The warm weather has finally arrived! What are your fitness goals this year? Want to get outdoors and start getting into shape for summer? Walking, jogging and running are the most inexpensive forms of exercise that will relieve stress, tone and condition all at the same time. If you are unsure of where to begin, read this post to learn 5 ways to start running this spring! Get yourself motivated and prepared to start today! Plus come join me in running the Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run this spring to help support some amazing children’s charities.
5 Ways to Start Running This Spring
Walking, jogging and running have so many physical and emotional benefits. I personally love being able to get out of the house, into the sunshine and have a little time to myself. Even if it’s only a couple of hours per week! Jogging is flexible enough that I can fit it in my busy schedule. I just throw on my sneakers and head out the door! You probably notice a change in your mood after exercising. I use running to flush out a lot of stress and anxiety that builds up in my everyday life. Staying healthy, especially as I get older pushes me to get out as often as I can. Needing a little inspiration to get you started? Here are my tips to get you started, even if you are just a beginner!
1. Set a GOAL
The very first thing I do to start training, is create a goal that I want to work towards. It helps me to be accountable and motivates me to get outside and practice. I decided to start with a 5km run this year because I knew that would be an attainable goal without pushing myself too far. On Sunday, May 13th, there is a Sport Check Mother’s Day Run at Chinook Centre. Perfect timing!
There is a number of different options and race distances to choose from so you can find something that suits your current fitness level. Plus, the Mother’s Day Run aligns with Jump Start and Calgary Health Trust Neo-Natal Unit (NICU) charities. Being a mom and a teacher, both of these charities are really important to me as they both support mothers and children throughout their lifetime. I’ve included the different race options below, just head to their website to sign up!
- 10 KM & 5 KM Wheelchair
- 9 KM & 5 KM Ride
- 10 KM & 5 KM Handcycle
- 10 KM & 5 KM Run
- 5 KM Walk
- Little Legs Race for kids 2-4 years of age
2. Get Geared Up
The right equipment is so important, even when you are just running. Shoes have come a long way in terms of comfort and support. Sport Chek Women located at Chinook Centre is always my go-to when I’m in need of new work-out or running attire. Have you been to this store yet? It’s unbelievable! The selection of gear is the best in the city and the staff is so helpful. If you’re loving my outfit, you can shop my Under Armour Jacket, Running Tank, Sport’s Bra, and Nike shoes online. Or go check-out their store to find everything in one place!
3. Make a Schedule
Now that you’ve got a goal and some gear to get you started, it’s important to create a schedule to get you training and conditioning. Even though I run on the treadmill at the gym throughout the winter, running outdoors on the pavement is so different. I find it much more difficult. Life is busy and time is limited so I set two days a week that I know I can dedicate 30-60 minutes of running or walking. If you’re just starting out, try alternating with walking one minute and jogging the next minute. Once you are better conditioned, you can begin to increase the time in the jogging intervals.
4. Make a Playlist
How about a killer playlist to motivate those feet?! I have been using the Spotify app to create fun, upbeat songs that want to get me moving. Listening to my favourite music is just another excuse for me to want to sneak out. There never seems to be a chance for me to do that at home with my kids as it is always chaos! I also have friends who love listening to audio books or podcasts while they run. It makes the time go back so much faster and helps focus your mind.
5. Track Your Progress
Technology has made this part easy! I remember when I used to use my vehicle speedometer to map out a 5km running course through my neighbourhood! Now, I always bring my phone with me on a run so that I can have music to accompany me, but I’ve also discovered a running app. The 5K Runmeter is free and will track your progression! It’s easy to use and calculates the distance and time of my run plus, it keeps me accountable. You can also use this compare your progress or set smaller goals for yourself. I’ll be using this to get myself prepared for the Mother’s Day Run next month!
I can’t wait to see you all on May 13th!
Cheers,
Kiki
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by FGL Sports. All thoughts, opinions, styling and photographs are my own.
Hey!!! Love this post. Super informative. I just starter running this week. One question though…where do you put your iPhone while running? Do you hold it the while time?
Hey Angela! I actually do hold it the hold time because I like to be able to watch my progress and change my tunes! But I know that there are arm bands that hold iPhones so that could be an option. Thanks for reading!
Thanks! Ill try both ways. And your outfit is on point!!! I think I’ll be hitting up Sportchek. Good Luck on your run 🙂