Images: @hollyb_fitness
As many people are currently catching the running bug over on TikTok, Holly Brookes started her running journey back in 2021. Having 3 years ahead of us, Holly has done her fair share of races including the New York City marathon, and is here to share her ride-or-die running tips to give us a head start.
I am not a natural runner in the slightest, over the last 2 years I have gone from not even being able to run 2km without stopping to running multiple marathons, and that is down to these factors, and a whole lot of training.
MINDSET
Running can be very mentally challenging, even when your body feels that it might be able to run on further, your mind can be telling you to stop. Listen to good music, this should distract and motivate you from the thoughts of giving up. Choose different routes, having good scenery can definitely push you to keep running. Also running is personal, it's you vs you, don't compare your journey to anyone else's, your running for yourself and your mental health will thank you for it. Running is free therapy, a chance to switch off from the world.
STRETCHING
It is so easy to go out and get running straight away, as nobody wants to waste any time, but stretching is the best thing you can do no matter what stage of your running journey your at. This will prevent injury, which would put a stop to your running journey before you even get started.
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There are a few different types of stretches that you will need to incorporate into your training. Firstly dynamic stretching before your run, to warm up. This means your stretches are going to involve a lot more movement, and get your heart-rate up and blood pumping.
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Post run, you want to focus on static stretching. Which in turn means you will be stretching standing still, or sat with little to no movement. These are slow and controlled, holding the muscles that you warmed up and run with under tension. Just a little tip - you will want to hold these stretches for at least 30 seconds so your muscles can make the most out of the movement. These stretches will help you cool down and then your ready to hit the shower!
RUN SLOW
Slow running and fast running, it doesn't make a difference, both still mean your moving your body and getting the same distance. As a beginner, slow running and figuring out a good pace for you is so important, especially when your trying a longer distance. If you have ever felt like you can't possibly run any further, it is most likely because you are burnt out. The trick to stopping this is just slowing down, and you will probably find you relax more, enjoy it and get to run even further.
INVEST IN RUNNING TRAINERS
Everyone believes running is all down to your fitness levels, which majority of it is, but running trainers can massively change your running. Your feet are the only part of your body that makes contact with the ground, so having a good foundation can massively impact your runs for the better. Everybody runs different, and the trainers that may work really well for me might not be the best for you, so my advice is go to a running store and get a gait analysis. This will show a specialist how your foot makes contact with the ground and whether you need certain support, and best of all it is most often than not a free service! Although the trainers are often quite expensive, think of it as an investment, for all the many miles you will run in them.
FOOD IS FUEL
In order to preform as well as you want to, you need to be fuelling your body with both liquids to stay hydrated and food. When running you need energy, unlike other exercises you won't get very far in running if you have little to no energy. Your body needs carbs before a run, this allows your body to use this extra energy source to burn off whilst running. If your running anything over 5km, you might also think about taking an energy gel, or some energy substitute with you whilst running, to give you a boost of energy as this will start to fade. My absolute favourite running snack is Percy Pig sweets, having something you enjoy is important to keep you going.
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No running journey is easy, it is all about consistency, but running is extremely rewarding so enjoy the process!