Sobertastic Running Community: How to start running

Get on your trainers and get out- in theory that's all you need to do. So, off you pop! 

However, if you want a bit more guidance because you did the above and now you can't breathe and you're struggling to understand why anyone would want to run - we've got you...

Step 1: Download a beginners running app

Couch to 5K (Get running with Couch to 5K - NHS (www.nhs.uk) is a great one to get started. It will talk you through each session and you will gradually build up running over nine weeks. It's the best way to build up your stamina because you walk/run and it's much more enjoyable than pushing yourself hard for five minutes and quitting because it's too hard.

Step 2: Make sure you warm up 

If you don't you are guaranteed to hobble back home within seconds while on the phone waiting to speak to a doctor- that is if the pain isn't too bad and you can still multi-task. Do some dynamic stretches - which is just a fancy way of saying do some squats, lunges, star-jumps and other things which will take you back to your PE days at school. 

Step 3: Start steady and stay steady

Slow is not the enemy here, in fact, it's your best lifelong friend. People wrongly assume running is going as fast as possible and as far as possible but running for the majority of us is about just getting out into the world and enjoying the feeling of doing something for ourselves. Using the word 'slow' sounds as if the effort is not being put in, but I can assure you it is! But, because of the connotations, you might find it easier to use the word steady instead. Like us at Sobertastic - we are steady runners and we love it. 

Step 4: We're with you 

If you want to feel like you are not alone, we do a virtual run every Tuesday at 6.30pm (UK time). There's no time, or distance, we just head out the door and you can too knowing whatever the weather, we are out there running with you. 

Step 5: Tell us about your running journey 

When you start running you will want to tell everyone, unfortunately after the first few times you tell non-runners how amazing running is, they won't care...but we will! If you have run for 30 seconds non-stop, we will give you a virtual high-five. If you have run/walked/wheezed your way to your first mile, we will give you all the kudos. Tell us on here or @sobertastic_runningcommunity or sobertasticrunningcommunity@gmail.com

We don't take any credit for these photos, we did try and credit but have not found all so if they are yours, please let us know.