The warm weather has finally arrived, and with it comes a sense of joy and excitement. Having recently embarked on my own health and well-being journey, I’ve been taking time to embrace all things therapeutic and have enjoyed finding peace in nature. Rekindling my love of running seems to have been a gentle, natural progression of this.
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So, whether you’re gearing up to run your first marathon or simply building up your personal fitness, hopefully you’ll find some handy hints or a little bit of motivation below.
Finding the perfect time and place to enjoy your run
One thing I’ve found is that running on the treadmill is all well and good, but whether you’re training to run a marathon or just trying to improve your own running skills, it’s important to find enjoyment in the process. Running shouldn’t be a chore or something you feel pressured to do, so planning your runs around a time of day that works best for you, and in a place that brings you joy, is often half the battle.
I’ve recently been enjoying early morning runs, as avoiding the searingly hot summer afternoons is important, especially if you are training to run long distances. Running by water always helps to relax me and improves my mindset in general. Early morning runs are also excellent if you enjoy running at a quieter time of day, so that you can really focus on your own times and technique. As a beginner, I certainly didn’t want an audience when I was just finding my stride!
Ditch the idea that you need to spend a fortune to get started
It can be daunting when you see so many runners with professional gear and high-tech gadgets, but you really don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. A good pair of trainers is definitely a good place to start. I love these Nike running trainers for summer, as they are comfortable and add a pop of stylish colour to any outfit, without breaking the bank.
A breathable and lightweight pair of running leggings is also a must-have for summer. I always opt for a cropped pair of running leggings in the warmer weather, and wear fleece-lined leggings in the winter. Working with the weather and being intentional about what feels comfortable to run in can make a big difference to your training.
There’s nothing worse than constantly having to stop if your top is riding up or your leggings are too loose. A short test run before you run long distances is often beneficial, as you can get a good idea of what’s working for you and what’s not. Don’t forget to wear a comfortable baseball cap to protect your face from the sun, especially if the weather is really warm, and applying a high-factor sunscreen goes without saying.
Focus on cultivating a healthy mindset
Running brings with it the temptation of being competitive, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. By running without pressure and training only when our bodies are feeling strong enough, we are working with our own natural rhythm and helping to keep our bodies emotionally regulated.
By developing a good mindset surrounding running and making it a regular and enjoyable part of our daily or weekly routine, success becomes more likely, and our bodies will thank us for a more gentle approach. Even if you are training for a marathon, developing a routine that works for you, rather than what works for someone else, is key.
Staying hydrated in the summer heat
With the ever-unpredictable Great British summer weather, it can be difficult to know what you’ll need to bring with you. One thing new runners should always consider is ensuring that they are properly hydrated.
Our bodies need constant hydration on long-distance summer runs, as not only will the heat make us thirstier than ever, but it’s also easier to become dehydrated due to excess sweating. Running vests are a practical (and surprisingly stylish!) solution for this, as they allow you to take regular sips of drink whilst keeping your hands free. This was a game-changer for me personally, as I now don’t need to carry a bulky water bottle around.
Pace yourself with bite-sized goals
When you first start hitting those longer run times and building up your stamina, it can be tempting to keep pushing hard. However, this can lead to burnout and injuries in the long run. By pacing ourselves and setting smaller, bite-sized goals, this can feel more achievable and gives us a sense of pride and reward when we can complete a series of consistent and consecutive smaller wins.
Your running journey is personal, so do what works best for you
In short, everything about your running journey is personal to you, and doesn’t need to follow rules that are set in stone. I find that running with my dog has been a game-changer when it comes to training, as not only do I have a fantastic little running partner, but it also turns an everyday dog walk into a truly enjoyable fitness activity that varies from day to day.
As long as you are enjoying the process and making yourself proud, anything else is a bonus. We are all capable of achieving amazing things if we put our minds to it, and finding what works best for you might take a while, but when you’ve found your stride, it all clicks into place and makes the sweat, hard work, and occasional tears totally worth it.
Don’t forget, if you’d like to keep up to date with my running journey and all things wellbeing related, you can follow me on Instagram @BeckyBowdenUK.
