How To Make Running Your Favourite Exercise

Every man has his own form of exercise he prefers, and they can be as varied as the genre of movies you like watching. For some, it may be swimming that helps them enjoy a full-body workout, for others, nothing less than compound powerlifting movements with a robust barbell and plates will do.

Running has long been considered one of the most primal and historically relevant forms of exercise our species has ever had, outside of strict manual labor and long hikes. In our distant past, humans were known for endurance hunting – literally outrunning the stamina levels of the fauna we were trying to eat. 

It’s true that, to begin with, running can feel quite uncomfortable to the untrained man. It takes real cardiovascular conditioning, good levels of poise, composure, and form, the ability to endure an uncomfortable exercise for a good period of time, and sometimes, the need to wake up properly while running in the morning.

It’s no wonder, then, that many men are less interested in running than they are in throwing weights about the gym. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, either. However, if you hope to dominate this essential skill once and for all, and stop feeling averse to a motion that comes so naturally to us, then consider some of the following advice:

Start Slow & Gradual

Walking itself is a great exercise. It strengthens joints, cardiovascular conditioning, bones, mental well-being, and more. So, any speed you achieve over the speed of walking will no doubt have benefits. As you can see, you don’t have to start sprinting to be a good runner. Just take it easy, and focus on good form.

Apps like Couch 2 5K can help you get started, as they break up walking and running into segments. This means you can get a breather and subvert the usual pain of not pacing yourself when starting out. 

It also helps prevent the dread that comes with starting running, knowing that it’s probably going to be a little painful to begin with before you get your cardio conditioning in place. Now you have the chance to rest and run when you feel recovered within segmented chunks, you’re less likely to worry about each session, as they will be much more digestible.

Find the Right Running Shoes

A great pair of running shoes can help prevent injuries almost more than anything else. If you’ve been running in old trainers or sneakers, it may be that you haven’t quite been using the appropriate footwear you need.

This is especially true if you have high arches or flat feet, which will need suitable footwear to help protect you. Running shoes should be breathable, comfortable, well-sized, and have a good grip to provide you with more traction. They should give you free ankle movement and be robust enough to run in indoor and outdoor environments. A good pair can last you years, so take care of them. If you’ve found yourself suffering ankle wear or shin splints, a lack of good footwear may have been the problem before now.

Remember that equipment often helps you more than it hinders you, even when it comes to running. A clear hydration pack can keep your thirst quenched, breathable clothes that aren’t too tight can help your body breathe more easily, and a cap or headband can keep the sun or sweat out of your eyes depending on your needs. It all makes a notable difference.

Create a Motivating Playlist

You don’t have to run in silence, although for some people that can grant a real sense of peace and meditative focus. A motivating playlist is any music that inspires you. For many, dance music, high-tempo rock, and even orchestral music can be a perfect way to run.

You can use streaming services and download specific playlists, or curate your own over time. If you know that certain areas of your run will be harder to deal with (like an uphill area for five minutes of total run time), then you can make the music more intense and varied to grant you the mental energy to keep going. 

Once you get in the zone and your initial sense of resistance falls away, you may be surprised just how perfectly good running music helps you enjoy yourself. Running might not be as expressive as dance, but you can certainly jive to the music knowing that you’re in sync with it, and your efforts are being applauded by the pounding tempo of whatever tune you love.

Join A Running Group or Club

There are many excellent running groups out there, and they are amazing for those who might struggle with discipline. Knowing you have a group to attend, people who are counting on you, and of course, people to talk with can help you never want to let them down.

It’s also nice to meet with people of your skill level. Yes, even beginners will be at the club, so don’t feel bad about heading there as a non-athlete. For the most part, these clubs are going to be focused on getting in shape and trying to be a little more disciplined as you are, they won’t be superathletes trying to outdo one another. Running might not seem social, but you’d be surprised how working towards a common goal, like training for an upcoming half-marathon, can keep you motivated.

It’s Okay To Have Bad Sessions

Not every run will feel like the best and life-affirming session you’ve ever had, some of them can be tiring, or you may feel lethargic, or perhaps you can’t quite give it your all today. That’s fine. A soft, slow run or walk can be good enough for now, you can always return to it later.

Even athletes have bad workouts from time to time. When this happens, it’s good to rest and return at a later date. You may be surprised just how well that works out for you, so don’t be afraid to give it a shot.

With this advice, you’re sure to see how to make running one of your favorite exercises.