6 Simple Running Tips

Running, ah running, we have a bit of a love/hate relationship going on. I hate doing it but I love how it makes me feel afterwards. I get a buzz knowing that I’ve done some exercise. I first started running when I was living with my sister in London, about ten years ago. Around this time, I was eating really badly, gorging on wine and beer, pasta and cheese. And despite knowing that I had a serious muffin top, I was massively in denial. I weighed myself one day and nearly had a heart attack, as I saw I was tipping the scales at around 10 and a half stone. As a fairly small woman, at 5ft 3, this didn’t sit well with me, quite literally. I made the decision then and there to go for a run. Possibly not the best decision at the time, as it was a really hot day. I just about made it to the end of the road without my head exploding! From that day on, I tried to go running at least twice a week to get myself fit.

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After a few months of regular running, less cheese and cream, I had managed to loose the weight I needed, and was back to a more comfortable size. I saw that running made a huge difference to my body, so it’s something I’ve always tried to stick too. And now that I’ve had a baby, I find running a good chance for me to have some time on my own, it gives me some much needed head space. Some time away from the NOISE that is a small child. I’ve been thinking of the things that help me run and I wanted to share these thoughts with you. If you’ve never run before and want to start, here are my top tips to get you going:

    • Get decent trainers – If you’re serious about running, go to a specialist shop and get them to check your gait. I went to went to Runners Need which is near me in Kingston and they were brilliant (for the record, I’m flat footed apparently ..) Be prepared to spend about £100 but its worth it for comfort and to cushion your feet correctly, don’t waste your time (or feet) wearing crappy old trainers that aren’t appropriate.
    • Get kit that you feel comfortable in – I tend to buy my running clothes from Amazon which is great and cheap but obviously you can’t try things on beforehand, and I do find it’s a bit of a lottery as to the sizes of some brands. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable in what you run in. If you want cheap stuff to get you started, go to Sport’s Direct. EDIT – Nov 2022 – I live in Gym Shark gear now and find it so comfortable. It won’t break the bank and often has sales on.
    • Don’t run straight after you’ve eaten – Give yourself at least 45 minutes-1 hour to let your food settle, otherwise  you might see it again fairly quickly, get stitch or worst, need a poo (happened to me once on a run with my brother, he’s never let me forget it)
    • Take on Water – In the hour before I go for a run, I take on lots of water. Personally (see point below) I hate carrying a water bottle so I prefer to hydrate myself before I run, this article agrees.
    • What type of runner are you – Do you like carrying a water bottle or listening to music? Carrying a bottle is a good idea but it also might irritate you after a while. Listening to music can be motivating, but again you might not like having headphones in or having your phone attached to you. I hate carrying water and I often don’t listen to music as I find it gives me a headache. Trial everything out on a short run and get used to what you prefer.
    • Work out how far you want to run before you go – Loosely plot your route before you go out, and have a minimum and a maximum run. If you feel like you’re having a bad time and can’t do much (it happens!), then do your minimum. However, if you’re having an awesome run and could go for miles, then do your maximum. If you know in advance, then you wont dither. Also don’t get to caught up in planning to run so many miles, sometimes just a good, solid 20 minute run is enough.

6 thoughts on “6 Simple Running Tips

    • My knees are buggered too Dodge, I think its just that our bodies are old, damn them!! Get the strap knee supports – I’ve got one & it really helps x

  1. Love this really great advice and tips. I’m definately better if I have a plan for my run duration before I start too, although if I’m not feeling very motivated I sometimes tell myself it’ll only be a ten minute run, once I’m out the door I sometimes then rediscover my enthusiasm! My only other personal tip is if you can to find somewhere pretty to run, really helps me to enjoy the time to myself!

    • Yes deffo, a lovely view helps. I’ve run on the south downs with my bro, with a terrible hangover but I swear the fresh air & scenery helped clear my head!! Thanks for commenting xx

  2. Thanks for commenting Amy! Running is a funny one, I’ve spoken to so many people who love/hate it BUT like you say, it can make really visible changes to our bodies. I’m just back from holiday & will be pounding the pavements asap to get rid of my cheese/wine muffin top! X

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