured, and make sure you’re not encouraging overuse injuries.
4. Learn Proper Running Form
Most people think they can just slip on a pair of sneakers and run out the door, but running with improper form can lead to serious injuries, says Chris Hoffman, a certified running coach.
What Is the Proper Running Form, Anyway?
To set yourself up for success, follow these quick tips for proper running form from Hoffman:
A. Stand tall and lean forward slightly at ankles, not hips.
B. Keep head slightly forward, with chin slightly tucked.
C. Focus the eyes 8 to 16 feet down and out in front of the body.
D. Breathe normally through the mouth and/or nose, with the mouth slightly open.
E. Hold arms at sides with elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep arms from flailing or over-swinging to prevent wasting energy.
F. Keep hands loosely cupped as if they were holding a pebble that can still bounce around in the palm.
5. Set Your Base Pace
Running will certainly feel challenging at first, and you will be slightly out of breath when you start. That should eventually subside. It’s helpful to use the talk test to check how hard you’re working. If you can hold a conversation while you’re running, you’re at a good pace. Once or twice a week, however, go for a shorter run but complete it at a higher speed so that talking is more difficult. It will help increase your fitness level and cardiovascular strength.
6. Plan Your Route
If you’re running outdoors, you’ll want to know where exactly you’ll be going. Alternatively, using a treadmill is always an option. Both outdoor and treadmill runs have their advantages: Treadmills are a perfect alternative when the weather is uncooperative and can be helpful in easing into new distances or paces. Also, treadmills complement outside running because the cushioned surface reduces the risk of injuries that many runners get from constantly pounding their legs on the pavement outside.
7. Don’t Avoid Hills
Running hills is a great way to improve leg strength and test your abilities. When you run up a hill, shorten your stride and pump your arms forward. Going down a hill, let gravity do the work and give it a little help by leaning slightly forward.
8. Be Prepared for Possible Side Stitches
Side stitches are common for runners and other types of athletes alike. They are caused in part by “gravity and the natural movement of running, which strains connective tissues in the abdomen.” To stop them, try exhaling hard and long or bending over at the waist while exhaling. You can also slow down your pace until the stitch subsides.
9. Consider What to Eat Before and After a Run
Good news: You don’t really need to change your overall diet when you’re learning how to run unless you’re training for an endurance event such as a marathon. But it’s important to not restrict carbohydrates. You’ll also want to get plenty of protein to rebuild muscles and eat sensible, healthy, high-energy foods (think: of plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains).
10. Set a Goal
Setting a goal to run a 5K (3.1 miles) race or any other distance is an excellent way to stay motivated and true to your running routine. Local races attract people of all abilities and provide a supportive and encouraging environment to complete your goal. Many people walk the entire race, while others will sprint from the beginning. If you’d rather wait until you’re sure you can run the entire distance, sign up for one that is three or four months away and work toward that goal.
11. Treadmill Running Workouts for Beginners
If weaving your way through a crowded sidewalk or jumping over large roots and rocks on the trail doesn’t sound like an ideal running environment to you, try taking your running workout to the treadmill. In general, total newbies should start their treadmill running workout on a 1-percent incline (since most treadmills are on a slight decline to start) and set their speed to a pace that they can still hold a conversation with the person next to them, whether it be walking or slowly jogging.
12. Use this glossary to follow your running plans like a real pro:
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
How hard you’re working on a scale of one (sitting) to 10 (sprinting).
- RPE 4 to 5: Easy; you can talk with little effort.
- RPE 6 to 7: Moderate; you can talk, but you’re slightly breathless.
- RPE 8 to 10: Hard; you can only speak a few words as you run.
Cross-train
These are complementary workouts that will help you work muscles that don’t get enough attention during your primary modality (in this case, running). For example, swim, bike, walk, or do total-body strength training for 20 to 30 minutes. Activities that don’t tax running muscles are ideal.
Strides
Strides are short, fast intervals. Not a sprint, but running as fast as you can (RPE 8 or 9). If you add some strides to your running workout, jog easily for the same duration as the stride after each.
Off
Rest! Following a strenuous workout, muscles need to repair their microtears. Twenty-four hours of R&R (or a proper active recovery day) helps.
In conclusion, starting running as a beginner can be both challenging and rewarding. By following these steps and taking it slow, you can build a solid foundation for a lifelong running habit. So, lace up those running shoes, hit the pavement or treadmill, and enjoy the journey to becoming a runner.
FAQs
1. How long should a beginner run for their first session?
For beginners, aim to run for 20 minutes at a time, three times per week, and gradually increase both the duration and frequency as you become more comfortable.
2. What gear do I need to start running?
Invest in a good pair of running shoes, or a quality sports bra, and consider getting a sports watch or using a running app for tracking your progress.
3. Is it normal to feel sore when starting to run?
Yes, it’s normal to experience some soreness in the beginning, but it should subside as your body adapts to the new routine.
4. How can I prevent side stitches while running?
To prevent side stitches, focus on your breathing, exhale forcefully, and consider adjusting your diet and hydration habits.
5. What’s the importance of setting a running goal?
Setting a running goal, like completing a 5K race, can help you stay motivated and committed to your running routine. It provides a sense of achievement and purpose to your runs.
