5 Tips for Beginning a Running Program:

“Nothing will work unless you do.” ~ Maya Angelou

1.      Set goals – As with any fitness program that you begin, goal setting is priority.  It gives you something to work towards and keeps your eye on the “prize!”  Are you running for fat loss?  Are you running to prepare for a race?  Are you running to gain cardiovascular endurance?  Once you decide what exactly what YOUR goal is, this will lead you to the second step. 

2.       Choose your program – There are so many programs online and so many apps that you can find to help you reach your goal.  Hal Higdon’s training programs are one of the most popular downloaded programs because he gives you beginner, intermediate and advanced programs to choose from.  Also, the popular Couch to 5K app on your smart phones give you programs and verbal ques during your runs to assist you and motivate you.  Running is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge.  When you have a program telling you what you need to do and how far you need to go; mentally, you can prepare yourself for the distance. 

3.      The Right Gear - Now that you have determined your goal and obtained the program that will guide you throughout the process, you will need to purchase the right gear.  Appropriate running shoes can MAKE or BREAK your success.  It is advised for you to go to your local running stores and let them evaluate the way that you walk and run so that they can guide you to the shoe that is best designed for your foot.  Running can be hard on your body, especially in the beginning stages.  Injuries will be your biggest setback.  When you have the right shoe, this drastically helps to reduce your risk for injury.  Running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles.  *Bonus –if you purchase your shoes at the Lafayette Running Store on Johnston Street and tell them that your trainer sent you, they will give you a discount on your purchase. 

4.      Accountability – It is a proven fact, most people tend to stick to fitness programs when they have a group or a friend that they enjoy being with helping to get them there.  There will be days that you are not going to be motivated, a partner will be extremely beneficial on these days.  Truth is, some days, the hardest part is just putting those running shoes on and getting out of the house.  Once you are there, the run is the easy part.  GET A PARTNER!!!!!!  Sharing your accomplishments with good friends makes your success so much sweeter. 

5.      JUST DO IT! - Design your running schedule and STICK WITH IT.  When you have your runs planned out, you can mentally prepare yourself and physically fuel yourself in order for you to make your runs as enjoyable as possible.   Running at the same times and same days, will promote HABITS….good habits.  You will quickly learn that CONSISTENCY is KEY for progress to be made and for your newfound habit to become easier and more enjoyable.  

Finishing a Race is not about the Race, the accomplishment is that you completed the training process!  If you train correctly, the Race is Successful.

“With self discipline, all things are possible.”  ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Kelli Montgomery: Fit Life Fitness Coach

Kelli has been helping people achieve their fitness goals for over three years and as a wife and mother of 3 she realizes the society obstacles of living the Fit Life.  Kelli also finds strength through Faith and has had a specific calling from the Lord to lead others to him through fitness.