How to start running...
is there an easy way? If you asked me 10 years ago, the answer would have been a resounding no, but having embarked upon my own journey, from anti-runner to someone who now enjoys it, nowadays I respond to this question with a totally different answer. Whether you’re a complete novice—someone who can barely run 10 metres – or you’re looking to build up your distance, if you follow certain rules and commit to the process (as I did, a few years ago), you will find yourself looking forward to running, whenever you choose to do it. If you’re currently a breathless plodder, heed the advice of pro-runners, Anya Culling and Milly Pickles, to transform the way you run.
In the words of that famous Nike tagline: just do it. Starting is always the most difficult part, but taking action is truly the first step. “We all start as a beginner and it’s so rewarding to see ourselves progress – you don’t need to be a pro to start,” says Pickles.
Don’t expect yourself to be running straight 5Ks, without stopping, straight off the bat. It’s completely okay to intersperse walking with running, whatever level you’re at. When I began my own journey to becoming a “runner”, I worked with a personal trainer on a plan which focused on building my ability gradually.
As an example, the start of the plan saw me running for 40 seconds, walking for a minute, for 20 minutes or so. After a few more weeks, I was running for 3 minutes, walking for 1, and so o.