Is It ok to Run Everyday as a Beginner?

Is It Ok to Run Everyday as a Beginner?

Estimated read time: 4 minutes.

Running every day may seem like a great way to get started on a fitness journey, but it’s important to ensure you’re doing it safely. To avoid injury, you should start by gradually adding mileage and intensity to your runs and be sure to rest properly in between workouts. If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a runner!

What Are the Benefits of Running Regularly?

Running is a great form of exercise for many reasons. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health, and it can also help to build strength and endurance. Additionally, running regularly will burn calories and help you lose weight.

Running will also improve sleep quality and help to reduce stress levels, so it’s truly a well-rounded form of exercise. But more isn’t always better when it comes to running, and if you increase your mileage too quickly or don’t allow your body adequate time to recover between runs, you may risk your health.

How to Start Gradually Adding Mileage and Intensity to Your Runs?

If you’re new to running, or if it’s been a while since you’ve run regularly, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your mileage. If necessary, you can walk for part of your run and slowly build up to running the entire distance.

Running 2 to 3 times per week is a great way to start, and you can gradually increase the number of days you’re running as your fitness level improves. You should also focus on running at a comfortable pace and only increase your speed once you’ve built some endurance. Once you’re able to run for 30 minutes without stopping, you can start to add interval training to your runs to help improve your speed.

How to Properly Rest in Between Workouts?

Resting is just as important as working out when it comes to running, and you should make sure you’re taking at least three days off from running each week. This will give your body time to recover and repair any muscle damage.

If you’re feeling sore after a run, take some time to stretch and foam roll. This will help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.

Add Strengthening and Flexibility Training

In addition to running, it’s also important to focus on strengthening and flexibility training. This will help to improve your overall fitness level and reduce your risk of injury.

Some great exercises for runners include lunges, squats, and calf raises. These exercises will help to build strength in your legs and improve your range of motion.

Yoga is also a great form of exercise for runners, as it helps to improve flexibility and increase range of motion. Many yoga poses can benefit runners, but some of the most popular ones include downward dog, warrior I, and tree pose.

Tips for Staying Safe and Avoiding Injuries

Now that you know how to start running safely let’s go over some tips for staying injury-free.

Get a Properly Fitting Pair of Running Shoes

First, make sure you’re wearing the proper shoes. Running shoes should be comfortable and provide support for your feet. Your shoes should also be appropriate for the type of running you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re running on pavement, you’ll want to find a pair of shoes designed for road running.

If you’re unsure about which type of shoe is right for you, it’s a good idea to visit a running store and have a professional help you find the perfect pair of shoes.

You may also consider investing in orthotics if you have foot problems.

Warm-up Before Your Runs

Be sure to warm up before your runs. This will help to loosen your muscles and prepare them for exercise. A simple warm-up routine could include walking or jogging slowly for five minutes, followed by dynamic stretching exercises. Studies confirm that lack of a proper warm-up is a part of increasing your risk of injury.

Stretch After Your Run

It’s just as important to stretch after your run as it is to warm up beforehand. This will help your muscles to recover and prevent stiffness and soreness. Static stretches, held for some time, are best for cooling down after a run.

Some great static stretches for runners include the hamstring stretch, quadriceps stretch, and calf stretch. Hold each of these stretches for 30 seconds and repeat two to three times.

Why Consistency Is Key When Starting on a Running Journey?

If you’re just getting started with running, it’s important to be consistent with your workouts. This means setting aside time each week to run and then sticking to that schedule.

Of course, there will be days when you don’t feel like running or can’t make your usual workout time. That’s ok! Just try to get back on track as soon as possible, and don’t let one missed workout derail your entire program.

Conclusion

Running is a great way to get started on your fitness journey. It’s important to ensure you’re doing it safely, which means gradually adding mileage and intensity to your runs and properly resting in between workouts.

In addition to running, focus on strengthening and flexibility training to help improve your overall fitness level and reduce your risk of injury. Finally, be consistent with your workouts, and don’t let one missed workout derail your entire program. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a runner!

FAQ

Can I run if I am overweight?

Yes, you can! Running is a great way to lose weight and get in shape. Just be sure to start slowly and increase your mileage gradually.

Do I need to buy special equipment to start running?

No, you don’t need any special equipment to start running. However, you will need a good pair of shoes that are comfortable and provide support for your feet.

Is it ok to walk breaks during my runs?

Yes, taking walking breaks during your runs is perfectly ok. Many runners perform better when they incorporate some walking into their workouts.

I’m not sure I’m ready to start running. What should I do?

If you’re not sure you’re ready to start running, there are a few things you can do to ease into it. First, try walking for 30 minutes a day for a week or two. Then, once you feel comfortable with that, add some short runs of five to ten minutes to your walks. Gradually increase the length of your runs until you can run for 30 minutes straight.

Joseph Peele