Running is one activity where shortcuts certainly don’t work. Waking up early to start your morning running session can be a challenge if you are just getting started. But with time and consistency, it becomes a habit, and you will see the transition. If you are a beginner, it might take a little more work. Some times your body will need more time to adjust. To help navigate you through it all we have come up with some tips which will help you with your running plan. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Even though you may not enjoy your morning running session initially, keep at it and monitor your progression. Once you build up your endurance, it will feel effortless and you will feel the slated "runners high" after a good run. If you are a beginner, don’t forget the initial motivation that started you on this journey. If you are struggling to keep the pace, master your mindset and gradually take it from being a chore to an activity you can't wait to do.
If you want to start your day off with a morning jog, planning is important. Make sure you set your alarm for a reasonable wake-up time and have your running gear and work clothes ready to go. This will also force you get to sleep at a reasonable time so your early wake-up time doesn't feel painful. That way you can enjoy your morning running session and it doesn't throw off your entire day. So put a little thought into your sleep schedule and stop staying up binge-watching late-night TV. Preparation is the key and the results will be so satisfying you'll wonder why you haven't been doing this all along.
Sleep is that amazing time when your body repairs itself and restores for a new day. Numerous studies show that 8 hours of sleep is optimal to enhance energy and give your body the time it needs to recharge for tomorrow. As we said earlier, going to bed early will prepare you for the next day. Your energy will not be drained, and adding cardiovascular exercise to your daily routine will actually help you sleep better. Make sure when you are going to sleep you completely turn off all your electronics and gadgets. This will keep you away from distraction and help you get the optimal snooze time.
Hill training is using gravity at it's finest. It provides your run with the extra interval enhancement and level of difficulty to keep you going. Running uphill enhances power, endurance and cardiovascular activity. So when you map out your running route don't skip the hills or if you are on the treadmill don't be afraid to bump up the incline.
While you might be motivated to go out and run at top speed it's best to pace yourself and find the right speed. If you are new to running and find jogging at one steady pace boring and monotonous break it down into short intervals. The intervals will be a timed amount, like 2 or 3 minutes at high speed, followed by 1 to 2 minutes of jogging or walking. Interval training will help build endurance while stimulating the brain with the changing of speeds. In no time you will build enough stamina to cover the distance all at once.
Let's not forget about the famous tortoise and the hare. If you are new to running you can’t just go charging out of the gates. Your body is going to take time to adapt to the stress and strain of running. Warm-up is essential for every workout, be it running or another activity. Start your jog at a slower pace and slowly build your way up. Just make sure to listen to your body and slow down if you need to in order to make it the full run. You can also listen to upbeat music, just make sure it's not more of a distraction switching between songs and you can hear your surroundings like traffic or other people.
Remember these wise words of wisdom in your mind. DO NOT OVERTRAIN! Maybe you are excited because your first run was a success. You are proud of yourself and why not, you did well. But it is vital that you ease your way into your new running routine. Remember to stretch after every session and let your body recover before you push yourself on the next run to avoid burnout. Stay hydrated and make sure you have a solid diet with plenty of fuel to keep you going strong. A great runner's starting plan is to do your morning running sessions every other day to allow rest days in between runs. This strategy works well with beginners as it ensures they get adequate training and helps you avoid injuries.
When you train with others, it takes off the pressure from your shoulders. A friend is essential in every walk of life, be it work or training. When you train with a partner, you become more accountable, and you are less likely to skip sessions. The other advantage includes that partners always motivate and encourage each other to give their best. So, your performance will improve by great folds, and you both can achieve your individual goals together! You can also find a local running club or join up for a treadmill class at your local gym.
These tips will help help you on your way to your running euphoria. Just remember to listen to your body. Don’t push too hard if you feel pain or strain that is out of place. There is no harm in running shorter distances or taking a day off. You have to be patient with yourself! This is a critical aspect of running. Put all the pieces together and you will set your self up for success with your daily run.
Grant Donovan is a successful entrepreneur and expert in many disciplines including aviation, automotive, political, anti-aging and life coaching to name a few. But it is his passion for health, nutrition and fitness that he attributes as the leading factor for his success. All of which led him to create mensfitclub.com to share his large breadth of knowledge with the everyday man, and empower them to make the changes that will help lead to their success. He believes a life in balance of mind, body and soul is a life well lived and only when achieved can one unlock their true potential. At age 60, Grant serves as a living example of why staying healthy not only helps you live longer, but the improved quality of life, will allow you to push past boundaries and reach new heights you never knew were possible. With his inspirational personal journey of achievement he has motivated over 350,000+ subscribers to make a positive change in their life and guide them on their pursuit of happiness.