Looking for a sport that’s effective, individual, and doesn’t require a lot of equipment? Try running! Since the 1990s the sport has grown in popularity with an increased amount of people registering and participating in running events around the globe. Some countries, such as the Netherlands, estimate that 13% of their population go on regular runs, while other countries, such as Armenia, estimate that only 0.03% of their population classifies themselves as runners.
Although these are rough approximations, there’s no doubt that running is a popular sport globally. The benefits of running include an overall improvement of health, reduced risk of cardiovascular issues, stress relief, and boosted confidence. The hardest part is just getting started.
Here are the top tips on how to start running, courtesy of the health experts at Goody Water:
One of the primary attractions of running is the lack of equipment required. That being said, it’s still important to invest in a few high-quality pieces for your comfort and safety. Firstly, you should purchase running shoes that properly support your feet and natural movements. Wearing high-quality running shoes prevents injuries and improves your athletic performance.
A well-fitted pair of running shoes will:
The best way to find the optimal pair of running shoes for your feet is by visiting your local running store. There, they will measure your feet, analyze your posture, and determine the correct shoe size and model for your specific needs.
The reality is that everyone starts somewhere. It’s best to first start with a mixture of running and walking to prevent injuries. Suddenly embarking on a 10km run with no prior experience will not only be hard to complete, but risks shocking your body and could cause serious problems down the road. Instead, try finding a program that works for you. Perhaps you’ll start off by walking for five minutes and running for one or alternating between walking and running every other song.
By taking a gradual approach, you reduce your risk of injury and boost the chances of attaining your running goals. Just make sure to slightly increase the amount of running you complete every week to sustain your progress.
Not every runner enjoys feeling as though they’re in a silent, meditative state. Running outside provides you with some scenic landscapes to enjoy, but you may start to feel bored. Combat this by playing some music or listening to an interesting podcast. Take advantage of the many playlists available on popular streaming apps that are especially designed with running in mind. If you’re running indoors, turn on the TV and watch your favourite show. You’ll be so engrossed that the time and kilometres will fly by.
Chances are that your newfound hobby will cause you to break a sweat. This is great for your cardiovascular health, but if you don’t make an effort to drink water, you will become dehydrated. Make sure to drink an adequate amount of water before and after your run. If you’ve just tackled a more intensive workout, you may also want to consider replenishing your electrolytes.
One way to encourage yourself in regards to drinking more water is by purchasing a water bottle you love. Goody Water offers a selection of water bottles that contain innovative filtration systems to remove contaminants found in water sources. This way, you’re assured that the water you’re drinking is in its cleanest and purest form.
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