Running is the most basic form of exercise. Consequently, many people are likely to consider running as a gateway to fitness over any other type of workout. It can be challenging and rewarding in equal parts, but overall, running is very good for your health.
There are many benefits of running, both mental and physical. Other than weight management, running also helps to:
- Stave off anxiety.
- Prevent high blood pressure.
- Prevent heart diseases.
- Alleviate depression.
- Boost your fitness levels.
Besides significant health advantages, running is also a relatively inexpensive pastime. You require nothing more than a good pair of shoes before you start on your way. Optionally, you can plug your earphones into your phone to listen to music, a podcast or an audiobook while you run. This way, both your body and mind are occupied. This approach often elevates a runner’s efficiency.
Unless you prefer to use a treadmill, running does not confine you to one room. Instead, you have the freedom to select a route that allows you to explore your surroundings while you enjoy the outdoors. In doing so, you can boost your mental well-being in tandem with your physical prowess.
Oh, to be Usain Bolt, Pat Carroll or Lisa Weightman with the ability to go at incredible speeds while making it seem almost effortless. This distinction, however, should not discourage you from trying your hand (or foot) at running. No matter your fitness level, you can discover the wonderful benefits of regular running.
To make that first step less daunting, here is a 30-day running challenge that will help you get going. Its primary focus is on building your running abilities while you move from level to level. Don’t worry about your prowess. You only need to try your best at every turn. At the same time, remember to be careful to avoid injury.
You may use the timetable below throughout the challenge to keep on track.
Day/Week | Action |
WEEK ONE | |
Day 1 | Run/walk 2km or 20 min total;
30-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 2 | 25-minute bike ride or other cross-training. |
Day 3 | Recovery day. |
Day 4 | Run/walk 2km or 20 minutes total;
30-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 5 | 30-minute walk. |
Day 6 | Recovery day. |
Day 7 | Run/walk 4km or 35 minutes total;
30-second run/60-second walk. |
WEEK TWO | |
Day 8 | Recovery day. |
Day 9 | Run/walk 2km or 20 minutes total;
60-second run/90-second walk. |
Day 10 | 25-minute bike ride or other cross-training. |
Day 11 | Run/walk 3.5 km or 30 minutes total;
60-second run/90-second walk. |
Day 12 | Recovery day. |
Day 13 | 30- minute walk. |
Day 14 | Run/walk 4km or 35 minutes total;
60-second run/90-second walk. |
WEEK THREE | |
Day 15 | Recovery day. |
Day 16 | Run/walk 2km or 20 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 17 | 25-minute bike ride or other cross-training. |
Day 18 | Run/walk 3.5km or 30 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 19 | Recovery day. |
Day 20 | 30-minute walk. |
Day 21 | Run/walk 5km or 40 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
WEEK FOUR | |
Day 22 | 30-minute walk. |
Day 23 | Run/walk 3.5km or 30 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 24 | 25-minute bike ride or other cross-training. |
Day 25 | Run/walk 3.5km or 30 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
Day 26 | Recovery day. |
Day 27 | 30-minute walk. |
Day 28 | Run/walk 5km or 40 minutes total;
60-second run/60-second walk. |
WEEK FIVE | |
Day 29 | Recovery day. |
Day 30 | Run/walk 3.5km or 30 minutes total;
60-second run/30-second walk. |
Finally, do not forget to monitor and maintain your nutrition. It is a vital component of any workout endeavour – so important that it determines your success in many cases. You should aim to have a well-balanced diet to ensure your body has all the fuel it needs to sustain you throughout the challenge.
Consider adding supplements to your regular fitness nutrition to certify that your body has enough stores of vital nutrients at all times. It is worth noting that the supplements to be used here are considerably different from the relevant supplements for bodybuilding. There is a wide range of supplements available to choose from, including whey protein, vitamin B12, Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and many more. Each is tailored to meet specific needs and can be mixed and matched to suit your requirements but a general rule of thumb is to take supplements with a focus on muscle recovery.
Take the plunge and give this challenge a try. Remember to start slow; at the same time, aim to achieve a little more each day. In addition, keep track of your progress. If you have a visual record of the improvements you are making, it may be easier to remain motivated enough to work through the challenge. Who knows? Perhaps at the end of the 30 days, you may have lit a fire big enough to drive you into a new fitness routine.