Running is the go-to exercise that people take up when they want to get in shape. Anyone can do it. It doesn’t involve expensive equipment, getting a gym membership or any trainers to teach you. All you need to do is wear your best sneakers and go outside for a run. Nice and simple.
And because it’s so easy to get into, many newbies tend to jump at the sport without really knowing what it takes to develop a healthy routine. As a result, many runners make a number of common mistakes, leading to injuries or end up interfering with their training. If you have just started but want to establish a successful running routine, learn to avoid these unhealthy habits.
Doing too much too soon
While we all want to get into the rhythm of running as fast as possible, doing too much too soon is one of the biggest mistakes the new runners make. Novice runners need to slow down and ease themselves in by building up a mileage base before taking factors like intensity, distance, and frequency seriously during their runs. Giving yourself time to ease into a training program helps to reduce the risk of injury and therefore allows you to stick to your running routine. Experts believe that people new to running should increase their mileage by no more than 10% weekly.
Not taking rest days
Newbies tend to assume that if they don’t run every day, they won’t achieve their weight-loss or fitness goals, but this is false. Running can be really hard on the body, especially for novice runners because it is a high-impact activity. Time is needed for bones and muscles to be conditioned for these activities, so it’s important to give the body enough rest between workouts. It is highly beneficial to follow a training plan that allows for rest days.
Not wearing the right gear
Unfortunately, this is an important part of running that can be ignored all too easily and people tend to neglect that fact we need proper shoes, clothes, and gear during workouts. A good pair of running shoes can work wonders so do some research before buying a pair to see what will suit your needs. Women should also invest in a supportive sports bra that not only allows for comfort but also allows for more movement and less awkwardness during times of rigorous activity. Not cross-training
Newbies typically dive headfirst when running for the first time and make the mistake of completely ignoring regular exercise. While running will eventually make you a better runner, cross-training is essential to building up a variety of exercises that will be a further addition to our workouts. This encourages the use of other muscles so that we don’t risk injuring those we tend to use over and over again from running.
Running through the pain
New runners may experience pain at times and while others might think that it’s part of becoming a better runner, any pain needs to be treated right away and you need to stop what you’re doing. Keep in mind that stopping for a break, getting a drink and keeping yourself healthy doesn’t make you any less of a runner. So, listen to your body and do what it asks for, there’s no point in running if you only end up on the sidelines.
Comparing yourself to others
It is all too easy to compare yourself to other runners. After having read magazines, blogs, and message boards, you’re eager and excited to be just like the people who inspired you. But this is where we start to feel inadequate about our running pace or mileage. When this happens, just remember that every runner once started as you have and use their struggles and their achievements as your motivation.