Quick tips to get you runnin’

Running is a great workout and release of stress and tension. Running regularly will help to keep you trim and fit, and it’s so easy! I run 4-5 times a week, and this is some of the best advice that helps me to get going in the morning.

1. Don’t drink alcohol the night before. From my own personal experience, running the morning after a few vinos is definitely more difficult. Hills seem to be harder to conquer and the distance seems so much longer. Keep it tame if possible! 
2. Go to bed early. An obvious tip, but even an extra hour’s sleep will help when that alarm goes off at 6am.
3. Warmth. If it’s winter, wear something warm for the beginning of the run. You can take it off after a few minutes but it’s easier to start your run if you’re not freezing, especially if you’re a morning runner and it’s still dark when you wake up.
4. Music. Listen to music always and make sure there’s a good beat with a lot of battery power behind it. Nothing worse than running out half-way through the run!
5. Know exactly where you’re going. If you haven’t planned your route you may lose enthusiasm and give up, so go over where you’re going to run before you leave. Also, prepare mentally for any hills or tricky spots along the way.
6. Wear something you feel good in. This isn’t meant to be superficial. The last thing you want to be worrying about is that everyone is looking at you, or feeling concerned that your shorts are too tight or pants are falling down. (By the way, nobody cares what you look like when you run – it’s all in your head!)
7. Reward yourself. Give yourself a ‘treat’ every day when you have done a run that you’re really proud of. It’s self-bribery but you SHOULD be rewarded!
8. Know the distance. Check out http://www.mapmyrun.com/ and plan your distance so you know how many kilometres you have done (bragging rights for later.
9. Go in fun-runs. When you run alongside a bunch of other people who are in exactly the same position as you, it’s fun and definitely gets you running farther or faster than you would if you were on your own. 

Have fun!

Michelle Scavone