It's that time of year when you've probably made a promise to yourself to get fit. And what better exercise to feature in your fitness regime than running?
We know the facts. Running is a great fat burner, which will give you great legs, a feel-good, endorphin high and it costs nothing. All great if you are part of the smug 'I love running' gang who trot round the park in barely there shorts. But for the not-quite-runners (NQRs) of this world, jogging can spell pain, breathlessness and humiliation.
We quizzed some NQRs to find the biggest obstacles lying between sofa safety and jogger's paradise? If you can jump these hurdles – you'll be well on your way to Olympic Gold.
1. My boobs are too big
Bouncing boobies are painful, embarrassing, unattractive and will cause you permanent damage. And it isn't just big girls who need support. Check out www.shockabsorber.co.uk (just keep the website secret from blokes)! Larger ladies can lose jogger's bounce by wearing two bras, one moulded bra to catch them and another to squidge them down!
2.Running for more than a minute
kills me
Just like learning to walk, you don't have to run constantly at first. Having to stop because you can't breathe will put a strain on your body. And if you can't achieve your first session's training goals, it's unlikely you'll have another go. Stay in control by combining gentle jogging with walking, even if this means starting with minute-long bursts.
3. I always get a stitch
Stitches are the result of eating too much/little, or uneven breathing. Eat a banana or drink diluted fruit juice half an hour before you run to ward off tummy rumblings and get a regular breathing pattern – perhaps three paces to inhale and three paces to exhale. Bend forward into the stitch as you run but if it gets too bad, walk it out.
4. I have bad knees
Most knee pain is caused by tight muscles, through over-training – all running, no strength training or stretching. Strong legs and core are essential for endurance and injury prevention. Don't run before you can do 10 good lunges on both legs. Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Not only will these save your knees and back but smart kit can be a great incentive for getting active.
5. I'm afraid I'll finish last
Most of us can remember cross-country running at school where there was nothing less cool than bringing up the rear. Professional/charity races have 'sweepers', helpful folk who run at the back, encouraging struggling participants all the way to the cheers of the crowds at the finishing line.
6. I don't know what to wear!
Yes – fashion dilemmas enter the world of fitness too. The great news is that a fresh training programme is the perfect excuse for some retail therapy.
