Let’s talk running.

If you had told me at the start of the year that I’d be lacing up my trainers and willingly tackling 5ks, I’d have laughed in your face. Me? Running? Absolutely not.

However, life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs every now and then. And running? That was an unexpected plot twist, even for me. What’s even more surprising is I actuallyenjoy it (seriously, I don’t know who I am anymore).

So, consider this my ‘Confessions of a Self-Recovered Running Hater’, a survivor's guide to getting started in the world of running. I’ve listed a few simple steps from my experience that I hope will diminish any of your seeds of self-doubt and ultimately help you to take that first step. Because if I can do it, then so can you.

So, let’s begin with a bit of context, shall we?

Confessions of a Self-Recovered Running Hater

How I Started Running

Confession #1: I haven’t always been a running hater.

I know, I know. Let’s rewind a little.

The thing is - I was very sporty at school. I enjoyed extra-curricular sports, I wasn’t afraid of running the 1500m, and I occasionally went running in my free time. However, once I made that transition to the last years of school and began settling into the A-Level exam season, this all began to die a slow death.

Fast-forward to the start of this year, and I’m keeping active, doing regular weight training, and walking whenever and wherever I can. I was, however, stuck in the mindset of absolutely hating intense cardio. I hated the thought of being out of breath, of feeling sick, and I just thought there wasn’t any point in doing it. That was until I tried it again.

Surprisingly, running wasn’t one of my New Year resolutions (I am actually pretty terrible at making these), but it was rather a spur-of-the-moment decision. One day, I decided to join my boyfriend on a run. It turns out, when you spend time with a running fanatic, you’re bound to catch the bug - or in my case, you probably just caught FOMO.

Pictured: Me after my first run in my impractical trainers (left) and after my second run with more suitable shoes (right).

Despite wearing the most impractical flat trainers, and fighting an overwhelming feeling of nausea, I pushed through the run and managed to complete a 5k. It’s fair to say I was knackered, my legs were sore, but most of all, I was absolutely chuffed.

It was like my more active and energetic younger self was lying dormant inside me, just waiting for me to hit the tarmac again and release some energy. And I cannot express how good you feel afterwards - I can’t say I've achieved ‘Runner’s High’ yet, but I have definitely felt Post-Run Pride. Is that a thing?

Since then, I’ve been aiming to complete 5k each run - but you should start with any distance you feel comfortable and build progessively. So, although still a beginner myself, I have compiled a few useful tips from my own running experience that will help you set the pace, track your runs, and keep yourself motivated. If you’re thinking about taking that first stride into running, then please keep reading!

Running Tips for Beginners

Find a friend

Confession #2: Having company makes me competitive (in a good way).

I have found that if I run with someone, I’m not stopping until they stop. I don’t know if that’s competitiveness or pride, but either way, it is very motivating.

Since starting my running journey, I have been so grateful to have a running buddy. As a novice, it’s comforting to follow someone’s lead as you get into the swing of things. Having a mentor with you can do wonders, especially when you feel like you could so easily just stop running, go home, and open that Dairy Milk you’ve been saving. But no, just think about how much you’ll enjoy that chocolate bar after slaying your run - it tastes better, trust me.

Having a friend is also a good way to keep your run at a conversational pace so you don’t get ahead of yourself and run too fast. If you’re struggling to keep talking, slow down a little!

Alternatively, if you don’t have a running buddy at hand, I’d recommend joining a running club. Not only will this provide you with access to expert coaching, but you’ll also meet lots of new people and turn running into a fun social activity. You can also find some good coaching videos online to help ease yourself into running and help you to set the pace.

This brings me onto my next tip…

Pictured: You can also get your running buddy to take sunset running photos - what a bonus.

Running along Newcastle's Quayside at sunset

What’s the rush?

Confession #3: I tend to run too fast.

I am constantly fighting the urge to pick up the pace and run faster. It only feels natural to run at speed, but if you’re running distance, this is not going to get you very far.

I’ve heard this phrase a lot: “To run fast, you need to run slow.” While this may send your eyes rolling to the back of your head, it is actually very true. To improve your overall speed and distance, you need to complete regular, slow-paced runs to build endurance and allow your body to handle more volume.

Elite runners are known to follow the 80/20 rule, in which 80% of their training is at a low intensity, and 20% is at a higher intensity. Slower running builds the aerobic system and will allow you to run with less effort on your faster running days.

On my first 5k run, I ran at 7:22 /km and I am continually improving. The most important thing is that you keep a pace that feels comfortable enough that you don’t need to stop. It may feel foreign to run so slow, but remember, it’s all about distance.

So, while it may feel easy to compare yourself to other runners and think: “why am I so slow?!”, the reality is, you’ve just started! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your aerobic system, so take it slow, set the pace, and take in your surroundings, and soon you’ll see yourself building your speed and distance in your future runs. Baby steps!

Keeping track

Confession #4: I think of Strava as my running Instagram.

Guilty as charged. But what better way to keep motivated than by capturing a nice photo of your running route?

Photos aside, Strava is such a great tool for tracking your progress and your speed. It allows you to not only log and track your activities, but also provides you with data analysis, identifies areas of improvement, and even helps to plan your running routes. It’s your own little running diary!

And, even better, you can build a community with your friends and keep up with each others’ activity. It’s so motivating to see everyone else’s progress and this pushes you to work on your own. There’s also just something so wholesome about giving your friend ‘kudos’ on their latest run!

Strava also syncs with most smartwatches or fitness trackers, so if you have a smartwatch, then this is such a convenient way to track your runs and monitor your heart rate.

Pictured: Strava is so useful for tracking your pace and monitoring your progress.

All geared up

Confession #5: I am very motivated by a cute running outfit.

As a fashion girly, sorry not sorry. It’s like dangling a carrot in front of my face, but instead of a carrot, it’s a matching colour gym co-ord. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

But in all seriousness, looking good and feeling good very much coincide. Wearing the proper gear is a huge motivation factor and makes sure you not only look the part, but feel the part as well. These are the most essential items I’d recommend investing in:

Good trainers: It goes without saying that a good pair of trainers is recommended for running. A supportive pair of trainers will help prolong injury prevention, provide cushioning, and help to improve your performance. They also don’t have to cost a small fortune. I bought a pair of Puma Hypnotic LS trainers (I’ll link below), and they do the job perfectly. They are so comfortable and they can also be worn as fashion trainers, which is a huge bonus - talk about versatile!

Supportive sports bra: For us ladies, support is key, especially for bigger cup sizes. A good sports bra should minimise movement, reduce any discomfort, and prevent any chafing for an injury-free running experience. My go-to is the Shock Absorber sports bra, which I sometimes layer with a sports bralette for extra support.

Bum bag: A small running belt or bum bag will make your life a whole lot easier, as it’ll allow you to be hands-free when running. You can carry essentials like your phone and keys etc. without feeling like you’re being totally weighed down. You can also get running vests which you can strap over your shoulders, allowing for more storage for items such as water. These vests are usually associated with more long-distance runs, but honestly, who cares! Go rock a running vest on your 5k, girl.