As coaches, we often get asked about where people should start if they are new to running. On the physical side of things, the answer is pretty straight forward and apps like 'Couch to 5km' have done a great job of bringing new runners into the fold and getting them going, mainly using the run / walk method. This method is gold and I’m delighted to see it taking hold and spreading into the consciousness of new runners.
However, as with many things in life, it is the mental side of the equation where things start to get a little more interesting and complex. Most people when they start out don't see themselves as runners. Perhaps they feel too slow or that they aren’t running far enough. Maybe they don’t feel like they have the right gear. Whichever way you look at it, their confidence is fragile and easily broken, with the risk of them being transported back to square one after the smallest of minor set backs.
Here are two of my main observations in this area and a couple of links to further blogs, that will help you dig a little deeper if you are a beginner runner, struggling to figure out what you should be focusing on:
Think consistency above perfection
The issue here is the illusion of perfectionism. Wanting to get everything all lined up before starting. Wanting to get every run done, even when the kids are screaming, work is demanding at the same time as there is a deadly virus sweeping the globe (coronavirus anyone?). In many cases…your 100% record just isn’t going to happen. So dropping the perfectionist tendencies in favour of an approach that prioritises overall consistency and the general trajectory that you are on, rather than your daily results and numbers of your run, is far better for your mental sanity.
Further blog to read: https://www.gorun.com.au/blog/im-not-a-runner
Avoiding Injury
If you are injured, you can’t run.
If you can’t run, you can’t be consistent.
If you can’t be consistent,you can’t make progress.
So many people get injured when they start to run and then go through this cycle of run-injury-recovery-run-injury-recovery. They can't keep consistent and its really frustrating. Ask any coach, physiotherapist or podiatrist and they will be able to name you hundreds of examples where this case rings true. Running 'EASY' is the key to breaking through that cycle. So ‘running easy' is our second thing to concentrate on if you are a beginner runner. It seems a remarkably simple concept to grasp but there is so much ego wrapped up in the decision to slow down (trust me, as a middle aged male I know about this…) that it is not straight forward. This is a mental challenge more so than a physical one. You are physically capable of slowing down, your brain just won’t let you.
This blog will help you to break through this challenge: https://www.gorun.com.au/blog/easyrunning
Go ahead and pass on these blogs and insights to those who you know are starting their running journey. if they are able to get it clear in their minds that running easy and valuing consistency are their top priorities, then my job here is done!
Happy running!
At GoRun we have coaches who have helped beginner runners of all shapes and sizes break through these barriers. Our latest addition to the coaching team, Sarah specialises in beginner runners who are mums just like her. Check out Sarah’s profile and the other coaches who can help you. You can get in touch with us at chris@gorun.com.au