Starting smarts...

To begin, begin.

Get out the door and run: run a few steps, run a few blocks, run a few minutes. It can be that easy.

To start running, start.

And, be smart.

Many are masters at creating distractions, looking for time rather than making time, and making excuses not to rather than making reasons to.

My 10 Tips to help you start - successfully, speedily and safely:

1. Take Stock
2. Do Some Homework
3. Be Inspired
4. Make a Decision
5. Enlist Support
6. Build-in Success
7. Some is Better Than None
8. Find a Coach or Mentor
9. Hang In There
10. Sometimes Less is More

1. Take Stock
·  running offers all types of rewards. Often the reasons why people start running aren’t the reasons they continue
·  consider why you want to start running – how you start and, ultimately, continue to come back relate to why you run

·  if you’re over 35, have a family history of ill-health, a current condition or past injury that may impact your running, or you haven’t been active for 10-or-so years, ensure you see your doctor or sports-physician, your physiotherapist, and then an experienced coach or mentor.  Avoid Doctor Google

·  find or buy some loose and comfortable clothing. Don’t worry about looking the part - what you wear doesn’t need to be fashionable, expensive or high-tech
·  ask your physiotherapist or podiatrist about appropriate running shoes for you, or visit a reputable sports-footwear store
 

2. Do Some Homework  (…or not, just get out there!)          

·  running is a simple, very accessible and, for the most part, cheap activity. Getting started shouldn’t be too demanding, yet finding suitable guidelines for you will make the start of your journey more enjoyable
·  read about running – aim for reputable sources. Running magazines can be better choices than the internet
·  ask questions about running. Ask a lot, hear much; yet, trust few
·  contact your State’s health, fitness or athletics bodies. They should be able to point you in the right direction
·  search for a nearby running group(s), coach or mentor – call them, go and have a chat; feel if it may be for you

You've made a choice, a decision to run. It is time to act; time to do; time to run.

Starting smarts will help get you out there...again, and again.