In this strange year, the closing of gyms and other businesses has turned many people into runners. Whether it’s through your neighborhood or in the local park, running is an excellent form of exercise that requires only a little perseverance (and a good pair of running shoes) to get started. Here are a few tips to kickstart this new habit. 

Tips for New Runners

1. Buy a Good Pair of Running Shoes

One non-negotiable part of your running uniform should be a quality pair of running shoes. While there are thousands of choices on the market, it’s usually best to go to a running store to have an expert custom fit your ideal shoe. Professionals can choose the best support not only based on the size of your foot but also based on the height of your arch, the shape of your feet, and even the way you walk. This tip is particularly important when running outside in a park or on a track, where you need the arch support to mitigate the stress the hard surface can put on the body.

2. Start With Intervals

For new runners, long distances can be daunting, which is why you need to work up to longer runs to maintain consistency. Interval runs are an excellent way to adjust your body to distance running. Start them off short — one minute running, one minute walking — and slowly lengthen the intervals while working towards shorter recoveries. Eventually, you’ll be able to run your entire park loop without breaks. Go into your first few runs without expectations to keep motivation high and to offer yourself a goal.

3. Run Easy

Pace is a significant aspect of the mental game of running. Run too fast, and you’ll burn out before you reach the distance; plus, you may face overexertion or even injuries on the other side. Beginners who ultimately have long-term success are the ones who learn their moderate pace and stick to it. Even when you feel prepared to run faster, consistency will be what gets you to the finish line. 

4. Allow Your Body to Recover

When starting a new running habit, make sure your body gets the rest it needs to continue. For the first few weeks, schedule runs every other day, giving yourself a day of active rest. Your progress can be stalled by injury or exhaustion if you fail to provide it with the recovery it needs to succeed. 

In Jacksonville, AR, the Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department makes sure that your choice park for running stays in pristine shape. With more than a dozen parks in the city, you can always have a fresh running trail every time you hit the pavement. For more information about their parks and services, visit their website or call (501) 982-4171 today.