Tips for Noobs! - How to Start Running?

Wether you want to lose weight, rehabilitate, or simply have fun with friends, running can certainly be your thing.

At first I didn't know where and how to begin. Based on what I heard, it's the best activity if you want to lose weight. That's reason why I got into it in the first place. I had no idea I'll be hooked the way I am right now.

I know a lot of people who want to do it but don't know where to start. I would like to encourage as many people as I can to start running, not just because it can help one stay or be fit but because it's so much fun specially when you have become part of a group sharing the same passion and drive. That's when it becomes more than a fitness regimen, it becomes a habit, an activity you will look forward to, an activity that will take you out of your normal routine/s thus allowing you to rejuvinate physically and mentally.

So how do you start running?
Experts say, aside from its unimaginable benefits on your cardiovascular health and weightloss , the activity also allows your body to produce a powerful anti-aging element known as the Human Growth Hormone (It's not that I need it! haha...). It also improves your bone health helping you avoid bone related diseases in your later life.

Running is a simple activity, it can be complicated if you want it to, but as long as you know how to listen to your body, then it will be as easy as learning the alphabet.

Here are few tips to get you started:

Invest in proper gears. Perhaps, the only initial investment you need to make is a good pair of shoes. You don't have to buy the top of the line because sometimes it may not even work for you. Ask the store rep. to help you choose the right shoes depending on your foot type. It's important to ensure that your shoes will provide sufficient cushioning to protect your back and lower limbs from injury.
Warm up and stretch.These two are sometimes taken for granted but I don't know any fitness expert who will not stress out how important these are. Pre-running stretches are not always encouraged though, considering the controversies of wether its really beneficial or the opposite, but warming up such as a 5-10 minute walk is always advised. Stretching after running is also highly recommended in order to relax your muscles, lower your heart rate in a gradual manner, and eliminate excess lactic acid from your bloodstream which, studies show, may turn into "concrete" or worse if left to linger in your system.
Focus on your breathing. Use it as your guide when running. It should not feel too hard and should still allow you to carry on a conversation, otherwise you may be working out too much or not working out hard enough to get benefits.
Develop a reasonable schedule. Make sure it will allow you to develop the habit.
Start Slow. Listen to your body. It should not feel painful in any way. If it does, you might be doing it too fast or too frequently. You should feel stronger and "tired" in a nice way (not exchausted or faint) after every run.
Increase distance and speed gradually. Be patient! Don't make drastic advancement or else you are just inviting injuries.
Run with a partner/group. This should make the activity more fun unless they are not that serious enough to make it a habit as well.
Schecule rest days. This will allow your body to rejuvinate making you stronger as you go on.
Join a running group. Doing so will bring you to the "bigger" world of running. It will also allow you to learn from each other and at the same time make friends that will be more than willing to support you when your'e not at your best and cheer for you whenever you achieve something great.

Again, I am sharing this because I want to convince as many as I can to have fun the way I am having fun right now. See you on the road!!!

"Sabi nila, nag-mamadali lang daw ang tumatakbo. Sabi ko naman,,, Oh Eh ANO NGAYON!"



Source : http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/how-to-start-running-638869