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But as the weather warms up, you might find the siren song of the pavement calling you.
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Instead, she and other running coaches advise a more gradual, personalized approach.
Start where you are, even if thats abrisk walk.
Make progress at your own pace.
And celebrate every step of the journey.
Heres everything you oughta know about how to start running on your own terms.
Not everyone winds up loving itand if you dont, thats okay.
Dont stress too much about gear at first.
Morgan Jaldondidnt grow up an athlete.
In fact, she used to skip Wednesday gym class just so she wouldnt have to run that mile.
She started with a run-walk.
The first few times out, she didnt worry about her footwear.
I had no idea; I ran in basketball shoes, Jaldon tells SELF.
Just start, and then youll learn what you want and what you need, she says.
The best way to find it?
Try on several pairs, and go with the one that feels best to you.
Many running stores, includingFleet Feetlocations nationwide, offer virtual fittings, too.
Check return policies toomany running stores allow a home try-on period, Jaldon points out.
(Here are some ofour favorite sports bras.)
Figure out your logistics.
Running can literally be as simple as lacing up and heading out your front door, Jaldon says.
If the sidewalks in your neighborhood are pedestrian friendly, its simplest to start there.
If youre feeling more adventurous, try a park ortrail.
Finally, keep safety in mind.
All of this can be even more intense for people of multiple marginalized identities.
And like any pedestrian, runners often have to keep aware of cyclists and car traffic.
There are also high-tech solutions.
Others may already have a fitness routine and want to challenge themselves in a new way.
And if you are starting from the very beginning?
Dont stress about it.
give a shot to do that three times the first week.
(A watch or your phone can help you keep track.)
Progress at your own rate.
As your body adapts to the effort, add 30 seconds to a minute to your running intervals.
Just go at the rate that feels right to you.
Our body is so smart; it adapts to the stress we put it under, Sauriol says.
Eventually, as your body acclimates and you keep adding challenge, youll keep increasing distance.
The key is finding the sweet spot.
It should be challenging, but not overwhelming, Sauriol says.
Experiment until you reach an interval thats doable, but still gives you a small surge of victory afterward.
Levin and Sapper agree.
Our tagline is, Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can, Levin says.
Keep an easy pace.
Now, about those running intervals: Dont take them at a sprint.
The goal isnt to turn your run-walk into ahigh-intensity interval session, Torrano says.
Many new runners feel like they cant breathe at all.
If you reach itor if your hearts pounding out of your chestsimply slow down, Torrano says.
That means full sentences, not gasping out one or two words.
Over time, you may find yourself naturallygetting fasterat an easy effort level.
But at first, pace should be the outcome, not the goal, Sapper says.
Take days offand switch things up.
For all its benefits, running is a high-impact sport.
Sapper and Levin have all their coaching clients start strength training right from the beginning.
You dont need a GPS running watch or a detailed digital log.
Note: Some of these apps involve friends or followers, which can help with connection and encouragement.
But you dont have to make your workouts public if you dont want to.
Amotivating playlistcan go a long way in taking your mind off the effort of running.
Expect some discomfortbut pay close attention to your bodys signals.
Its calleddelayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.
And its totally normal, Torrano says, as long as it gets better over time.
Of course, sometimes it can be tough to tell the difference.
Realize that even your bad runs serve a purpose.
Not every run is going to be a great one.
Even long-time runners feel dips inmotivation.
Just know thats a normal feeling.
To get through it, she remembers how shell feel afterward: strong, proud, and accomplished.
And allow yourself to have a good time.
You’re doing something good for yourself, she says.
And if youre smiling and putting yourself in a good mindset, itll become even more enjoyable.
In fact, you dont really have to feel pressured to get better at all.
See more from SELFs Guide to Running package here.
