Running Tips for Beginners – Make Sure You Know Them

The best way to start a running program is to walk. Slow and steady is always best for beginners.  You should start with the speed and form you’re most comfortable with.

When you’re a beginner, every step seems awkward.  You might be thinking that what you’re doing is wrong.  It is to be expected.  As you run longer and become fit, your running form would feel more natural.  You think about it less.  It’s just like driving.  You barely pay attention to the road when you’re just starting.  You focus more on you hold the wheel or how press on the gas while releasing the clutch slowly.   But as time goes by, it becomes second nature to you.  Some even become too comfortable that they do other things while driving.  Running is like driving.  Runners just go out and run.

These basic points can help make running feel like second nature and make you less susceptible to injuries:

• Your body should be in the upright position, with your head, shoulders, torso, and pelvis aligned.
• Shoulders, arms and hands should be relaxed and should pass your body at waist level.
• Arms should move in sync with your legs.  They should be driving forward rather than side to side.
• Feet should land gently on your mid/forefoot, not your heels, the way humans are supposed to land.
• According to recent studies, it is better to warm up slowly than to stretch before you run.
• Stretch after five minutes of easy running or brisk walking is more advisable than stretching before running.
• Stretch after your run is always a good thing.
• Do stretching exercises or activities that involve a lot of stretching.  They can be tremendously beneficial to runners.