The Bluffer's Guide to Running

If you have a desire to become one of those running types but find the only running you do is when you try to get across the road before the bus hits you; you need this month’s Bluffer's Guide.

 

If you did you would have missed the bit where they told you about the reactions in your body (no, not those reactions, that was sex education and we all know you went to that class!).
 

When we start exercising our body thinks that something bad is going to happen and gets ready to cope with impending doom. After 5 -10 minutes your body realises that the worst thing that’s going to happen is a bit of a sweat and it relaxes a bit. The moral of the story: ignore the first couple of minutes of your run; it does get a bit easier after that.

 

If you are going to have to stop every 10 paces for a wee lie down and try to breathe for a bit you may as well look fabulous when you do it. Fitted clothing does help, and make sure you wear a couple of thinner layers so you can remove a layer without showing the world your bra (unless you've got a lovely little number that’s worthy of showing off!).
 

In the shoe department scientific research has proven that flashy trainers make exercise easier, and increase the likelihood of coming across someone cute and single while out running.
 
OK, so that’s not all true; it doesn’t make exercise easier at all. However a good pair of trainers will decrease your likelihood of being injured - so they are worth the investment.

 

The Six Million Dollar Man had it right. Back in the days before computer generated graphics, when they wanted to show Steve Austin running at warp speed they just put on some music and made him move REALLY slowly.
 

Running for beginners is like being the Six Million Dollar Man (hopefully without the towelling shorts though). Keep your running speed very slow; you get the intensity through the up and down movement, so you’ll still get a great workout.

If you move too fast you’ll get too puffed and have to stop before you’re anywhere near the local coffee shop. And the music? Having a steady beat makes keeping to a running rhythm much easier.

 

If you have someone to go running with you are more likely to make the effort. Choose someone who wants to be motivated too, so you support each other to keep going rather than diving into the first café for a chocolate slice and a frappuchino.

 

Running is hard work. Regular runners don’t find running effortless they have just become numb to the pain. Start off with a short run a couple of times a week and work up from there.