This is a sponsored post on behalf New Balance.
When I was younger I was always running- and not just late. I ran when I played softball, I ran when I played basketball, and of course I ran in track. But that was before a husband, three kids, a full-time and a part-time job, and all the stuff that comes with it. So obviously after years of spending a whole lot of time running around, but not a whole lot of time just running for myself it became very hard to pick up where I had left off so many years ago. Pretty much I was starting from scratch, a newbie learning the ropes again. As I’ve begun my journey I wanted to share what’s helped me get back on the track.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others. There are a few things that everyone can do to become a runner, which we will address in this post. However, don’t compare your progress to anyone elses. Only you know what your body can handle and what it can do in a certain time period. Some may be running a mile in a week, others it make take months. Just be proud that you are making the steps to get there.
Make a Plan. Most successful runners didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Today I’m going to run 2 miles” They laid out steps to get there. Set a goal, and figure out a way to get there. I started out simple and worked my way up – I would work out for 40 minutes a day, 20 minutes at a time. For the first 5 minutes I walked (warmed up) then I would jog 1 minute, walk 4 and do it in intervals. The last minute of my 20 minutes I would run as fast as I could. I did this twice a day (mostly because of my schedule, and also because I get bored fast running on a treadmill). Within a few weeks I was walking 3 minutes, jogging 1, and working my way up. Set goals for yourself and keeping setting goals as you meet them.
Don’t Under Estimate the Power of REST. I know that everyone says it – to get a good nights sleep.. 8 hours a night..and we all seem to let it go in one ear and out the other. But sleep is MANDATORY not only for a less stressed life, but if you are serious about being a runner it’s a must. If you don’t believe me, try this – get 8 plus hours a sleep a night for 2 weeks straight. Then get a night where you only get about 5-6 and then hit the trail or the treadmill and tell me how you feel – then come back and tell me I was right!
Invest in Good Shoes. I have to admit I scoffed a bit when someone told me I needed to buy shoes specific to running. I mean sneakers are sneakers right??? Wrong.. there are so many factors that go into the type of shoe you need for a specific activity. I have always been a huge New Balance fan – I used them for basketball and everyday shoes, so when I ordered my first pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Zante running shoes I was pretty excited.
The Fresh Foam Zantes offer a smooth heel to toe transition helping you feel fast and the lightweight of the shoes help keeps the weight down from the heel strike to toe off. A lot of running shoes seem to be super heavy and weigh you down, but I don’t feel that way with my Fresh Foam Zantes. They are also super comfortable, and have the extra coushin in the heel for foot protection.
They come in different colors and styles for men and women, and you can find them on newbalance.com or your local retailer (They do carry them at Foot Locker, and on Zappos!)
Be sure you know your proper size, and if you’re unsure visit a local running store for measurements.
Love this post, i’ve always done weight lifting and a year ago i started running, it’s really hard i usually run for 30 minutes 4 km. Thanks for the tips
Those shoes look great. Thanks for these tips. Although I think I should become a walker, before I graduate to running. 😉
I don’t know about becoming a runner, but I will take those shoes! They look great!
You have some great tips here! I especially like the one about not comparing yourself to anyone. Who needs that kind of pressure!
Love the running shoes! You should be able to burn up the course in those babies!
What great tips. I can see how a good pair of shoes would be important.
As an occasional runner yet frequent exerciser, I certainly agree on good running shoes. They can truly make all the difference and I love the bold color of this pair.
I love those shoes! I’d like to be a runner one day, lol I feel like it’s too late for me though.
Good shoes are a must! I don’t run, but will do it on the treadmill every now and again at the gym. I can definitely feel the difference when I wear my crummy shoes over my good pair!
Great tips! I love running and jogging. Wouldn’t call myself a runner, but I would love to get more into it! This is great!
I agree comfortable shoes are a must! I walk everyday for my asthma, there are days when I wish I could run till I drop.
A friend of mine just got these shoes and she loves them! I am a big girl so I have been looking into shoes to support me and my hips (osteoarthritis) and back (degenerative disc) and can’t start over with the C25k program until I get better shoes.
Shoes have made such a difference for me. I had no idea how uncomfortable I was until I bought a new pair of running shoes.
I agree, shoes are very important! I really need a new pair. I ruined my last pair at the Warrior Dash 5K. I love your new NB’s!
We love our New Balance sneakers. I think that’s the only brand of running sneakers we have. I need to start running again!
I’m with you, I didn’t know that it was important to get a shoe specific to running. I really did think a sneaker is a sneaker. Good to know better!
Not much of a runner. Do like those shoes,
Yes to good shoes!! I’m a runner and I know the importance of good shoes! They can make or break your runs!
Good shoes are KEY! I’ve been running for about 5 years now, and had to basically start all over once I had our daughter. A plan, and great shoes made me a runner all over again!
I can highly attest to the good shoes investment! Better than a long life of bad knees, ankles, shins
I have a friend that is thinking about running. I will have to show her this post. Shoes are very important for running. You need a good pair.