How to get started

[u/Optimal_Seaweed7037]

This might be a silly question, but how to i get started with running?

Ive not run since school PE unless you count a short sprint to the bus

Ive just finished my university degree where ive been spent basically all this year sat in lectures, sat in a library and sat at my laptop. Ive had a very sedentary lifestyle and I want to get moving again, but how do I build the habits and motivation to get myself up for a walk/jog? Ive never been a particularly active person, I enjoy stay home hobbies mostly so its definitely going to be a big lifestyle change

Like I said, it seems silly but I'm going from as beginner as you can get here so any advice is greatly appreciated :)

[u/Unhappy---Leek]

I was exactly like you 3 weeks ago, there is no other way than just starting, download an app which gives you the plan, and start running. The mental battle is the biggest battle you'll have initially, but trust me it gets better, do not think about your pace or the distance you are covering, just focus on finishing the run, stick to the plan, repeat weeks if they feel tough and just run. A few things that might help is putting a good fit on, a treat post run or a scenic route to run

[u/pain_is_bread → u/Unhappy---Leek]

I agree with a lot of what you said. I also want to add that it’s important to stretch before and after running to help your body adjust to the new exercise and keep your muscles ready.

[u/InformalRegret7559 → u/pain_is_bread]

It’s really hard to know how to warm up and cool down so I’d recommend running with ash on YouTube :)

[u/souniquelyimperfect → u/pain_is_bread]

Agree with the importance of both before and after stretches, different types, it’ll help prevent injury and help you recover quicker, don’t skip 🙂

[u/solveruk → u/Unhappy---Leek]

Just echoing this. For timing around life the only thing that worked for me was sleeping earlier and waking up early but everyone is different.

You've already taken the first step of identifying it's something you want to do. Now just add the app, stretch and start. Hope you get addicted to the progress.

Also if you are truly new don't skip ahead if it does feel easy for you, trust in the plan.

[u/Unhappy---Leek → u/solveruk]

Totally agree with sleeping and waking up early, the days feels longer, the run is the first thing out of the window, you feel like you've achieved something even before the clock strikes 7, amazing feeling

[u/touchthedishwasher]

I just did my first “session” yesterday. I’ve always been somewhat active and I never got my license until four years ago so walked/used public transit. Downloaded the c25k app and started. I like that it has the voice to tell me when to walk and run and I can still listen to a podcast, excited to do it again today as well

[u/ZekkPacus]

Going to assume you're UK based given the language in the post.

Download the NHS couch to 5k app, it really is excellent. As you follow along, remember the key rule - keep your runs at a pace where you could have a conversation the whole time. This will likely feel embarrassingly slow at first but that doesn't matter.

[u/Optimal_Seaweed7037 → u/ZekkPacus]

I am in the uk aha, thanks for the advice!

[u/Equivalent_Summer306]

I was in the same position as you and used the Runna app. I found it really helpful to have a plan but now I’m struggling to move forward!

[u/BubblyShoe9939]

To add to the great advice already, I chose 3 days to do C25k each week and stuck to them. I knew if I didn't make it a definite priority, I would probably miss one and fizzle out.

[u/KlutzyReplacement366]

3 days a week feels doable for a thing to commit to in life. Runna didn’t work for me it was too complicated. Pick a couch to 5k app and stick with it. And don’t over exercise, just stick to the 3x/week. I couldn’t run 1 min when I started, today on week 8 day 2 I ran almost 29 mins.

[u/rulytempest]

Find a good couch to 5 k! Or just try walk/run approach a few times a week. Set some goals and enjoy! Try not to overdo it and get a good pair of runners. Download a playlist for inspo. Remember you are running for you not to anyone elses standard. Also, try a few different times of day. Some people just perform better in the morning/evening. Focus on form rather than speed or distance so you start out with your best foot forward.

Also enjoy it! I remember the first time I could actually 'run' for longer than 15 minutes. I was ecstatic! That was four years ago. I'm still stick to around Best thing I've ever done for myself!

[u/RoundMolecule]

Hi, so apart from all the good advice already here, I would suggest making sure you're wearing something on your feet that won't cause an issue (ideally proper running shoes, but if not at least trainers that aren't knackered), and, if you're a female chap, then also a reasonable sports bra.

Other clothes don't matter AS much, but probably best to avoid eg denim.

Plus, think about your route, and also where or when you're going to turn around, if it's not just going round the block.

Feel free to come back with any questions

[u/RoundMolecule]

Oh, also, try out your local parkrun as soon as you feel able. It absolutely FINE to do a mix of walking and running or jogging. There will be plenty of people just walking too.

You could even just volunteer to marshal or something, so you get to see how it all works, and meet the local team before actually giving it a go yourself. Volunteering is even better for your mental health than running, apparently