Running for dummies

I am SO under-qualified to be writing about running, so jog on if you are a real runner, but as I have been trying my hand at it since lockdown begun, this is for my fellow beginners. Without the luxury of a home gym, this, alongside the odd dabble with a HIIT workout is my best chance of burning off mummy's cooking :/

Here are my tips so far...

1. Mind over matter. Do not do runs that are scarring, but do keep running once you're in the flow. Definitely something I learnt the hard way, but a major downfall is having breaks as it is then so much harder to start up again. I find the beginning bit after I have over-exerted for the first KM to be the hardest part anyway. Not a flex AT ALL because it was very slow and super gritty, but I managed to run 15km without stopping in my quest to see how far I could go. This was pure mind over matter in simply not allowing the ledges to stop until I hit the distance I wanted. It's fair to say that I certainly haven't done it again (was most DEFINITELY a fluke and I still massively struggle on diddy runs), but it was worth the endorphins (after 6 hours of irregular breathing)

2. Tunes. currently Hybrid Minds + John Tejada etc are getting me through, but utilise whatever gets you moving. To avoid losing motivation as the beat dissipates at the end, 'fade' the songs on your playlist on Spotify to avoid the humbling experience of hearing yourself struggling to breath when it all goes silent. Yet to try running to podcast, but I am sure that will come in my sequel 'Running for intermediates'

3. Work out your personal running reference. The pain is certainly lifted if you have more energy, don't have crippling stitch etc, so working out when you feel at your prime is important. I personally like running early in the morning, before I have eaten, but for most, it may be more enjoyable to go just before supper, for instance. Do a bit of experimenting to work out when you prefer going out. Likewise, you may find road running is for you over the sometimes torturous realities of countryside fields.

4. Strava. Best way to stay motivated and record outings!

5. Do not- I repeat do not check the app (If you are using one to track your run) too frequently whilst you're out. I just get disheartened when I check and I am only on 0.8KM when I feel as though I've been going for a lifetime. instead decide how far you want to go/ for how long, and just use the time on your phone's lock screen if you want to gauge how far through you are. It is much nicer to be pleasantly surprised instead of seeing how slowly (for me) the distance tracker goes up 0.1KM!

Nothing too innovative here, but alas, get out and gooooo run-in'

Lucy Hickman