Running Tips For New Runners

Haile Gebrselassie and Usain Bolt - one a champion marathoner and the other an Olympic gold medalist – are both names of greats who rewrote the history of running. Many more Bolts and Gebrselassies are being born every day in some or the other part of the world, each dreaming big. But not everyone achieves Olympic glory. If not for a medal, running is still a wonderful way to stay fighting fit. Considered one of the most effective among cardio exercises, running is chosen by people keen on losing weight and burning calories. What hearty laughter does to those in a laughter club is the same that the release of endorphins does to those who exercise. And since an active body and mind are the assured outcomes of good exercise, you should hardly need more reason to put on your running shoes and get started. But if you do not want an injury to set you back on the very day you start running, go through the following tips given below.

You better not think of running in a pair of slippers, as not only will that prove uncomfortable, it will also hurt your feet considerably. Get yourself good-fitting comfortable running shoes before you start.

Do not to wear tight clothes while running if you do not want your clothes to stick to your body.  Loose sweatpants and a sweatshirt should fit the bill. Tight clothes will otherwise obstruct your pace and ease. Choice of running clothes must take into account freedom of movement first.

A lot of calories will be burnt while you run, so it is necessary to compensate your body well for the energy lost by having a good diet. Even if you are on a weight loss regimen, running will do you no good unless you follow a proper diet. Take a balanced diet, with more of proteins and carbohydrates included in it.

It is important to replace as many of the fluids lost during running as possible. Take in at least 2 liters of liquids every day in the form of water, fruit juices, soups, etc.

It is better to have 5 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day than 3 large meals. This will always keep you feeling full, and release energy as needed.

It would be good to record the speed of your running. If that is not possible, simplify it by gradually increasing your speed for the same amount of running time, or alternatively, reduce the time taken over the same distance the next day. Remember, you cannot improve your pace overnight. Start slowly and build up gradually.

If not for a goal, people often tend to lose interest in things started with great gusto. This is true for running as well. Keep a goal of running 10 kms one day, and keep trying that for a few days till you actually reach the 10 km mark. Take the next day off and indulge yourself. On the next day, make another interesting goal and work towards it. This will not only keep you fit, but more importantly, also equally interested in the activity.

Running with a friend can be interesting, so find a partner to run with you for that little chit chat. A friend can also urge you to run more, and you can cheer each other while covering longer distances. You can even befriend someone you see almost every day on your jogging trail so that you have even more reason to keep going.

Try different paths every day and make your running experience interesting. You can even try a mix of different exercises to do along. Instead of running, you can even go cycling one day. This will make your running routine less boring and will also keep you much healthier.

If you are unwell or tired, it is better to get sufficient rest. Start running again only when fitter. Always remember that it is as important to relax as it is to exercise. It will be quite unfair to overwork your body when it has low or no energy at all.