Running; it gets your heart pumping, trims your waistline and cleanses the soul. There is nothing like a good run to start or end your day. Do you like to run?
In the past, we used to run all of the time.
Collectively we’ve each run several races on our own, but a couple of years ago we decided to train for and run a half marathon together. With only one baby in tow, we would take turns pushing the jogging stroller and spend weekends seeing how many miles we could run. It was Valentine’s day themed and it just so happened to snow that day. We passed the finish line, but it wasn’t pretty. 13.1 miles in the freezing cold, soaking wet, just isn’t fun.
So we took a break from races after that, but it didn’t kill our love of running! Now we just run for fun and for our health. If you’re new to running and want to get started in a routine we have a few tips for you:
Start Slow! Don’t take to running thinking you’re going to run several miles your first day. Start with a small distance, like a mile and don’t attempt to run the entire thing. Begin with a brisk walk to warm up and try running for a minute and walking for a minute. If you go too hard too fast, you’ll end up with painful shin splints and possible injuries! If you continue to build on your endurance, you’ll be running miles in no time.
Run In Intervals This is kind of like taking it slow, but for a different reason. If you’re running for fitness, intervals are where it’s at! You will get more out of your run if you vary your pace, rather than a long steady pace.
Find A Friend Some people prefer to run alone, clear their thoughts and decompress. But, running with a friend is so much fun! While you gossip and catch up, you won’t even realize how far you’ve run.
Don’t forget to stretch and warm-up Treat your muscles kindly! Start with a brisk five minute walk to warm-up before taking to running and follow up with a nice ten minute stretch.
We teamed up with Boohoo to bring you our favorite lower body stretches that can be incorporate into your stretch routine as they challenge all of us to get out for a run!
So, are you a running veteran or thinking about taking on a race or two? What tips do you have?
– Brooke & Erica
I’ve run in 3 races and had the best time, but recently I just can’t get back into running!! I should probably get a few more runs in before it gets too cold here! xo, biana –BlovedBoston
I’ve done a half marathon a few 15K’s and a bunch of 5K’s but my running days are over. I would love to get back into it. These are great tips for getting started again!
Jill
Doused In Pink
And just when I thought you cannot get any cuter!!! Adorable with the BEST tips!! I have done 5ks and one 8, but not sure I could do more than that now. Oh but when I was in my prime, oh bring it on!!
I love running and have done a few marathons. I would recommend setting aside a specific time for it to help incorporate it into your schedule and getting some good running shoes!
I love this post so much! I love the tips! I always wanted to get more into running! I need to follow these tips! Happy Monday!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
I got my work mates to do a 30 in 30, 30 miles in 30 days, so far we’re all doing really well. Their whole goal was to get active and start exercising, so that’s what it’s doing. So proud of everyone. Now for next month I’m trying to get them to commit to doing x amount of hours of activity.
I really love running but will admit that I have not been running at all recently. My life has been busy for sure. Once I settle down into my routine in Spain, I plan to start it up again. It’ll also be a great way to explore my new city.
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
The hardest part is getting started thats for sure!
That’s awesome Jill! I totally hear you on hanging up your running shoes. My knees really bother me with prolonged running so anything more than a couple of miles at a time is just miserable.
You’re so sweet!! That’s great you have done those races – you should be proud of yourself 🙂
Wow good for you girlie! I could never get that far because of my knees. Good running shoes are definitely KEY!
Glad this was helpful! 🙂
You’re awesome – what a motivator you are! That is such a great idea – I hadn’t thought about that sort of approach because you could either do like a mile a day, two miles every other day, etc. The possible combos are endless and an easy way to get started!!
Heck yea!!! Oh man what a wonderful way to go running! And with all the new sites to look at and distract you, it will be so much easier!