When to Run

Schedule Your Running

For those that have been putting off their running forever now is the time to start your running regimen!

You have probably noticed that things have to change. You have been putting off running for the longest time and have now decided to take the plunge into running today!  Setting up a running schedule can be a problem. 

Those starting to consider running are often busy executives, busy homemakers and other workers wanting to get into a healthy habit in contrast to stressful daily humdrum. If you are one of these people, finding time to sneak in your running is probably one of the hardest things to do. One thing you really have to say to yourself is that, "There is always time for running in my schedule."

If you think you are too busy to run, think again. Those that have running regimens are proven to have higher energy levels and are usually primed to accomplish more than their more sedentary counterparts. So there you have it, another reason to start running.

The first thing you have to remove from your mind is the desire to run when "I feel like it." If you don't start running even if you don't feel like it, the "I like it" feeling is never going to come. Runners are usually addicted to running because of the increased levels of energy and satisfaction they receive from doing it. You won't get a taste of that feeling when you are sitting comfortably at home. Although running involves moving out of your comfort zone and a few aches and pains, it is definitely worth it.

It would be best to start what is called a running journal. It should be a calendar of sorts that includes dates for your runs, locations for your runs, special running events (yes, you will want to occasionally join a marathon), and notes and observations from your runs. This will give you a picture of how you are doing and will help you find dates and schedules for your runs - because we all have to admit that our schedules are constantly shifting.

Some people respond better to morning runs. They are more efficient and are able to accomplish more when running in the morning. Some people are not that morning-oriented. These people respond better during the evenings. If you think you are not much of a morning person, then don't worry. It's okay to break the mold and start running in the evening. Some busy people have considered running anytime during their slack period in a day.  If you can squeeze this slack period into the hours before or after work, then all the better so you can give it the proper concentration. 

Whether you run seriously or for leisure, one thing to consider when running is the number of people present in any given area. Crowded areas are a no-no for runners, so find a time of day that the people in an area taper off, or are still fast asleep. Set this as your regular running schedule and stick to that schedule. Other than setting aside a time of day for your running, another important thing you have do is to make sure you do your running at this schedule regularly. Irregular exercise will do more harm than good. So make sure you follow your plans and schedule with perseverance.

Weather can also affect your running schedule. You may want to put this in your running journal. In the event of inclement weather, you choose to either postpone your run to another date or continue the run indoors. Although it isn't as pretty as running outdoors, it is still better than no run at all.

If you are feeling under the weather, call off your run to another date - when you are feeling better. You don't want to exert yourself in these situations lest you get worse. If you pull a muscle or feel too sore, don't push it, and have a specialist look at you. You can avoid a lot of long-term injuries this way.