Hey, my lovely friends! With spring around the corner, I’ve been getting back into my running routine and finding ways to make it fun. I am really starting to enjoy my runs, which is great because last year at this time I didn’t like running at all XD Today I wanted to share some tips and ideas for the girl who wants to get into running, or maybe the girl who’s been running but isn’t enjoying it anymore. I also created a collage for inspo (all pics from pexels.com) and linked to some of my favorite running resources/gear.
start small
If I could go back and change anything about my running journey, it would be telling myself to start slow and find a groove with running before jumping into the world of racing. The only reason I started running was to train for a race, which made it less fun than it could have been. So, my very first tip for a girl just getting into running would be to start small and build consistency. Maybe just go on two runs a week. Outside, on the treadmill, have fun with it!
have a plan
Even if you’re just getting into the running thing, I think it’s a good idea to have a plan. It keeps you on track and (hopefully) gets rid of the “do I go for a run today or not?” dilemma. You can go as simple or elaborate as you want to. If you have a specific goal in mind (5K, 10K, half marathon), I like the plans from Hey Girl Run. TIP: start small with distance and then work up to longer ones. Yes, “I ran a marathon” is a cool thing to say, but don’t try that as your first ever race.
make it fun
I’ll be honest: running is hard sometimes. It sounds cool to be a running girlie, but it’s not all beautiful days and PRs 😅 there’s pain and exhaustion, too. BUT there are ways to make it fun for yourself and not dread run days. A few ideas:
✨ change up your route. run around your neighborhood, go into town, find a trail, etc.
✨ run to something. just running around can be boring, so why not run to the library or your favorite coffee shop?
✨ find a friend to run with.
✨ make a running bingo card with different running goals.
get accountability
There is nothing more fun than going for a run with a friend on a sunny Saturday morning. One of my biggest tips for a beginning runner to is find someone to keep you accountable, especially if you decide to train for a race or something. My friend Leah checks in with me every day or so and asks if I worked out at all. Don’t make it too complicated! This is more just to help you stay on track until you’ve established a solid routine. Plus, it’s fun if you can also be the accountability for the other person; you’re both helping one another with your goals.
don’t force it
Let’s be honest: there will be days when you have no motivation whatsoever to go for a run. Maybe it’s 20° outside and snowing. Or your sister wants to go shopping at the mall. Or you might just not want to go running around the neighborhood for twenty minutes. Regardless of the reason, it’s going to happen. And when it does, don’t force yourself to go.
That’s one of the things I regret most about when I started running. Right off the bat I was training for a couple races, so I felt like I HAD to make every run, no matter what. I think that’s why I really disliked running at first. I was doing it because I had to, not because I wanted to. Which was hard, because I really wanted to like running and be a running girl, but I just wasn’t feeling it 😅
That was probably the hardest paragraph to write in this entire post, but hopefully it makes sense! Especially if you’re new to running and just try it out, give yourself lots of grace. There’s commitment, and then there’s overcommitment. Don’t underestimate the value of rest days.
a little inspo
a few of my favorites
Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.
let’s chat!
how long have you been running? do you look forward to going for a run? what’s your favorite part about running?
I got into running a good amount last summer/spring but the cold weather put a dampen on it, since I would only run outside. 🤭 I’m really excited to get back into it as the weather warms up though! <3
hmm maybe i will get back into running, this makes it sound more fun than it is though. i like running on a treadmill though, its just harder to run for a long distance.