Running is a great way to get fit, feel better and even form new relationships with other runners. Starting a new running habit doesn’t have to be hard — all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace. The Well Guide makes it easy to get started, get inspired and stay on track. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other. And you are less likely to become injured if you simply maintain your natural stride. The more you run, the more comfortable that stride will feel and — even better — the more efficient your body will become.
The Run-Walk Process
The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started and for experienced runners to improve their race times. The method was pioneered by one of our favorite coaches — the Olympian Jeff Galloway. Contrary to what you might think, the technique doesn’t mean walking when you’re tired; it means taking brief walk breaks when you’re not. You can pick whatever ratio of walking and running that works for you.
CHOOSE A TRAINING PLAN
You can find any number of elaborate training plans online, but we believe in keeping it simple. Here is the basic formula for a great training plan.
- Train three days a week
- Run or run/walk 20 to 30 minutes, two days a week
- Take a longer run or run/walk (40 minutes to an hour) on the weekend
- Rest or cross-train on your off days
- Run at a conversational pace
- Consider taking regular walk-breaks