February 11th, 2020

// At the Starting Line: 4 Tips for First-Time Runners

At the Starting Line: 4 Tips for First-Time Runners

Running is an amazing pastime that can help you burn calories, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and even boost your cognitive health. If you have decided to start running for the first time, then you will need to come up with a solid training plan and invest in a few key products.

Start Slow

One of the most common mistakes that new runners make is pushing themselves to the limit every single day. Unfortunately, putting out max exertion every training session is probably going to result in chronic injuries. Even if it doesn’t result in injuries, you’ll likely find that your motivation and excitement to keep going quickly burns out. 

That is why many experts suggest that you establish a baseline and then come up with a long-term training plan. That plan should slowly increase your strength and endurance without putting your health at risk.

Don’t Forget to Cross-Train

While running is going to be excellent for your health, propelling yourself forward only strengthens a few specific muscle groups. Over time, those who only exercise by running could begin to develop muscle imbalances, which is going to increase their risk of injury. At least one or two days a week, you should do exercises that are going to strengthen your lower back, hamstrings, arms, and shoulders.

Fix Your Diet

Becoming a better running will be nearly impossible if you don’t properly fuel yourself. The occasional cheat meal is perfectly fine for most people, but the vast majority of your diet should be comprised of nutrient-dense foods that are going to provide you with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Sticking to a relatively strict diet will give you more energy during your runs and help you recover much faster between your training sessions.

Invest in the Right Gear

Wearing the proper gear will make your runs much more enjoyable and will greatly reduce your risk of becoming injured. Luckily, it doesn’t require a lot of specific gear, and much of it is up to personal preference. The most important thing is good running shoes. 

In addition to having an excellent pair of shoes, you might also want to invest in a comfortable pair of men’s running shorts with pockets. High-quality shorts will prevent chafing and give you a place to store your phone, energy gels, and any other items that you will be taking with you, which will make your runs a little more convenient. For running in the summer, you are also going to need sunglasses, a hat, and some sunscreen.

Throughout your running career, you are sure to deal with at least a few injuries, and those issues should never be ignored. Many of the injuries that runners are prone to can easily be taken care of as long as they are diagnosed and treated in their earliest stages.

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