3 things new runners DON’T need to worry about

Running should be simple and easy to get into. Because, surely all you need is a decent pair of trainers and off you go?

So, why do so many of us put off getting started?

In my experience, it’s because social media (and in particular, influencers) have made it appear that you NEED certain things to get going and even be of a certain fitness standard before you start.

In this article, I’m going to de-bunk three common myths that may be preventing you from getting started or causing you unnecessary stress.

MYTH 1: YOU MUST HAVE A RUNNING WATCH AND HEART RATE MONITOR TO TRACK YOUR RUNS

Running is a sport where not only the elite but enthusiasts relentlessly track their progress. Thanks to technology, this has never been easier to do. With so many different types of smart watches available, from the simple to the mind-bogglingly complex, it’s easy to get overwhelmed as to what you should buy when you first start running.

So, here’s the easy solution.

Don’t buy any.

You don’t need one!

If you’re a newbie to running, you do not need to worry about tracking the nuances of your stride length, your cadence, pacing, heart rate, or ground contact time (these are all metrics available - with even more I haven’t mentioned!)

If you're brand new to running, your heart rate is most likely going to be high, even at a light jog. Therefore, panicking that you’re in heart rate zone 4/5 when you think you should be in 2 is not going to help your progress.

Instead of getting overly worked up about specific metrics, your focus should be on jogging/running with good form (cues: tall posture, high hips, relaxed shoulders with efficient backwards arm movement - elbows at approximately 90 degrees, foot lands naturally underneath centre of mass).

When you start running, if you can shift your focus onto how your body is feeling, practicing good form and being aware of how you move, this will all greatly help in the future. Far more so than stressing over what your Garmin watch is telling you!

If you want to track your pace or where you go, there are plenty of free apps that you can download onto your phone.

When I first started running I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t buy a fancy watch until I had done three months of consistent running. This meant I built up a habit without the need of tech and I got to reward myself after!

MYTH 2: YOU NEED EXPENSIVE RUNNING CLOTHES & MATCHING OUTFITS

I don’t know about you, but my Instagram feed is filled with running influencers all wearing the latest Lulu Lemon, looking absolutely pristine and matching in their outfits. They look great! But it certainly isn’t how I look when I go running!

Branded running kit can be expensive. But it is also largely unnecessary when you first start (arguably also unnecessary as an experienced runner - I’ve run 4 marathons and have NEVER worn a matching outfit!)

When it comes to running clothes, comfort is queen. You want something that you are going to feel comfortable in, that won’t chafe and will give you the confidence to get moving. That will be different for every single person. But it does not have to be the most expensive branded kit going.

If you are going to spend any money when you first start the most important place to spend it is on SHOES. Go and get fitted at a running store. The staff are ALWAYS super helpful and kind. They are usually complete running geeks themselves and despite how scary it may seem to get on a treadmill in a shop, I promise you they are not judging you and just want to help.

You also don’t need to buy the shoes in the shop. You can get fitted, find ones that work for you with the assistant’s help and then buy online if cheaper.

Good quality (personally fitted) running shoes will be the best place to spend your money. They will help prevent injury and by getting your running style checked in the shop, you may pick up a few cues to help you with your form.

I would always advocate spending more money on your running shoes initially than any other kit.

The clothes you wear really don’t matter, so long as they’re comfy and breathable. I personally always wear full length leggings, regardless of the temperature (even when crazy hot) simply because I find these more comfortable. Everyone is different. Find what works for you and don’t stress yourself unnecessarily because you’re not wearing the latest fashion.

MYTH 3: IT DOESN’T COUNT AS A “RUN” IF YOU WALK

I get so annoyed when I hear this rubbish (it’s usually on the internet, written by some idiot wannabe gym bro).

Walking during any type of running activity is perfectly valid.

You don’t need to feel bad if you can’t run for any length of time and if you need to take frequent walk breaks. This is completely acceptable!!!

I still use walk breaks during my training. I walked at some point in every marathon I completed.

It still counts as a run if you walked during it.

The walk/run method is a valuable training tool and you should totally use it as a new person to running.

On this note, “slow” running is also running.

The muppets who preach anything slower than a 6 min kilometre is a “walk” are just that, muppets.

A mile is still a mile. A marathon is still a marathon, regardless of how long it takes you.

Chances are, as a newbie runner (unless you already have a baseline of fitness or are genetically pre-disposed) you are going to be a bit slower to start with. There is nothing wrong with this and there is also nothing wrong with staying a “slower” runner.

Pace is all relative. All of us (gym bros included) are slower than the world elite runners. What might be slow to you, is fast to someone else.

Don’t suck the joy out of running by comparing yourself to someone else. Unless you are the best in the world, there will always be someone faster than you.

CONCLUSION

If you’re new to running, keep it simple. Use your smartphone to track pace and places if you are desperate to have some metrics. You don’t need the latest Garmin or Apple Watch when you’re first starting.

If you’re going to spend any money, spend it on fitted running shoes. Go to your nearest running shop, get their assistants to analyse your gait and running style, and find shoes that will support you!

Don’t let the running influencers convince you that you must spend hundreds of pounds on fancy branded running kit. Whatever is comfortable and you feel confident in, is suitable.

Lastly, know that you are allowed to walk! And this goes for whatever your level of experience.

Running is about improving your physical and mental health. It doesn’t need to be expensive or complex to start.

Get outside, and get moving!