Beginning Running – Easy Beginner Running Program
If you’re thinking of beginning running, do not make the mistake of thinking that walking is cheating. Every beginner running program starts with walking, and you will have to walk before you can run. Aim to begin by running for just 30 seconds, then walking until you have caught your breath, then repeating it.
Beginning Running Tips – Walk To Run
beginning running
Even seasoned marathon runners throw a walk break into their running now and then, and with good reason. By alternating running with walking, you will give your body a chance to recover from the impact of running, because one of the main differences between running and walking is that in running you ‘jump’ off the ground. In walking, however, you don’t, so there’s much less impact on each foot strike and a reduced chance of injury.
When beginning running, use walk breaks to take in what’s going on around you. Look at the view, enjoy the sun on your back or the rain on your face, and feel the ground beneath your feet. Running for beginners is all about enjoying the run as well as the scenery and being out in the open.
Training Benefits Of Beginning Running
When you’re beginning running using a run/walk schedule, not only will you help protect yourself from many common injuries, but you will also make greater improvements because you should be able to train for longer before you tire. If you can only run about 50 yards before becoming out of breath, you should walk for the next 50 yards to recover before starting to run again. Most people beginning running start off by running too fast and too hard. It might last only a few minutes, but it’s an experience that can put them off running forever. Walking is an easier and gentler introduction to beginning running – it’s a more sustainable beginner running program and will not leave you feeling disillusioned.
Can You Do The Talk Test When You’re Beginning Running
Throughout your running training, you can also use the talk test to gauge whether you are going too fast. When you’re starting out as a runner this is particularly useful. If you’re too out of breath to chat to a training partner, slow down a little, and walk, until you get your breath back. Then start to jog but a little more slowly. This gentle approach will allow you to improve without denting your enthusiasm.
Beginning Running Program
If you are completely new to running, the following beginning running program will help you to run for 30 minutes in just six weeks. Stick to the schedule and you will be amazed at how quickly you improve.
| Week1 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 30 seconds, walk 30 seconds. Repeat 20 times |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 1 minute, walk 1 minute. Repeat 10 times |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 2 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 5 times |
| Week 2 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 5 times |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 3 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 4 times |
| Week 3 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 4 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 5 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat 4 times |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 5 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 4 times |
| Week 4 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 7 minutes, walk 4 minutes. Repeat 3 times |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 7 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 7 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times |
| Week 5 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 9 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat twice |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 10 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat twice |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 12 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat twice |
| Week 6 | Beginning Running Program |
| Monday | Rest |
| Tuesday | Run 12 minutes, walk 2 minutes. Repeat twice |
| Wednesday | Rest |
| Thursday | Run 15 minutes, walk 1 minute. Repeat twice |
| Friday | Rest |
| Saturday | Rest |
| Sunday | Run 30 minutes |
Beginning Running Tips – Getting Ready To Run
It’s not enough to jump out of bed and pull your running shoes on: you need a little preparation before the start of every run. Follow these tips on how to begin running to ease effortlessly into the start of your run.
Beginning Running Tips – Warming Up
You don’t need to stretch before you run – in fact, research suggests that this might cause you more harm than good – but you do need to warm up the muscles that you are going to use. Start off with a brisk walk for five minutes before breaking into a gentle jog for another five minutes. You should start to feel warmer and ready for your beginning running program.
If warming up outside in winter leaves you cold, you can cheat with a passive warm-up to increase the body’s temperature without physical activity. Try a warm bath or heat packs, then run a little on the spot indoors before braving the outside world.
Beginning Running Tips – Cooling Down
At the end of your run, do not stop until you have given your body a chance to cool down. When you’re beginning running it’s all too easy to collapse after your run – cooling down gradually is much better. Walking for five minutes after your run is an excellent way to deliver dynamic stretches to your muscles. You will find that it will reduce post-exercise stiffness more effectively than static stretching. Walk until you feel that your breathing has returned to normal.
Beginning Running Tips – Why Stretch?
The jury is still out on whether running stretches can offer any benefits for runners, whether you’re just beginning running or are a seasoned pro, but many people still like to stretch because they believe that it brings greater flexibility and makes them feel good. After a run your heart will be pumping blood and oxygen to your muscles, and a raised metabolic rate will speed up your nerve impulses, allowing for easier movement.
Beginning Running Tips – Getting Going
One of the easiest mistakes to make when you beginning running is to run too fast. You remember what it was like to hare down the finishing straight on the athletics track at school and take off at a pace that you struggle to maintain for more than a couple of minutes. It’s much easier to start slow and learn how to build up running so you can comfortably run for at least 30 minutes.