I just finished running a 10K (6.2miles) practice session. (It is only a month since I started practicing 10K and I must admit that I ran, jogged and walked to finish the distance.).  My legs can still feel the bitter sweet pain of the stretch and my breathing is still not very normal. You can only imagine how happy I must be to sit down immediately to write a blog post about it! 🙂
I have to admit that I have come a long way from where I was, last year this time. (Oh no! i did not mean it literally. I still live in the same place 🙂 ) My previous blog about running (Run Baby Run )speaks about the beginner level wisdom and experiences of a runner.
I just felt like adding some more pointers to it because I know that there are many out there who really really really want to start running and have not done it yet. So here it is for all of you, my dear aspiring runners:

1. Just Start: You will never know how it feels unless you really start running. Keep small targets. If you are running on a treadmill, start with half a minute or a minute’s target. If you are running in the open, keep a target of say, 50 steps or 100 steps depending on your fitness level. And when you reach your 100th step , tell yourself that you can do 10 more. And go for those extra 10 steps.
   (From My Diary:) I started with a 2 minute target on a treadmill. I used to be completely out of breath initially. I never thought I could do anything more than that. But now I know it was so stupid of me to think so! I am glad I did not stop trying.
2. Enroll for a run: Don’t worry. You can walk the distance if you cannot run. No organizers are strict about “only running”.  That will give you the inspiration to start the practice sessions. Remember, a deadline is something that can actually get you to start your work.
   (From My Diary:) It is only when I enrolled for my first 5K that I actually got running. It was always “tomorrow-onwards” till then.
3. Target Distance: When you are walking/running daily, keep a distance as your target.  I have seen a lot of my friends keep a target time. I personally feel that it is always better to measure in terms of distance. When you enroll yourself for an event, you have to run a particular distance and it is better you get used to the distance target.
   (From My Diary:) When I switched from a time target to a distance target, it took me some time to get used to it. I had to maintain a certain speed.
4. App Helps: Use an interactive app while running. I am currently using the free Nike Running App (Nike+RunClub). Each kilometer you finish is like conquering a milestone and let it keep motivating you.
   (From My Diary:) No sound is sweeter than the voice from the app telling you that you have completed “n” kms.
   
5. Stretch Time: I have committed the mistake of not giving as much importance to stretches and have learnt it the hard way. So if you don’t have time for stretches, do not run. It is as simple as that. The warming up exercises are also very important. People usually don’t skip that and hence have not mentioned it here.
   (From My Diary:) I have personally felt the following yoga postures are excellent. There could be many more. Please add accordingly.
   • adho mukha shvanasana ( downward dog pose)
   • ardha kurmasana ( half tortoise pose)
   • pashchimothanasana ( forward bend pose)
   • Eka Pada Rajakapotasana ( pigeon pose)

Each time you run, it is a new experience. Having run earlier does not reduce the distance or the effort. Each step has to be taken to complete that distance. The only difference is you can fool your mind by saying ” you have done it earlier , you can do it now! ” The mind in turn keeps you legs going.
Each form of exercise has its own benefits and always stick to what suits your body and your health. But if you have always wanted to run, then put aside all your doubts.
BECAUSE IF I CAN, YOU CAN ….. 
Happy Running!
Request all my runner friends to share your thoughts/experiences with regard to running. Remember, there was “that one person” who inspired you to start running. And I am sure you are ever thankful to him/her for sharing and inspiring you. Now, it is your turn!
I better get going. My smoothie just got over and I am very hungry.

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