8 Steps to Become a Runner… For Anyone Who Doesn’t Really Like Running

Health

Step 5: Run For Time, Not Distance

Distance can be daunting. Telling yourself,“I have to run 5k today!” places very specific expectations on your body.

What if your legs are tired today?

What if you didn’t sleep well last night?

What if the weather is exceptionally hot or cold?

There are many reasons why a 5k run today might not feel like it did yesterday. Instead, commit to going out for a specific time. This allows you to adjust your pace according to how you feel in the moment. Again, there’s no pressure to perform — your goal is to get moving.

Step 6: Get Proper Running Shoes

Shouldn’t this be the first step?

Nope. The more barriers you create to the idea of running, the less likely you will be to try it. If you say, “I can’t start running because I don’t have the shoes, and I need to get special shorts, and…” then you might give up before you begin.

Remember, your first runs might actually be walks. You don’t need any special equipment to walk.

Once you’re past the two-week mark into your running journey, then it might be time to invest in some proper shoes that will protect your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Think of this as a reward for sticking with it for two weeks — you get to go shoe shopping!

Step 7: Keep a Journal

Again, I want to emphasize that there is no pressure to perform. Logging your run details isn’t so that you can compare week-to-week stats; instead, it’s so that you can see what you’re accomplishing!

Imagine how great it will feel when you can flip back through the pages a couple of months from now to see how committed you’ve been. Even though you might not stick perfectly with your intended schedule, each run that you do complete is one more than you were doing previously. These wins are worth celebrating!

Step 8: Get a Dog (or a Friend)

No, seriously, if you don’t have a dog, you may want to consider getting one to become your running partner. If Scooby is dying to get out for a walk or run, guess who has to go too?

Not a dog person?

You can get a human-version running buddy. However, don’t pick just anyone. Accountability buddies are great unless they become enablers. “I don’t feel like running today. Want to go out for lunch instead?” Don’t pick someone who might drag you down.

After all, at this point, you’ve proven that you are serious about building a love for running. So, you deserve to do it with someone who is equally as excited!