Getting back into running? Don’t give into excuses

Here are some tips that I hope will help you prepare to get back into running:

The right gear excuse
Don’t fall for that old excuse... “I’d love to start today, but I really need a new pair of running shoes” or “I need to shop for a new running outfit”.
Lets face it, if you haven’t run for a long time you probably wont run more than 2-3 miles, and you probably won't be doing a 5 minute mile pace either. Be wise to the excuses, start slow, put on your basic pair of running shoes and some casual running attire and head for a walk/run/walk for 30 minutes around the block.

Gadget Mania
There are many, many gadgets out there that you will probably think you ought to buy! Just remember this, they won't actually do the running for you! There are iPhone Apps, iPods, calorie calculators, GPS watches – it's endless. All you need is you, a pair of running shoes, some casual loose fitting exercise clothing (old t-shirts are great) and some willpower.

Buddy up
We’ve all been there, we start with the best intentions in the world, but then we quit! The best way to overcome this is to pair up with someone. If there is someone counting on you to meet them down the park for a run you are much less likely to cancel! It's also a great way to make it a social event and not feel like a chore.

Easy does it
This might be stating the obvious, but I have seen this far too often. If you were a runner in your 20s and you are coming back into running in your 30s and 40s, remember that even though you think you can still run at a 6 minute mile pace, your body has other ideas! Ease yourself into running, start very slow with a walk/run/walk plan and increase the tempo and distance over time. You will be surprised how quickly it all comes back; but if you hurt yourself by starting too hard, you will put it all at risk.

This feature has been provided by Tony Piedade. Tony is the Founder & CEO of www.joggingbuddy.com a FREE website that allows members to find other members to go running with. Launched in September 2008, the website now has members from over 70 countries around the world.