If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to start running but you’ve already fallen off the bandwagon or you are returning to running after a break, our Editor-in-Chief is sharing her top tips for running to help you get back on track with a little help from Runners Need…
If you’d asked me about running 18 months ago, I would have told you that the only thing I ran was a bath. However, following a personal mission to become the very best version of myself, running is now a part of my everyday life (I’m still shocked that I can say that!)
I’ve lost over 50 pounds, fallen in love with pounding the pavement and have ticked off multiple 10k runs with a view to running my first half marathon in the near future. When I started, I simply put on a pair of trainers, began running and hoped for the best. I literally took it one step at a time and probably fell victim to all the common mistakes beginner runners make.
From my lack of post-running nutrition to my insufficient support when it came to my footwear, I’ve been learning on the job.
Fortunately, for any wannabe runners out there, I’m here to share my top three tips to go from beginner to running pro, so you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes I made to get here.
Usain Bolt, watch out.
Pick the Right Footwear with Runners Need
I feel embarrassed to admit this now, but when I started running, I was wearing a pair of £20 Pink Soda trainers just because they were cute. I didn’t even know anything about trainers (I’m a heels kind of gal), let alone the fact that there are multiple types of trainers based on the kind of runner you are.
Fortunately, after a visit to my local Runners Need store, I was armed and dangerous with all the knowledge I needed to up my game. When it comes to picking the right footwear, you can choose from motion control, cushioned, stability, lightweight, and trail – who knew!?
Stepping into my new trainers for the first time was a game-changer. As I hit the pavement, I immediately noticed a whole new level of comfort and support that I hadn’t experienced before.
The cushioning hugged my feet just right, providing a perfect balance of stability and flexibility with every stride. It was as if my feet had found their perfect match, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through me as I set off on my run.
With each step, I felt more connected to the ground beneath me, more confident in my movements and more eager than ever to push myself further. Thanks to my new trainers from Runners Need, every run became not just a workout, but an exhilarating journey towards becoming the best version of myself.
Gait Analysis
Not sure which type of footwear you need? Then Gait Analysis is the place to start. This is an assessment of how your body moves during running and how your feet make contact with the floor. It sounds super technical, but fortunately for me, the lovely Wendy in my local Harrogate Runners Need store made the entire process really fun.
I spent some time trying out different trainers and running on the treadmill, and then, collectively, we viewed my feet in slow motion on the screen to dictate the style of shoes running trainers that I needed. It was such a learning experience, and I was really pleased to discover that I have a normal running style and don’t run the risk of looking like Phoebe from Friends.
You can book in at your local Runners Need store for the 30 minute session which is free when you buy a pair of running trainers.
Wear the Best Running Gear
When I’m not running, I’ll be wearing dresses and heels, so it’s important to me to feel good about myself and now the same goes for when I am running.
At the early stages of my running life, I joked with my audience about how I looked homeless when I worked out. Mainly because of how unfit I was, I literally looked like death warmed up every time I did a run.
However, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and over time, I started to look less disheveled and I wanted this to reflect in the outfits that I wore.
Looking good helps you feel good, and if you’re anything like me, then you’ll love any excuse to buy new clothes. I picked out a gorgeous set from Under Armour via Runners Need, the one-stop-shop for all things running, to go with my sparkly new trainers, and they added some serious fire to my running. I literally couldn’t wait to wear my new garments.
As someone who’s experienced firsthand the transformative power of running, I can’t stress enough the importance of having the right gear to support your journey. That’s why I was so pleased to discover Runners Need. Not only do they offer top-notch in-store gait analysis services, ensuring you find the perfect footwear for your individual needs, but they also pride themselves on being the ultimate specialists in running kit.
With their latest new season range boasting the best products from world-leading brands, you can trust that you’re getting quality gear that’s designed to enhance your performance and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner like I once was or a seasoned runner, Runners Need has everything you need to reach your goals and make the most of every run.
So, if you’re ready to take your running game to the next level, look no further than Runners Need – because when you have the right gear, there’s no limit to what you can achieve on the road or trail.
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