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6 Tips for How to Start Running for Beginners [from a Beginner]

This blog post with tips for running for beginners is part of a paid Megan Media and Vivobarefoot blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. #DiscoverVivobarefoot

Running for Beginners Tips

Three years ago I was in the best shape of my life. I had a 1 year old and a 3 year old that I was constantly chasing, but I was also running regularly for the first time ever. My husband is a runner. He completed his first marathon at Disney a couple of years ago and runs regularly. He’s always encouraged me to run, but I thought it was impossible for me… until 3 years ago when I did it. I trained for a few months then ran my first race – our hometown’s 4 miler on July 4th.

Although I hate to admit it, I didn’t stick with running for very long. Once I completed a few races and marked them off my bucket list, I got out of the habit. That’s why I’m calling myself a beginner again and why I’m ready to lace up my running shoes and get moving again! Today I’m going to share just how I’m getting started again and tips for running for beginners… from a fellow beginner like me!

What’s Your Why?

You may have guessed that these tips aren’t going to be exactly technical. If you want technical running advice you’ll have to talk to my husband who is always reminding me to “widen my stride”, “keep your breathing under control”, and lots of other technical advice. I have to remind myself constantly of my why. Why do I want to run? Because I feel good about doing something for myself. I feel good when I take those few minutes out of my day to make my life better, my body more fit, and my health a priority. What’s your why?

Get Motivated

You might be simply motivated by your why, but what if you’re not? There are days where I struggle… when I don’t want to go outside at 6am, but I have a great motivator and his name is Rob. I’m so thankful for a husband who has really stepped up and stayed positive with me, even when I whine.

Buy New Running Gear

Really, this should be one of your first priorities. New running clothes and shoes are a good motivator for me too because really how can you not get excited about running when you have new kicks!

Vivo Barefoot Shoes

There’s even more to these shoes than the looks, though. I struggled to find a pair of shoes that worked with my feet 3 years ago, but now I feel like I’ve found the shoes that were perfectly made for my feet. Just like Vivobarefoot encourages runners to reconnect with your feet, I’m doing just that with my new Stealth II shoes.

Through their own patented sole design, Vivobarefoot has created shoes that are innovative and sustainable. Their shoes encourage natural movement with a minimalist shoe is environmentally friendly and is focused on the idea that we are meant to be barefoot, as our ancient ancestors once were.

The shoes do come with an insert, but you’re encouraged to only use them when you need thermal protection. Without the insert, they really feel as if you’re barefoot.

Vivo Shoes

Be sure to check out these and other Vivobarefoot shoes on their website. While you’re there, be sure to share Vivobarefoot with your friends so you can both get 10% off your purchases!

Although I’m still in the beginning stages of my running habit again, I’ve found that these shoes really help me connect with the ground and seem to cause less stress on my body.

Realize running is 99% mental

This was the biggest thing I learned 3 years ago. I found it fascinating that I could literally power walk the same speed as I jogged, but when I “jogged” I felt so

tired. It was mental. My husband kept telling me this, but I didn’t really understand until I continued to push myself and realized it really is all in my head. That doesn’t mean that I don’t get tired, because I do, but I keep reminding myself of my why, keep being motivated and stay positive.

Record your achievements

You better believe that when I ran my first mile [ever in my life 3 years ago – still proud of that!] that I blasted it on Facebook. In fact, it’s a great motivator to record your achievements whether it’s just for yourself or for others to see. I love looking back at how I started my running for beginners program and could only run for 5 minutes straight compared to where I’m at now.

Treat yourself

If you have something to look forward to, you’re likely be more successful. Whether you’re rewarding yourself with a fun day out, your favorite dinner, or a new pair of running shoes – it’s important that you look forward to a treat for all your hard work!

Vivo Barefoot Coral

What’s your biggest tip to make running for beginners successful?

Anroné

Tuesday 26th of December 2017

I have found that running with other people really helps motivation. Even though it isn't a competition it will at least motivate you to keep pace and just overall run faster. Also it is safer as well as the fact that you can talk (or at least listen)