Not a Runner? Here’s how to get Started
The thought of going from never running, to doing it almost everyday for fitness is pretty daunting. That’s why at Heart Zones, we want you to know that starting small is actually a BIG WIN. Sometimes all it takes to dramatically improve your fitness and health, is a series of small changes to your fitness regimen. As we strive to achieve our mission which is to help “Get America Fit”, we want you to know that becoming a strong runner is not far away and the first step, is to just get started running (and a little walking is OK with us).
Getting Started 101
When new runners are just getting going, one of the biggest tendencies is to overdue it and tire yourself both physically and mentally. So the first tip to getting started running, is to start small.
Pay Attention to your Heart
If you don’t have a heart rate monitor or sensor yet, we urge you to get one – borrow or buy. If you don’t though, you can still pay close attention to what your heart and body are telling you as you start running. We encourage beginners to spend some time in the low easy “Blue” Zone and a little time in the mellow moderate “Yellow” for the first few runs. These are great zones where your body still is getting the benefits of burning calories and strengthening your heart, but you are avoiding some of the strain that come alongside training in the “Red”. For more information about how to find those Zones, check out this Heart Zones Training resource.
Find a Running Partner
If you can, find someone who is interested in starting to run, your new training partner. If you can find someone who is on a similar beginner level, that would be best so that you can do it the best way that we know – together. Finding motivation is sometimes the hardest part about starting to run, so having another friend or family member there alongside you is a great way to keep it fun as you get started. If you don’t have a person who is up for it, there is always a wearable device that is willing to be your partner. It can provide you with valuable feedback for encouragement and keep you company as you run. With or without a partner, a wearable device is your next best friend and coach.
Educate yourself to stay Motivated
Once you have been running for a few weeks, hopefully you will be feeling some of the cardiovascular benefits as well as the mental and emotional ones that usually accompany great exercise. It takes a few weeks for this particular “adaptation” to take place. The challenge now becomes sticking with it. At Heart Zones we find that often, knowledge is power and motivation. Keep reading and learning about your heart rate and your running techniques. You will find new ways to challenge yourself and also realize how to overcome slumps and struggles. Heart Zones is here to support you to get fit and stay fit utilizing sound exercise science and the Heart Zones way, the methodology as well as smart wearable technology.
