1- If it is not hard at first then you are doing it wrong. Anytime you are doing something new or just starting a workout routine after taking a break it will be hard. Just know it will get better and stay focused on why you are putting yourself through a tough workout.
2- Be prepared! If you start off with a marathon after just one week of running you will at minimum fail but most likely get a serious injury in doing so. In fact, you should start crawling before you walk then think about running. I always start by walking a mile then increasing speed after a week then jog finally running a slow pace and so on. I only increase my miles by half a mile after I feel comfortable in that one mile first and I decrease my speed when adding distance as well.
3- Be Equipped! Some sports you can grab any pair of shoes, clothes, and skip warm ups, but if you are not equipped with the proper gear plus good stretching warm ups you have a higher rate of failure and injury. Things you must have include a GREAT sports bra, a expensive plus PERFECT pair of shoes, good socks, compression shorts/tights/capris, and running tops. Normally I would say go for the bargain but please do no go for the cheap for this because it really makes it easier to run plus most importantly safer.
4- Stay hydrated and nourished. If you have no gas in your car it will no run so why do you think you can on very little water or food? At first I even walk with water bottles with me to drink along the way then as I increase speed I'm normally drinking and eating more during the day because my body knows it needs it.
5- Tune in! I love jamming out to songs that move me! Sometimes I listen to songs I normally Iike to listen to then most of the time I listen to songs I do not normally listen to but they have a fast beat or rockin hard drum that makes me want to run faster and faster.
6- Be safe! When running on roads like I do you must be safe. Always run against the flow of traffic so the driver sees you and you can see the drivers. Watch where you run to avoid streets with sex offenders or other locations known for crime so you are not putting yourself in danger. If you are running at night at the very least wear reflective tape or get a safety running vest so cars can see you.
7- Encourage or be encouraged! Join a running group to motivate you and keep you focused. Call a friend you know runs and ask if they want to run with you. On the flip side create your own running group or ask someone you know might want to start running to start with you.
8- Get checked! Before starting any fitness program go to your doctor for a complete checkup and discuss your plans with them. Not only will that give you a baseline to start from but it will also give you a gage of your current fitness level.
9- Stay focused! Concentrate on why you decided to start running. My reason is that I want my children to see their mommy cares about her health they should too plus I want to be heathy so I can take care of my family!
10- Believe! Believe in yourself give yourself a pep talk during the run know you are getting better and doing great! Do not let anyone or anything get in your way! I just checked my newsfeed on another social media outlet last week and a friend of mine posted something about seeing a person running at 250+ lbs but she respected him because she saw him walking at a higher weight months before so she respected him for his determination and belief in hisself!
I think ten is good for now! More on running I'm sure later but I hope you enjoyed my list please add more in comments if you have more too!!
