How to Overcome First Run Nerves

Like many people who have taken up running up I know, in my heart of hearts, that if I had spent half the amount of time that I’ve procrastinated about running, actually running, I’d probably be in shape to run a marathon at this point. It’s a hard hurdle to jump, but there are a few important things to remember.

1 – Running is basically just walking but a little faster and running can also be running and walking. This might sound trite but its good to remember, you don’t have to suddenly run a 5k in under twenty minutes, or even thirty or forty minutes. Combining running and walking is a much easier way to start out running and should leave you less sore and able to continue for longer.

2 – Remember that no one‘s there to judge you. In all probability if someone sees you running, no matter how short or slow a run you are choosing to do, the most likely thing for them to think is absolutely nothing or something along the lines of “blimey that person’s doing a run, I feel quite guilty about how I’m always putting off going for a run”. So just take it at your own pace and do your own thing because, really, it’s unlikely anyone cares.

3 – Have some kit you’re comfortable in but stop making not having some kit an excuse to not run. Now it is important that you have shoes that fit you and are comfortable especially if you are going to be running regularly however we’ve also all seen the people that manage to finish the London marathon dressed like a medieval knight or humpty dumpty so it is definitely possible to do running in basically whatever you’re wearing now even if it might not be ideal. Nice new pieces of kit also make a very good motivator to do more running, promise yourself a new pair of trainers or new shorts if you manage to do at least two runs per week for a month for instance.

4 – Pick your moment. Think about when you feel motivated? You might like the idea of the running in the morning but if you’re someone who always hits snooze at least five ti ‘mes is that a realistic time to think about going out in the cold? If you set yourself realistic targets you’re more likely to meet those targets and keep a positive feeling about getting out and running and the opposite is also true. Running can, however also be a very energising experience, even if you feel tired and frazzled at the end of the day when you get home getting out and feeling some wind on your face and working up a sweat can be a much more positive experience than sitting on the couch and scrolling for an hour.

5 – If all above fails – get a mean friend. Okay, the friend doesn’t have to be mean but they do have to be more motivated than you or someone that already runs. The added motivation of fearing that you’re letting someone down or breaking  a plan by giving up on a run is an excellent motivation to get out there. It can so often break that lingering nervousness before a run. If you don’t have anyone around to do that then consider a park run or buddying up with someone who isn’t physically there, a long distance text checking in on your progress is sometimes all you need.