How To Kickstart A Running Routine

Running is not for everyone, but some people really enjoy it.  It is simple and requires very little, except for a good pair of running shoes.  Just to continue our discussion of being healthy, this blog topic is for those who are interested in trying running or just wanting to restart it.  Running on the beach is always fun too! Make sure you have medical clearance if you require it and you have proper running shoes to avoid injury before you start. 

Start slow, otherwise you risk failing before getting into the routine.  Don't try and run a marathon right away.  You will likely feel exhausted and out of breath and decide running is not for you if you deep dive into it like that.  We are not fitness experts, but this regimen we are introducing you to seems reasonable.  It was discovered by us when we were researching online for a regimen to help us get moving and becoming fit.  This running plan is spread over an 8 week period to eventually help you build from 1 minute of running to a full 30 minutes of nonstop running.  Dedicate about 30 minutes a day, just 3 days a week and you will be able to achieve this running goal.  Always spend at least 5 minutes warming up by walking and then end your workout with a cool down, such as by doing yoga stretches or even walking 5 minutes.  Fortunately, we have a post-run yoga stretch routine posted on Pinterest on our Fit and Fun board for your convenience.  You can always do these stretches on a day you spend on the beach relaxing in your swimwear too. 

What we liked about this running/walking regimen is, it helps you slowly build stamina each week and appears accomplishable.  On week 1 start with 6 minutes of walking and 1 minute of running in between.  Repeat this sequence 3 times for a total workout lasting 21 minutes.  Repeat this running/walking workout 3 days of the week.  On week 2, walk 5 minutes and run 2 minutes in between.  Repeat this sequence 3 times for a full 21 minute running/walking workout.  Again, do this walking/running workout 3 days of the week.  On week 3, walk for 3 minutes and run for 4 minutes.  Repeat 4 times, and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 4, walk for 2 minutes and run for 5 minutes.  Repeat 4 times and aim to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 5, walk 2 minutes and run for 8 minutes. Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 6, walk for 2 minutes and run for 9 minutes.  Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 7, walk for 1 minute and run for 11 minutes.  Repeat 3 times and try to do 3 workouts during the week.  On week 8, try walking for 5 minutes to start, run 20 minutes in between and then walk 5 minutes to cool down.  Try to see if you can run 30 minutes by the end of this week. 

Hopefully, by following this running regimen, you will be able to run 30 minutes nonstop at each running workout and to do this 3 days of every week.  You will have more stamina and be more fit.  You might want to try running your first half marathon even!