If you’re asking how long it takes to get better at running, you are probably a beginner in need of some tips, but don’t worry – you’ve got to start somewhere, and we are here to help.
In this article, we will tell you how to get better at running and give suggestions to create and follow a simple running plan for beginners that will help you stick to it. You might find running very tiring and challenging initially, but the key is to start slow and stay consistent. Over time you will improve and achieve your goals, which goes for everything in life. Let’s get started.
Did you know that Switzerland has the world’s fastest marathon runners? Don’t panic – we are not aiming for that. So why am I telling you this? To let you know that even the fastest runners in the world started from scratch, and then they kept practicing until they became really good at it, and you can achieve that too. However, remember that a full marathon’s length is always 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers. No person ever woke up and said, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to run a marathon today for the first time.’ Maybe they did, but I doubt they managed to the finish line, and in time, if they weren’t extremely prepared.
Whether your goal is to become a competitive runner or adapt to a healthy lifestyle, this article will help you set and reach new goals, so keep reading.
Why should you start running?
So, why should you start running, and what are the benefits of running? To begin with, it can become an excuse to start a new hobby and improve and discipline yourself. Doing it every day can be challenging, but it will bring discipline into your life and improve your fitness levels.
Running improves your overall health and stamina. It benefits your cardiovascular health and reduces the risks of heart strokes. You also sweat from running, which has many benefits for your body. If you are trying to lose weight, running could be one of the best ways to do it. You can burn around 100 calories by running for 1 mile. It can also serve as a workout and make your muscles and bones stronger.
Read more: 5 Best Food Supplements for Losing Weight
You can even become a competitive amateur or professional runner and have fun with it. But, well, running isn’t always fun, especially for beginners. So, when does running become enjoyable? The answer is when you get used to it. Then, when your body finishes adjusting to the change and you become decent at running, it becomes second nature, and you start enjoying it.
How to get better at running endurance?
Why is running so hard in the beginning? It’s because your body isn’t used to sudden physical activity changes. Also, your stamina plays the most significant role in running endurance. You must improve your stamina quickly to get better at running and increase your runs’ length.
There is no shortcut to improving your stamina. First, you must continue training your body to improve your endurance and last longer. Working out and regularly participating in sports can do wonders for your body.
One thing to focus on is strengthening your body’s core, which is a solid foundation for strength in the rest of the body. In addition, it helps increase stabilization in the torso and keeps you upright and straight when you run.
Sometimes the lack of stamina could be due to a lack of vitamins in your body or underlying diseases. See a doctor regularly to make sure your health isn’t holding you back from running. Additionally, you can use food supplements to further improve your health, but if you do, consult a specialist beforehand.
How long it will take you to get better at running will entirely depend on your body and how much effort you put in. However, you will start seeing results in a few weeks, and the difference will be really noticeable in a few months.
Running plan for beginners
Here’s a running plan for beginners to answer how I can improve my running question. Consider what you need for a successful run, incorporate these suggestions into your pre-run routine, and you’ll improve sooner than you think. As Miguel de Cervantes, one of the best Spanish writers of all time and author of Don Quixote, once said – “To be prepared is half the victory.”
So, let’s get started – here’s what to focus on to succeed when building a running plan:
Prepare
Preparation is necessary for everything in life, and running is no exception. Prepare yourself mentally for exhaustion and do some stretching and warm-ups before running. This will reduce your chances of getting injured.
Make a schedule
Technically, this is also a part of preparation. Having a consistent schedule is really beneficial in the case of physical activities. Decide how many days you want to run in a week and at which time. It would be best to run early in the morning, but whatever you choose, ensure consistency and stick to it.
Plan the route
Plan the route in advance so you won’t have to stop and think about where you’re going. Make sure your path isn’t full of potholes and other similar obstacles. Running on a track would be your best option.
Wear the right attire
Wearing the proper clothing is necessary for any sport. You can’t run in jeans, can you? Wear comfortable clothes and don’t forget running shoes. Trust me on this – running shoes can make a huge difference compared to regular shoes. It’s about both comfort and health.
Eat healthily
A healthy diet plan combined with running can help your health in many ways. Eat healthily, and ensure not to eat heavy meals at least two to three hours before running – you’ll feel light as a feather at the start of your run. In addition, you can read our article on healthy diet plans to learn more about which foods are healthy and good for you.
Stay hydrated
Remember to hydrate yourself. You lose a lot of hydration from sweat when you run. Water is necessary to cool you down and keep you hydrated. A sports drink with the right amount of electrolytes might be even better.
Know your limits
Know and respect your limits. You’re not going to become the best runner in the world in a day. So, don’t push yourself too far – it will do more harm than good. Pushing your limits is good, but only when it’s done in moderation.
Have a partner
Everything is more fun when you do it with someone you like to spend time with. Invite a friend to run with you; you can motivate each other and also have fun while running. You can also do it with your romantic partner – running is a great outdoor hobby couples can practice together.
Listen to music
Sometimes music is all you need to uplift your mood or give you energy. Many prefer listening to music while running or working out as it helps you move and groove. Music makes you feel and ignites that inner spark. You will have to experience it to know what I’m talking about, so try it out if you haven’t already.
Find motivation
Motivation is much needed to do anything in life. First, you have to find your own inspiration. Remember why you started this journey. Was it to lose weight? To start a new hobby? Or to have a healthier lifestyle? Use your goals as your motivation and continue pushing forward.
The bottom line
Don’t be frustrated if you don’t find it fun or if it’s too hard in the beginning. Consistency is the key, so make a schedule and stick to it. Don’t procrastinate, and give it your all. Over time, you will start seeing improvements in your lifestyle, health, and running. Don’t give up. Sooner rather than later, you will start enjoying it and become a greater athlete.
We hope this article answered how long does it take to get better at running and provided valuable tips to get you started. Follow these instructions, and you will become a great runner in weeks or even days. So remember to keep going – especially when it gets difficult; then it matters the most.