Hello, Lovely Happenings community! My name is Evann Clingan. I’m a New York City-based fitness blogger who also works full time in digital advertising. Following graduation and my move to New York, I was excited but intimidated by the rapidly growing fitness scene here. As a non-fitness professional, I now share my boutique fitness and race training experiences in hopes that others will find the confidence to take on similar challenges. I’ll be sharing more about how to live a healthy, active lifestyle in a busy city at this Fall’s conference. Until then, I’m sharing my top seven tips for how to become a runner.
Sign Up — Choose a goal, even if you’re not sure you’re ready to work toward it. Are you currently running less than 1 mile? Register for a 5K. Can you run 4-5 miles already? Register for a half marathon. I didn’t feel ready to run a half marathon when I registered for my first race, but that’s what training is for. Give yourself adequate training time by choosing a plan (i.e. Hal Higdon method).
Track Yourself — While you might not always feel like you’re progressing while training, having a way to track your pace and distance will remind you that you are growing stronger. I regularly use the Nike+ Running app. Map My Run and RunKeeper are also great options. I occasionally use RunKeeper to create interval workouts. Another app suggestion–try to learn to run without music.
Be Social — As a new runner, it can be helpful to find a friend to train with or to join a run club. Many cities have groups that meet on certain days of the week and run a set distance in pace groups. You won’t feel inexperienced as a new runner. In New York, you can join Nike, Sweaty Betty, Black Roses, etc. CONFESSION: I actually prefer to run alone; many runners like to run in groups.
Accept Walking — When I was a new runner, I thought I had to be fast and that I wasn’t allowed to walk. Both are false. When you’re a new runner, you should be running at a conversational pace. Focus on how far over how fast. It’s also okay to take walking breaks (i.e. run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 minute, repeat). I still take brief walking breaks during my long marathon training runs.
Stay Strong — For some people, running becomes addicting. They prefer to only run for exercise. However, it’s important to cross train. This means that you should lift weights, bike, swim, or practice yoga to offset running. Your muscles can become imbalanced if all you do is run. Keep taking classes, especially those that focus on strengthening your glutes and core. You’ll strengthen your form.
Manage Expectations — Distance running is hard. If anyone has told you otherwise, they’re lying. I’ve had some very difficult training runs. I’ve been intimidated by new distances. I’ve cried in frustration. Distance running is even more mental than it is physical. Be patient with yourself. Only increase your distance by 10% each week. Don’t compare your ability to anyone else’s. With consistency, you will make it. You won’t believe how far you can go.
