How To Run

Running, much like walking, is an often neglected, easy to perform workout and when done properly will deliver a massive number of benefits to the practitioner. Positive things like lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, increased mobility and range of motion, and in some cases the ability to stop taking some medications (in my case it was cholesterol). This is not only a relief from the standpoint of increasing your life and longevity, but also saves money every month.

We all know how to avoid running. It's uncomfortable because we are not good at it, we think we look funny doing it, and we do not feel any real benefit from even thinking about it. Should anyone ask if you run, you have set lines of defense at your ready disposal: “I am not a good runner”, “I do not wish to damage my knees”, or my personal favorite “I don't run, I move slowly with purpose”.

This article will give you, the new or finally-thinking-about-it runner, some helpful pointers on how to achieve modest success in your first few outings. This, in turn, will encourage you to continue for even greater personal successes in your budding running career. Leading you to greater and greater achievements eventually culminating in your placing in the top ten amateur class in the New York City Marathon. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?

Equipment

A relative of mine, one who does thing in a fashion most consider way over-the-top, decided to start running. This relative scoured the internet for advice, compiled a shopping list, compared brands, prices, and features, finally settling on a dizzying array of high-tech stuff suitable for a candidate in the space program. Coming away with a heart monitor, ultra-lightweight shoes, computer designed socks, sweat-wicking sportswear, ultra-tiny radio, and wrist-worn GPS (for backtracking progress), said relative was ready to rock. Only thing is it takes her about an hour to suit up, boot-up, tune-up, warm-up, and get to running. By the time she finally got out the door, she could have been returning from the true task: running.

This relative was overwhelmed by the maintenance of the stuff she considered essential to the running task. This in actuality is just a pair of decent shoes and you. There is not even a requirement for a destination, just the desire to move just a little bit faster than you would normally walk.

Shoes for that matter are nominally important. They should fit well, lace tight, and keep your feet relatively dry. One can pick up a decent pair of shoes for around forty dollars (hint: wait for a sale at the local sporting goods outlet). You can worry about getting the high-tech, ultra-lightweight pair for when you actually run a marathon (if that is your goal). But until then, slap on a pair of bargain shoes and get out the door.

Run for Time, Not Distance.

Most people think running is all about the distance. This is what kills their enthusiasm from day one. “I ran a mile and was completely burnt from there on out”. Don't think of it as a race in distance, consider it an exercise of time. The running motion will take some getting used to, so just start walking for ten minutes. After that, break into a dignified lope. You are running if both feet are not touching the ground at the same time. There is not a requirement to look like a prancing gazelle, just the briefest moment of separation of both feet from mother earth.

If you have run as far as you can, slow down to a walk, but do not stop. Keeping some form of momentum will help train your body into maintaining the motion. When I first started, I could not go on more than a couple of hundred yards at a time. During those walk times, I would put both hands on my head (helps breathing) and make it look like I had just run several miles. Most people seeing me at this point actually think I just had just run several miles, so who was I to shatter their illusion?

For the first few times, set a goal time and stick to it. Try to run just the time allotted, orienting your thoughts on the mechanics of running. Does it hurt when you swing you arms too much or too high? Try to find the comfort zone for your body; it will pay off in spades. Is your stride comfortable? Do not strive to emulate the running styles of people you see on television or other runners on the road, they have already found their running style, copying them is like forcing yourself to fit into their lives, it may look good but the style is most definitely theirs. Ultimately, you will find yourself uncomfortable and possibly giving up. And this is not about them, it is about you and what fits.

Measuring Success

So you finally went out and ran. Now what? Now that we have determined we are not running for distance, how do we know we are getting better at it? Take stock of your comfort level while running. Are you breathing harder than you were at other times? How about when you finish? Are you as winded as you were before? You will note as you become more accustomed to the act of running, your awareness of these factors will increase. You will notice it is easier to think about yourself running and at times (heaven forbid) you will even find yourself looking forward to lacing up the shoes and getting out there.

It is a small moment of freedom when you realize you are actually flying against the law of gravity. Enjoy it.

So what are you waiting for? An invitation? Consider yourself invited.