A (very) Beginners Guide For Beginning Running

* I'm no health/sport/fitness/running expert. I'm incredibly far from it. These are just my opinions and thoughrs based on my experiences, every one is different. What works for me might not work for everyone*

As the Olympics are just around the corner I decided to do a couple of posts relating to them. Enjoy!

As the title of this post suggests this is a beginners guide. By beginners I mean that literally as I've only started running properly about three weeks ago and if I'm completely honest only whole heartedly two weeks ago. In this post I'm basically just going to tell you what I need for exercise and how I try and keep motivated.

My family recently bought a treadmill (Look on eBay for people who have bought them and not used them - they're reasonably cheap but do you're research on brands) so that is what I run on. I'm only saying this to lay it all out there so I wont be going on about running on roads. 

First off and pretty obviously but in no way patronisingly - water. The first time I ran on the treadmill I forgot to take water with me and it was just not good. Water is so good. I have also made the mistake of taking a screw lid bottle, it's rather fiddly when you're trying to focus on staying upright. 

Good trainers. The ones pictured above are the ones I bought for netball but apparently I should have proper running ones - I thought these were running ones but no. These are holding up okay for the time being but good quality trainers are so important for looking after your body.  

Sports bra. If you take one thing away from this post, please let it be this: Supporting your boobs sufficiently and effectively is so important. Tissue damage in your breasts is caused by not supporting them properly (when they bounce up and down rather aggressively) and this can cause boobs to sag. I am rather big boobed and just think it is uncomfortable and painful to exercise without a good sports bra. I have a Freya active one that I got from Bravissimo. I would suggest getting measured properly as my sports bra size is different to my normal bra size. I know sports bras can be expensive but I think they're worth it.  

This one is a personal requirement for me. When I run I find I get really bad back cramp, it was so painful that the first time I used the treadmill I had to get off after ten minutes and just sprawl myself on the floor for about an hour. I get these heat pads from Aldi - they last upto 8 hours but mine have lasted longer. You apply to clothing, not to skin and they warm up really fast. Since I've used them I haven't had any back pain whilst running. 

Staying Motivated

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One for all the 30 Day Shredders out there. 

1. After you've done one run, that itself will motivate you. Seriously, I did like three runs and thought I was Jessica Ennis. 

2. This might sound lame but it does help me or at least keep me entertained. Say motivational sayings to yourself. My favourite is 'Your body gives up before your mind'. Then you might realise your body isn't feeling like it's giving up yet and that keeps you going or if you do 'feel like your going to die' (in the words of Jillian Michaels) then it reminds you not to give up. But whatever works for you, even if they don't motivate you, some of them are quite funny so it could distract you from what you are actually doing. 

3. Another lame one (this is why I don't go to a gym) that I do is cheering myself on. In all seriousness whenever I reach a time or distance goal - like every five or ten minutes that I run - give yourself a little cheer. Arms and everything. 

4. Music. Find songs that motivate you or have a good beat to them. Please give me suggestions! I like One Directions (obvz) up beat ones like Up All Night and also some Bowling for Soup songs for running. I had my iPod on shuffle and Matt Cardle came on. Nothing against Matt Cardle but he doesn't sing for running.

5. Celebrate your goals. Big or small. They are your goals so don't compare them to other peoples, they need to suit you so they are reachable for you. Also if you don't meet a goal don't get worked up over it. Doing a little is better than doing nothing. Try again next time or adjust your goal so you work up to it more gradually - it's all about you.

6. Exercising is also a good excuse to buy some cute work out clothes.

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Cheeky little bit of motivation

I just want to eat healthily and exercise. I think that's all you should aim for. 

Hope you're happy and loving the weather! (I can't resist mentioning it - so British)

Victoria x