How to Become a Runner (Even if You Hate Running)

                Running at least 10 minutes per day has extraordinary benefits. Not only can it help you maintain your weight but just one mile a day can help improve your entire cardiorespiratory system, making everyday tasks a lot easier. Running also lowers blood pressure, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. Running has been even shown to help prevent some types of cancer!

However running can be hard, especially when you’re not used to it. So let’s start now! No more excuses. Below is a bunch of tips that will ensure next time you step on the treadmill or pavement you’ll feel prepared, confident, and excited for your run!

Forget the past! 

You may have had bad experiences with running in the past, time to let that go! It’s time to start a new leaf don’t let the past discourage you.

Set a realistic goal 

If you haven’t been running recently, set an acheiveable goal like “This week I’m going to run a total of 4 miles, and next week I will run a total of 6 miles”. Goals create a benchmark for your progress and accomplishment and are critical towards your positive results.

Avoid Running if you’re hungry… or stuffed! 

About an hour or so before you set out, eat a light snack made up of simple carbs, which are easy to digest into fuel and will go easy on your stomach. Bananas, or a piece of toast with peanut better are good examples of these snacks.

Buddy up 

It’s a proven fact that working out with a partner increases results. Catch up with a friend while running and watch the miles fly by!

Make it interactive 

Another way to keep things interesting is to make a game of your run. Try to find all of the letters of the alphabet with the street signs. Count how many dogs you pass by. Anything to keep you thinking.

Treat yourself

Sometimes all the inspiration you need to hit the gym or go on a nice run outside is a new workout outfit to show off! There’s nothing like new gear to get you going, so hit Lulu Lemon or Sports Authority and start swiping that card.

Post Run, don’t forget to give yourself a sufficient amount of time to cool down and get your heart rate back down to normal. Also don’t forget to stretch, rehydrate yourself, and make yourself a nice lunch!

-EM