I have been running for a few years now. When I look back, it’s tough to believe how clueless I was about everything running. I used to run in “lifestyle” shoes, wear regular cotton shorts, a regular bra and called my first 5km a “marathon”. (don’t believe me? check my FB post!)

Here are some things I thought can help you if you are new to running –

My first 5 km ‘marathon’

1) You can start running whenever you want to, it doesn’t require any skill or technique, at least not in the beginning and if you are only doing it to maintain basic fitness levels.

2) Find running buddies – Running in groups or with friends makes it easier and definitely more fun. But do run alone at times (only if you are running in a safe place), it’s meditative.

3) Running gear – Buy some bright and good fitting running gear. It always peps you up.

4) Invest in the right stuff – Invest in a good sports bra and the right pair of running shoes. Trust me it’s an investment.

The gear! adidas supernova tights and Boston Boost shoes

5) Run-Walk-Run is perfectly normal and at times desirable. It’s not something to be ashamed of.

6) Register for a 5km/10km, 3-4 months in advance as it will motivate you to keep at it.

7) One doesn’t necessarily have to graduate to a half marathon. Don’t feel the pressure of doing one. There are enough and more exciting 5km and 10km events. And that’s enough to maintain basic fitness levels.

8) Remember no one looks like a “runner”. One doesn’t have to look like one to run. Shed your inhibitions. Stop thinking about how you look while running. Trust me all non-runners will be in awe of the fact that you had the courage to get started.

9) Be shameless in flaunting that you ran a certain distance. How many people can say they ran a 5/10/15/21km? Remember you earned your bragging rights.

10) Create an awesome playlist of your favourite songs to carry along with you on the run. But at times listen to the sound of your foot pounding the ground, it’s beautiful. (But get rid of the head phones if you are running in a secluded place or where there is too much traffic. You need to be alert).

11) There is nothing called a “fast” runner. You will always be faster than someone and slower than someone.

12) One doesn’t need to run everyday. I run only 3 times a week even when training for a half/full marathon. But I do yoga and bit of strength training whenever time permits.

13) Eat a banana/dates 45 minutes before a run. Drink electral/ORS on hot days.

14) There are days when you will be super charged and there will be days when you feel completely sluggish. Run anyways.

15) Respect your body. If pain persists for more than 2 days, it needs your attention.

As you begin your journey, you will learn a lot about yourself and your body on the run. It will make you curious and you will wonder why you were not doing it all this while but it’s never too late. Attaching a video of a nun who started running at the age of 48 and is the oldest person to have completed a Ironman (run/bike/swim) within 16 hours.

Iron Nun on the Run

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