Welcome back to Part 2 of how to begin your path to a lifelong running career. We are going to continue with the two remaining components to a safe and effective running program: duration and intensity.
Duration
This refers to how long you run, whether it’s measured in time or distance. Either one is fine, but for new runners, time can be more manageable and allow you to run more by feel rather than being ruled by distance.
For many new runners, it’s not realistic or safe to try to run the entire time so I tend to recommend starting with a run/walk program and often suggest they run by feel. If they can run a minute, but then get tired, I tell them to walk until they feel like running again.
For the type A personalities, I’ll be more specific because they usually need those numbers or else they’ll go overboard. So in that case I’ll recommend a 1:1 run/walk ratio in minutes and then progress depending on how they feel.
Again, it’s ALWAYS easier to start conservative and progress rather than have to drop back down because you burnt yourself out or got injured by running too much, too soon. Most people can tolerate 10 minutes total and then build from there, but if you can only run 5, then that’s your starting point.
The progression in duration then depends on what is your overall goal as a runner. If your main goal is health and fitness, then building up to 30-60 minutes is plenty for the health benefits of running (that’s either run/walk or consistent running). If you’ve decided to run a specific race, then the duration will depend on the length of the race.
Intensity
The final component to beginning a running program is intensity. Luckily, I tell most of my new runners to not even worry about this at first.
In the beginning, it is more important to work on frequency and duration to build up a base mileage so your body gets used to the activity of running. After a few months or even a year of training, then tweaking the intensity may be more appropriate especially if you want to improve your race time or if you’ve hit a training plateau.
Run at the speed/intensity your body can handle and first improve on doing that either more days per week or for longer periods of time before unleashing your inner cheetah.
Consistency Is Key
Follow these basic principles and you will be well on your way to a safe, effective, and enjoyable running routine. Consistency is key and always remember what your goals are and why you started running in the first place.
Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t run in a week, just start that day and get back on the wagon. Find ways to stay motivated and enjoy all the amazing benefits running has to offer.
Resources for New Runners
Resources I recommend ALL runners have on their bookshelf to get started:
- Anatomy for Runners: Unlocking Your Athletic Potential for Health, Speed and Injury Prevention by Jay Dicharry, PT, SCS
- Jack Daniels’ Running Formula by Jack Daniels, PhD
- You (Only Faster) by Greg McMillan, MS
| So You Want to Be a Runner? |
