- Feel Good
- 17th Feb 2024
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How to start running, according to the experts at Start Fitness
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Is fitness a priority in 2024? Start Fitness has got your back, especially if you’re considering taking up running.
Running isn’t just about burning calories; it’s a fantastic way to boost heart health and mood too.
But even with the best will in the world, sometimes the toughest step you’ll take in your running journey is the first one. But that’s where Start Fitness, one of the leading running and cycling retailers in Europe, steps in.
Whether you’re a newbie starting your first park run or getting back on track for a marathon after a break, with three decades of experience, they’re here to guide you,
From expert advice to a wide range of quality products from leading brands in the recently renovated Newcastle mega store and Durham store, they’ve got everything you need at affordable prices to get started on your running journey.
Plus, their support for local grassroots sports like the Blaydon Races and commitment to customer satisfaction sets them apart.
We catch up with running guru and head of operations, Carl Smith, to find out the best way to lace up those trainers and get started.
HLN TOP TIP: With every footwear purchase you get a free pair of technical running socks.
What are your tips on how to start running?
Set small, realistic goals and be patient with allowing your body to adapt. Running with a friend or going along to a social run group is another great way to help you gain fitness whilst socialising and making it fun too.
The main thing we would recommend is getting a good pair of running shoes that will ensure you enjoy your run (more about that later). Making sure the shoe you run in is suited to your running gait and goals is important. The best way to do this is to get fitted in-store from one of our expert members of staff.
How to warm up for a run?
Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. We recommend a brisk five-minute walk, followed by some light stretching of key running muscle groups and then some more active movements like star jumps, high knees, squats and arm swings will have you raring to go. Remember to start your run slow and build into it.
What are the benefits of running?
The runner’s high is real! We don’t class this just as the immense euphoria you will feel, but the goals you’ll achieve, the friends you’ll make, and the improved physical and mental wellbeing you’ll feel.
How to run?
Everyone has their own unique style when running. Running as relaxed and natural as possible is what we would recommend. Think Phoebe from Friends more so than Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible – we guarantee you’ll enjoy it more.
Should you run every day?
This depends on your fitness levels and day-to-day life demands. If you can run every day then we would recommend that you set weekly and monthly targets (races are the best for this) to make sure you can keep motivation high and that you don’t overdo it.
How to run faster?
Run more and follow a structured training plan. There are some good smartwatch apps – such as Strava, Garmin Connect and COROS Training Hub – to help set realistic goals. A weekly park run is a great way of doing this if you are just starting out.
What are the best running shoes?
For daily running, we recommend a well-cushioned shoe that offers comfort and stability where you need it. This may either be a neutral or support shoe, this can be determined from a gait analysis in-store or online running shoe guide.
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Rachael Nichol
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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