Starting a running routine can be an exhilarating venture, promising improved fitness, mental clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. However, amidst the excitement, many individuals inadvertently make critical mistakes that hinder their progress and may even lead to injury or burnout. Understanding the common pitfalls and blunders that new runners often encounter is crucial to fostering a successful and sustainable running journey. In this article, we shed light on the mistakes people make when they start running. By recognizing and addressing these missteps early on, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and injury-free running experience that yields long-term health benefits and personal growth.

When they want to lose weight and get in shape, the form of exercise that many people first turn to is running. Running is a great form of exercise — especially for improving cardiovascular health — and it’s accessible to more people than a lot of other workouts. At the same time, it’s also an easy form of exercise to mess up.

Many people have a hard time sticking to a running routine because they make one of these five common mistakes. Before you start trying to make running a regular part of your life, make sure you’re not guilty of any of the mistakes listed below.

1. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

When they first start running, it’s pretty common for people to just strap on their old tennis shoes and hit the pavement. This works for some people, but wearing the wrong kind of shoes can often lead to injuries and hinder your ability to see progress with your runs.

If you want running to be a lasting part of your routine, it’s worth it to invest in a good pair of quality running shoes. Getting fitted at a running specialty or sporting goods store is best. That way, you can work with a knowledgeable salesperson and have your foot type and running style evaluated.

2. Running Too Much

Because they’re full of momentum and excitement to be starting a new routine, many new runners make the mistake of taking on too much, too soon.

Running too many miles right from the beginning sets you up perfectly for overuse injuries and burnout, neither of which are good for creating a long-lasting habit.

Instead of diving in head first, be conservative when you’re starting out. Don’t be ashamed of having to take walking breaks, and don’t try to push through and run faster when your body is clearly telling you to slow down.

3. Heel Striking

Poor form is often the cause of running injuries that slow your progress or cause you to give up altogether. One of the most common form-related mistakes that people make when they first start running is known as heel striking.

Heel striking is typically the result of taking too long of a stride.

Instead of heel striking, try to shorten your stride and land with the middle of your foot. This is typically considered to be better for preventing shin splints and other injuries, especially when you’re running down a hill.

4. Poor Upper Body Control

Many new runners also make the mistake of not realizing how important their upper body is to their overall running performance. Poor upper body control will tire you out faster, which, in turn, will increase your injury risk.

Avoid swinging your arms side-to-side as you run. This will make you more likely to slouch and breathe less efficiently. It’s also important to avoid holding your hands up by your chest, as this can tire you out and create tension in your neck and shoulders.

Instead, keep your hands at waist level and bend your arms at a 90-degree angle while keeping your elbows close to your sides. Make sure they’re rotating at your shoulders to swing back and forth rather than to the sides.

5. Ignoring Injuries or Illnesses

Finally, in the same vein of taking on too much, too soon, many new runners also make the mistake of trying to push themselves through injuries or illnesses when they really need to take a break.

When you’re dealing with serious injuries like a severe type of ankle sprain or chronic knee pain, it’s especially important to take time off and figure out the cause of your injury.

Remember, if you try to push through an injury, you’ll likely end up making it worse, which will mean you have to spend more time off than you would have if you’d rested right when the injury occurred.

Conclusion

Running can be a great form of exercise for beginners, but it’s important to start slow and avoid making these common training mistakes. Keep them in mind as you begin your training, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a safe, lasting habit.

Embarking on a running journey can be a transformative and rewarding experience, provided that it is approached with mindfulness and a keen awareness of potential pitfalls. By acknowledging and rectifying the common mistakes discussed in this article, novice runners can lay a solid foundation for long-term success and progress in their running endeavors. Remember that patience, consistency, and a focus on proper technique and injury prevention are key to not only enjoying the process of running but also ensuring sustained physical and mental well-being. Embrace the learning curve, prioritize gradual progress, and always listen to your body’s cues to build a sustainable and fulfilling running practice that contributes to your overall health and happiness.