Running may seem pretty straight forward, but there is more to it than you may think. The first thing you should realize is that you shouldn’t expect to run very far or long when you first start out. It may be common for people to feel dizzy or short of breath after a very short running/jogging session. Running can be grueling, but once you improve your endurance, it can be pretty relaxing. Just remember to stick with it and you will thank yourself later.
Get the Proper Equipment
When running, you should always wear proper fitness attire. If hot, wear light clothes, if cold, wear sweats(or something along those lines). Most importantly, wear a nice pair of running shoes. Random sneakers will not do. In fact, running with shoes not designed for running may cause pain or even injury later. Wearing good quality workout/running apparel, such as Glyder apparel is also important. Make sure you buy shoes that fit your feet. Also, like tires, shoes are prone to wear out. Make sure you replace them every 400 miles or so.
Hydrate Yourself
Before running you need to remember to hydrate yourself. It’s best to drink water throughout the day, especially a few days before a long run. Drinking water before running may help, but preparing days before one is much more beneficial. You will know you drank enough water when your urine is clear.
Stretch
Many beginners neglect to stretch before they run. Stretching is vital when it comes to preventing cramps and possible injury. Some simple stretches are to sit on the floor with your legs straight and touch your toes. Another would be to stand and brace your toes up against the corner of where the wall meets the floor to stretch your calves. There are much more stretches you could do by searching for them online.
Wear Proper Protection
If running outside, wear some sun block lotion to help prevent skin cancer. The amount of time you spend in the sun puts you at risk higher than the normal person. Protecting your eyes is also a good idea. Some runners don’t like to wear sunglasses, but you should consider them as well.
Walk Before You Run
A common mistake for beginner runners is to start running cold. You need to ease your body into running before you should really start jogging. A great way to start is to simply walk. Find a good path that you plan on running later and walk the full length of it. Try to fast walk for atleast 10-30 minutes. Do this for a few days a week. When you feel comfortable, start jogging lightly. Don’t hesitate to stop and start again. Make sure you remember where you stopped running and try to run a further distance before stopping next time. It will probably be a few weeks before your body is ready to run consistently.
Run!
When you feel ready, start running! Stay on your chosen path and start running slowly. Never sprint unless you plan on doing interval training. Just remember to hydrate your body a few hours before starting.