We’ve all seen those viral videos where people take us through their skincare routine. Well what about a running routine? I’ve been running for over ten (10) years now and have crossed the finish line of six (6) marathons!! But believe it or not, I used to HATE running. In fact, 12 years ago, my first run was only .75 miles! And I had to take a 5-minute break in the middle!
The point is, consistency yields real results. I went from running 3/4s of a mile to 26.2 miles (yes, in a row) in four years. Running is one of the most important aspects of my own personal beauty ritual, because it truly keeps me from turning into a stressball monster!! In addition to helping you live longer, running has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. So, below are some tips I’ve pulled together, based on my own personal experience, to help you tailor a running routine that'll get you hittin’ the road!
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Get Good Shoes. The single most important thing when starting a running routine is making sure you stay injury-free. This is especially true if you’re just starting to get physically active after a period of extended rest. It’s therefore crucial you pick out a pair of running shoes that’ll carry you without hurting you. Instead of getting a pair of shoes online, head to a local running shoe store. The clerks there are runners who have been trained to fit you with the shoe that’ll keep your feet nice and comfy while you log in those miles!
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Get Fun Running Outfits. I’m not gonna lie and tell you running is “fun!” because it’s not. Most of the time, at least. So, it’s important you try and squeeze some fun out of those things that are incidental to running. Like your running outfit! I like to wear pretty sports bras and cute running shorts when I run, so picking out my running outfit the night before becomes a little ritual in and of itself. But don’t sacrifice function for fun and JUST focus on what looks pretty–pick out your favorite colors from a style of running shorts or sports bra that actually works for you!
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Run When You’re Most Likely To Not Have Excuses. I run first thing in the morning, right after breakfast. Why? Because it gives me the least amount of time to accrue excuses. Believe me, I’ve tried running during my lunch break, in the mid-afternoon, or even at night. But 50% of the time, when I wait that long, I end up not running. “I’m too tired.” “I worked a long day.” “I have to make dinner now.” All the excuses piled up, making it that much harder to bulldoze through them. Now, not everyone needs to run first thing in the morning (one of my former partners at the office used to run at 10 pm at night!). Find the time that works for you by asking yourself, “At what point in the day am I going to have the least amount of excuses?”
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Run With Friends. One of the best decisions I ever made was joining a running team. Back in Chicago, my coach would group me with other runners at my speed and we’d keep each other company, sometimes for 20 miles!! Those runs always always ALWAYS went by faster than the ones I ran alone–not just because they took my mind off the miles ahead, but because we actually made each other run faster. Pick a close friend and ask them whether they want to join you on your running journey. You might be surprised–they might also be looking for an excuse to get started!
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Go Slow & Rest Often. As I said above, the most important thing about starting a running routine is staying injury free. The name of the game is consistency, and you cannot have consistency if you’re constantly getting sidelined with shin-splints, twisted ankles, or plantar fasciitis. How do you stay injury free? You go slow. Probably slower than you thought you should. If you’re just starting out with your fitness routine, you should be walking almost as much as you’re running. If you’re mostly running, you should be doing it at a pace that allows you to have a full-blown conversation with your running BFF. And you should be resting at least 2 days a week. These rest days are absolutely critical to your recovery, both physical and mental. Do not skip them!!!
I could truly talk your ear off about running, which is, in itself, a miracle. I wish I could show you how much I used to hate it, and now, I can’t imagine my life without it. Sleep, nutrition, and fitness are the pillars of physical health and I’m proud to have really mastered one of these. Whether you start running or building a different fitness routine, comment below with your questions or advice!!
