Running is a Great Fitness Choice
The Benefits:
- Health and Fitness - burn calories, drop pounds, look great.
- Cost – a pair of trainers will get you started.
- Get Away from it All - escape the pressures of the day and enjoy time with friends, or simply by yourself.
What You Need to Know
Starting Out
- Ensure your trainers are a good fit. For more detailed advice, see the What to Wear section.
- Build up your training gradually.
- Settle into a good stretching routine before and after runs.
- Add variety by changing your route and by varying the speed you jog/run at.
Don’t become stale
- Break up your training with different sessions that offer you more than just constant running.
- Introduce cross training elements into your plan, such as swimming or cycling.
- Different sports work different muscles – as well as your cardiovascular system – and offer respite from simply running.
Listen to your body
- Give yourself time to adapt to new training demands.
- Pushing too hard too soon can lead to injury.
- Small increases are the key to success.
Know your limits
- Take a break from training if you have an infection or illness.
- Don't be alarmed if you find you can't return at the same level after a lay-off.
- Never run through injuries - it only makes them worse and slows down the natural healing process. See your doctor or a physio if you develop any aches or pains that don't clear up quickly on their own.
- If you suffer from repeated minor injuries see a doctor or sports injury specialist - your running style may be adding to your problems.
Learn from your experience by keeping a Training Diary
It’s a great idea to get yourself a training plan that will guide you safely to your running goal. Find one to suit your level from our range of downloadable Training Plans.