How To Become A Runner

Running is a great way to get exercise and it can be quite easy to do: all you need is a good pair of running shoes and then you can steep outdoors and run. If you are looking to become a runner, here are a few wonderful tips you might want to look at before starting. “When you first start, don’t except to go out and run seven miles the first day without stopping,” said Senior Marissa Marrone who runs track and cross country for Urbana High School. “You have to build up your mileage, stay positive, and don’t walk!”

Step One: Find motivation

There’s no point in running if you don’t have any motivation, motivation is what will drive you to want to do your workout. Whether your motivation be trying to lose a few pounds for prom or it be just a new challenge your willing to take on, make sure there is a reason you want to run.

Step two: Get a good pair of running shoes.

It’s important to have a good pair of running shoes that do not hurt your feet. I personally think it best to get running shoes rather than cross-training, walking or other athletic shoes. Body & Sole (located in Savoy by what use to be Pages for all Ages) has a great variety of running shoes. While you are at the store, consultants will have you run on a treadmill that assess your feet, and then the sales associate will find a pair of shoes that are the best fit for your feet.

Step Three: Find a workout that works for you

There are many websites and books out there that have different workouts you can do…feel free to browse these different options. For a start, I recommend running five minutes the first day, seven minutes the second day, and nine the third day. For the first two to three weeks, run only three times a week. Each day that you run, add one to three more minutes until you get to 30 minutes (this is about three miles). On the third or fourth week, run four days a week; from here on, you can keep running 30 minutes a day for four days a week, or change it to five days a week or 40 minutes.

Step Four: Stay positive.

As Marrone already said, staying positive is very important as you get used to the running…After awhile, you might start to drift from your workout schedule. Remember, the thing that motivates you and why you wanted to run in the first place, and if that spark is not there anymore, maybe you should pick a new activity to do.

Step Five: Enter races

After running for a few months, enter a 5-k, which is a 3.1mile race. 5-k’s are held all the time, and can cost anywhere from $15- $50 to enter. After working so hard for a few months, 3.1 miles won’t seem that hard and races are great fun.