The smarter starter...

You've realised that to begin, you simply begin.

You've taken stock, and done your homework. You've found inspiration, enlisted support and ensured that success is just out the door...

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

You've got out the door, and you've been going for a week or two. Yet, you have a busy few days ahead. Keep the momentum, and remember...

7. Some is Better than None:

• 5 minutes is better than none - after starting, keep the momentum.
• after starting you'll find you want to continue, and that you can - go at any time
• this helps keep the motivation and inspiration - and by keeping your habit or routine - you keep moving forward
• keep it simple: anyone with a little knowledge can complicate something simple, yet only the wise can simplify something complicated

8. Find a Coach or Mentor, or Training group

• they add the spice of human support, companionship and inspiration to the bland how-to and when-to stuff
• someone who's been there and done/doing that - someone who helps and guide others could help you
• be wary of quick-fixes, secret systems and one-size-fits-all approaches
• consider face-to-face individual or group coaching, or coaching be remote (online, phone)
• ask about their experience and qualifications, and their philosophy and principles - if they can't explain them for you to understand, think twice
• ask to trial a session or two - see how the coach and other runners relate to each other - if in doubt, walk out

Running is often something we do solo, although millions do it. Running with, beside and around others can provide support, motivation and inspiration.

Yet, getting out the door and doing some is better than staying in and doing none.

If the going gets a little tough...

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.