A Guide to Taking Up Running As a Hobby

Most people would like to be fitter than they are but simply lack the motivation and, in many cases, the finances to take out a gym membership and take advantage of all the fitness equipment located there. This could mean that getting fit is an aspiration rather than a goal, but it need not be. If you were to take up running as a hobby, you would get fit without having to spend a fortune.

What is So Great About Running?

Apart from being a cheap, sometimes even free way to exercise, running has the advantage of being able to be performed anywhere, whether on the streets around your home, in your local park or on a sporting venue’s dedicated running track.

Here is some other good news for those who want to exercise to lose weight and tone up their bodies. Running burns more calories than any other form of commonly undertaken exercise, such as cycling or aerobics. In terms of health, running can help reduce the risk of suffering chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, strokes and heart disease.

So, this all sounds great and you want to get started, right? That is good, but before you get your shoes on and start hitting the streets, there are some things you need to consider. If you have not exercised for some time or have an injury, then it could be a good idea to check with your doctor that running is a suitable exercise for you. Certainly, if you have been inactive for a while, it is important you build up your fitness levels gradually, because rushing headlong into running will make it more likely you will suffer an injury.

It is probable that you already possess a pair of running shoes that you wear as part of your usual everyday outfits, but if not, buying a good pair of running shoes should be considered a must. They have to be running shoes, however, and not fashion sneakers, as running in the latter will cause damage to your feet and possibly your joints, so that injury becomes inevitable. Also, as they will be taking some punishment as you get more into your running regime, it is important to replace your running shoes each time you complete 300+ miles in them. If you find or already know that you have problems with your feet, such as fallen arches, that may make running uncomfortable for you, do not despair; you can accessorize your running shoes with a special line of orthotics, such as insoles. These types of foot orthotics afford support for your feet by providing cushioning and shock absorbers, lessening the wear and tear on your body.

Once you have the appropriate footwear, and maybe you have splashed out on some great looking active wear, you have to actually go running. As already said, you start small if this is a new experience. Starting small may actually mean mostly walking at first, and adding in short bursts of running. As you get used to the exercise, you reduce the walking time, replacing it with running time.

Be wary of pushing yourself too hard, especially at first. It can be tempting to really get into your new running hobby and set yourself distance or speed goals that are really beyond you as a beginner. The best way to ensure you do not overdo it is to take it a week at time. Spend the week achieving a set distance and, if you want, speed, then plan to increase this by no more than 10% the following week, and so on.

Following on from this is to listen to your body. The old maxim of ‘no pain, no gain’ is simply bad advice. If you start to feel pain, whether that is a sharp stab of pain or simply aches in your muscles while running, stop! It is natural that your muscles will feel tired and achy after a running session, especially in the first few weeks, but what is not normal is a pain that gets worse if you carry on running or walking, or comes about if you are doing normal daily activities. If you experience this type of pain, stop running and see your doctor.

You can have the best running shoes in the world, but without motivation, your new running hobby may never leave your home. You need to understand that exercise is a long game – results will take a few weeks or so to show. Just remember your goal and be determined to reach it.