Do’s and Don’ts for Beginner Runners

Many people might disagree with the statement that running is a very physical and challenging sport. It wears down the body and takes immense mental strength. This means that while running it is very important to take care of the body and know what to do and not to do.

Do: Stretch and warm up before starting a run. If you are preparing for a track workout or a fast run it is important to do a small jog before to get the muscles all warmed up to run. If you are preparing to go on a long and slower run then it is very important to stretch to distribute and prevent lactic acid from building up.

Don’t: Eat and indulge in a huge meal before a run or race. If you do this then it is very likely the run will not go well. Your stomach will become upset and cramps will start to begin. This just creates a scenario for an unenjoyable run which will not motivate you to run in the future. Instead eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day is more beneficial.

Do: Invest in a good pair of running shoes. With advancements occurring in technology people are becoming more dependent on stuff like shoes and clothes to improve running. This means there is a wide variety of running shoes on the market. Some are found being sold at a very expensive price however it is crucial to invest in a shoe that is geared for your running style and comfort needs.

Don’t: Over train or try to increase mileage too quickly. Many people think that hard work leads to success, and while that can be true it is also important to be cautious. Overtraining wears out the body and never gives it any time to recover. This can lead to injuries and other problems. Increasing mileage can also cause this. It is always best to listen to what the body is saying and give it time to recover before the next workout.

Written by: Caleb Sutter for a class blog assignment. 2021.