Running. Where to start?

Running is considered to be a very flexible and easy sport. Mostly because in can be done at anytime and in many places, you do not need to pay for it, book an appointment or get a big list of instructions. The only required equipment is your own body. However, it does not really make it easier to start and even though running isn´t really hard, the hardest part is a first starting step- putting running clothes and going outside. If you are a little bit confused or in doubt about running, check these 8 tips tips to find out what you should know before starting.

1. Be prepared to feel some pain. Sounds frustrating, yeah? Who wants that? That´s the price what we pay for any sport, at least for the first few times. Don´t be afraid and prepare yourself mentally for the first boom of exhaustion after your first run. Don´t be scared to feel sore muscles the next day, or maybe even next next day. It is a normal process showing you that your body is starting to change. This is how your own muscles signal their stress to you. But the trick here is that our body gets stronger after stress, slowly adapting to it. So it will end, just push yourself!

2. Make a schedule. Just make a plan when you will run. Ditch excuses "I am not a planner " or "I do not like doing it". Nothing big can be achieved without a plan. Be very clear & specific when you want to run- morning or evening. Clarify specific day and even hour. Write kilometers as your goals too, slowly increasing them. Take a look and choose a path where you will run before running, in order to avoid confusion. This would make it much easier to define your results.

3. The best running phase is slow to medium. Even the professionals consume the biggest amount of their time practicing running slower than faster for a long time. There is rule " if you can run and have a discussion with your friend it means you are running with a good phase". More intense training can be included only after few months of practice. 

4. Slowly increase your running kilometers. Though, do not pus yourself too much. Increase your distance slowly, for example weekly. This will build your stamina.

5. Take break if needed. Many people believe that they need to do a specific distance without a break, even though they are unable to breath properly and their head is spinning. Taking short breaks is very normal, especially in the start. Your break can be a fast walking for one minute. You need to understand that it is essential to feel the capacity of your body.

6. Put your feet correctly. While running you can make contact with surface and your feet in 3 different positions: feet front, feet middle or back (heel). When you run slowly-medium contact with heel is the best alternative, avoid it when running fast as it stresses the joints.  Running with front part of the feet depletes a lot of energy, which can results in body tension. Make sure to experiment with your body and see what kind of running suits you the best and does not create stress for you body. Every runner has a very diverse running style, which you can clearly see if you observe it with a bigger attention.

7. Research, read and join groups. Make sure to research more about running before starting. There is a tremendous amount of articles, websites and forums, where you can find important information. Join running groups to learn from professionals and meet newbies just like you.  Research and download most useful phone application for you to calculate kilometers, running intensity and etc. There is a huge variety of these and many of them are even for free. " Click here" to find more exercing tips.