How to Start a Running Routine

How to Start a Running Routine(ro͞oˈtēn)

Resolved(-ˈzôlvd,riˈzälvd) to run in the new year? How to build a running routine that lasts(last) so you can crush(krəSH) a 5K(kilometer kiˈlämitər,ˈkiləˌmētər) or 10K next New Year’s Day.

By Jen A. Miller(ˈmilər)

It is a new day in a New Year and we are all here for it!

Or, well, at least I am. If I sound a little chipper(ˈCHipər), it’s because I broke into 2019 by crushing a 10K (which ended up being more like 5.6 miles because of a last-minute course(kôrs) change, but still!).

Whether you’re an experienced(ikˈspi(ə)rēənst) runner ready for a change in the new year or you want to become a runner but don’t know where to start, welcome(ˈwelkəm)!

Starting a running routine, or getting back to running after a long break, can be daunting(ˈdänt-,ˈdôntiNG). It may feel weird(wi(ə)rd) and awkward(ˈôkwərd) and you might end up a bit sore(sôr) afterward.

Here are a few things you can do to get over that initial(iˈniSHəl) “what am I doing?” hump(həmp) and build a running routine that lasts so you too can crush a 5K or 10K next New Year’s Day.

  1. You don’t need a bunch(bənCH) of special stuff.

Really. There are a lot of running products out there — just ask my inbox, which is full of emails from brands telling me why I should write about their latest $300 doodad(ˈdo͞oˌdad). But to start, you don’t need any of it.

…

  1. You haven’t failed if it doesn’t work.

It just means you get a chance to learn from what didn’t go right, and adjust for the future. No one said you must start a running routine on Jan. 1. Your birthday works, or Presidents(ˈprez(ə)dənt,ˈprezəˌdent)’ Day, or next Saturday. And don’t beat(bēt) yourself up if it takes a few tries. Running is hard. Sticking(stik) with it until it’s a routine is harder. But I believe in you. I really do.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/05/well/move/how-to-start-a-running-routine.html