What better than a new year approaching for you to take up running, and if you are new to running and RMA, then welcome! You might wonder how it is that you have got here, and ‘what on earth was I thinking, this is so hard’….! , well we are here to tell you that it is not, and it won’t be for long, but first you need some tips to get you started on your fabulous running journey! so we are giving you 8 tips to get you on your merry way out on the roads and trails wondering how you ever lived without running!

Tip 1. Get fitted for shoes. 

This has to be one of the golden rules. Your feet are going to be doing all the hard work, and so you need to look after them! Head to your local running store and get fitted for a decent pair of runners that will be right for you.

Tip 2. Enlist people. 

Running can be hard when you first start out, so find yourself a possy. You want people that you can call on to help you get out of bed early in the morning, to stop you from pressing ‘snooze’ on the alarm and rolling over. You also want people that perhaps have been on this journey for a while, so can give you some pointers and help you keep going when you feel like giving up.

Tip 3. Slow down.

Starting out doesn’t mean that you need to run a 100m sprint. Running is all about finding your rhythm within and so to do that and find your natural pace you need to start slow. A slow jog will help you to go further over time as you won’t tucker yourself out when you go like a bull out of a gate. Start off with small intervals, running and walking and then gradually over time increase the running and decrease the walking. Don’t worry about pace or time, you just want to build up your running so that you don’t feel exhausted. Remember, the more enjoyable it is, the more probability that you will keep up the habit!

Tip 4. Go sightseeing.

It is a lot better (and I think psychologically easier) to run when you have something pretty to look at, so instead of running around the boring streets of your neighbourhood, perhaps find a nice easy trail, a coastal path or a nice park to run around in. Remember, your focussing on getting out there, not how fast you can go, so take in the sights and before you know it your run will be done and your head will be clear and you will be happy.

Tip 5. Don’t skip the warm up/cool down.

As you are starting out it is crucial (and for any runner) to make sure that they adequately warm up and cool down before any hard session. Start your session with a walk and some warm up drills or dynamic stretches and end your session with a walk and some stretches to cool down. This will help to stop any injuries that may rear their ugly head if you don’t prepare your body adequately.

Tip 6. Have your form assessed.

If you can, find a running coach or friend who runs to have your form assessed. They will help you to maintain the correct form when running to make sure that you decrease the risk of injury to yourself as you are starting out. Form is so important, and you want to get it right from the beginning.

Tip 7. Read.

Read all you can about running to help you get educated about different types of sessions, races and training, nutrition etc. There are many websites out there that can help you out, including the RMA Facebook group where you are always welcome to ask for advice, assistance or a shoulder to lean on.

Tip 8. Celebrate your success. 

Once you have been running for a while and you feel that you are ready, sign up to a race! Not only will it help you with having a goal to work towards, it will get you practicing all the things that you have learnt, and help you celebrate the success and achievement that you so richly deserve. There are many to choose from all over the country, so lock it in and get training towards it!