1. Decide to Start, and Start Today
I have been on my running journey for almost a year now. I have enjoyed every moment of it. But the first step in my running journey was starting to run. So if you want to run, then start today. You will not regret it. I am not saying it will be easy, but you will be rewarded.
A good laugh and a long run are the two best cures for anything. —Unknown
My first run in some months was so hard but rewarding.
2. Set a Goal and stick to it.
Setting a goal will help you with your running journey. I started my running journey on 23 September 2017 with the goal of running Comrades 2018. It was a long shot, but worth a try nonetheless. I didn’t qualify for the 2018 Comrades Marathon, but that goal started my running journey. Set your goal, whether it is to run your first 5km, 10km or even a marathon, no dream is too big to achieve.
“That’s the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.” – Kara Goucher, Olympic long-distance runner
I didn’t qualify for Comrades but I still achieved something that, for a long time, I thought was impossible. I ran my first ultra-marathon on 21 April 2018. My time wasn’t the best, but I finished, and on this run I took 50 minutes off my marathon personal best. Anything is possible.
3. Invest in GOOD running Shoes and Apparel.
One thing I didn’t know when I started running was what to run in. I always thought cotton was great, but I learnt later that it absorbs moisture and contributes to chafing. Having the correct running shoes, fitted for your running style, will help prevent injury. There is nothing like blisters and lost toenails to make you reconsider. I recommend going one size bigger. For socks, it is always good to choose ones without the word cotton on the label. And well, my personal recommendation, join a running club and invest in the club kit. Not only will you be part of a team, but you will also get a running vest to wear in every race, which makes life easier than trying to decide what to wear on race day. You can also sew your annual licence on it and then you only have to pin your race number on your vest.
4. Join a Running Club/Group
Choose a running club carefully. There are so many of them and each one adds its own value. On Athletics South Africa’s website, you can find a list of running clubs. I would recommend going to the time trials of running clubs in your area to see if you fit in before you join, as some are costly, and once you join and get a number you will need to resign from your club before you can join another one.
5. Be Consistent
Being consistent is something that I am struggling with due to a lot on my plate. But I am working on being more consistent. Consistency will help you get stronger more quickly and reach your goals. I would recommend a good training plan, there are lots available online.
