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There is no doubt, you have seen these people. Short shorts, early mornings, bright colored hats, outside chugging along step after step. The question is, is this really healthy? Let’s take a deeper look.

First step in the journey is to decide what your goal in running is. Are you trying to get healthier, or want to run your first marathon. Answering this question first will dramatically change the approach you should take when starting down your running journey.

Running at its core is an incredibly healthy habit to pick up. It’s an amazing aerobic activity to help lower blood pressure, decrease resting heart rate, increase cardio vascular strength, and is also shown to help with anxiety and mental health as well. If getting healthier is the goal, research shows as little as 10min per day can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other common diseases. But these benefits seem to cap off around 4.5 to 5 hours per week, so running much more than this for simply health benefits is probably a futile effort (According to the science, by all means keep on going!)

Now this is where the “runners high” kicks in. Running is one of those addicting types of fitness. You bought the shoes, the special running shorts, found yourself the perfect hydration powder, and you’re feeling great and toying with that first long run, or even your first marathon. Well GREAT! Keep on going, but this is where you need to take that new found passion and get smart.

There are a million different running coaches, and programs you can find. It is not as simple as getting out and running every day. While some popular fitness influencers are doing trends just like this, they are seasoned runners, with a well rounded knowledge of recovery, and nutrition. Without a theragun, compression boots, cold tub, and a supplement sponsor in your pocket, running every day can be risky. Look into a solid program that helps guide you through not only your new found love for running, but how to structure your milage, and rest days to allow your body to recover correctly.

Keeping in mind running is well known at being hard on the body, especially the joints. Recovery, rest, and proper nutrition are going to be key to keeping you moving forward and running down the road.

Talking nutrition, runners will often tell you carbs are key. Carbohydrates are the bodies primary source of energy, so making sure to intake the proper amount of carbs as a runner is incredibly important. Protein will also remain an important key in the system to keep your muscles strong enough to take on the beating and protect your skeletal system. Other things like BCAAs, electrolytes, and sodium are also key things to consider as you continue to grow as a runner and add milage into your weeks.

All things considered, running is a low barrier to entry, and incredible way to get yourself into shape and start a healthy routine. Start slow, enjoy the process, and add the miles as your body sees fit.