Dashing Divas Running Club (coming soon in Bicester) – complete beginners welcome soon.
I’m new to running, what do I need to get started?
Firstly – don’t rush out and buy lots of fancy kit. All you need when you’re starting out are some basic trainers (not plimsols or fashion trainers), a t-shirt (preferably a wicking fabric, like a football shirt), for the ladies – a good sports bra, some shorts or leggings, any old small water bottle and the desire to get fit!
Once you get into running, by all means do get a gait analysis done (this assesses how you run to ensure that you get the right trainers for you). You can get this done at good independent sports shops.
I tried to run, but I could only do 10 minutes before collapsing from exhaustion!
Don’t run before you can walk – literally! Even the fittest of people will need to build up slowly when they first start to run – running doesn’t come naturally to most people. Don’t expect to instantly be able to run 5 miles, most people have to start out by running for short periods, walking and then running, building up slowly over a period of weeks until you can run 5k, 10k and beyond.
Running is too difficult for me
Running is tough there’s no denying it, but it can also be huge amounts of fun! Running, especially if you join a club, is great for socialising, it can help with depression and anxiety, promote sleep, gives you confidence and is great for weight loss. I maintain that anyone can run if they put their mind to it and they really want to.
I don’t have anyone to run with
Why not search on google for your nearest running club or enquire in the local gym. Often groups at Slimming World and Weight Watchers will have their own running clubs too.
I’m too overweight to run
Running doesn’t have to involve sprinting like Linford Christie or massive amounts endurance like Mo Farah. Everyone can run or walk at their very own pace. Just getting out there is a huge achievement so be proud. Just remember that if someone looks at you when you are running it’s because they are jealous that they aren’t doing it too!
So what’s your excuse? Get Dashing people!!
