Eat more carbs and try Parkrun – how to get running in 2019 when you really hate running

Those of us who are partial to a little jog can't understand why others will do anything to avoid schlepping around parks for hours – and vice versa.

But running really is the cheapest and easiest way to get fit.

Once you've got yourself a pair of trainers to run in, you've got all you need. You run in the latest kit or an old t-shirt and shorts.

Why opt for a treadmill when you can run on the road?

Running also offers from surprising health benefits beyond general cardiovascular fitness and potential fat loss.

Scientists from Cambridge University studied 542 runners at the Robin Hood marathon in Nottingham last year and found that those who finished faster were more likely to have stronger sex drives and higher sperm counts.

Scientists have also found that runners are also better thinkers, tend to be happier, are at less risk of developing cancer, and bizarrely may be able to hear better.

But what if you just hate running or don't really know how to start running?

1. Eat more carbs

Great news for all bread lovers – carbs are essential for running.

Try running on a low carb diet and it feels like you're wading through treacle. Your body essentially runs on the glucose from carbs when you're running so fuel your runs properly with lots of veg and whole grains.

2. Get the right shoes

To avoid injuries, you really do need proper running shoes or you'll get shin splints (an incredibly painful complaint in your calves).
But that doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune.

You're definitely best off going to get properly fitted at your local Runner's Need shop but if you know what you're looking for already, then try sportsshoes.com which always has sales on big brands.

These Under Armour women's running shoes are just £24.99 (RRP £49.99) and are super lightweight which is what you want from a road shoe. Less really is more.

3. Try Parkrun

Parkrun is a series of 5K runs which happen up and down the country at 9am on a Saturday.

They're run by elite runners, first timers, pregnant women, children, blind runners, pensioners, dogs…you name it, they're running it.

It's a fab, free way of getting into running in a completely supportive environment with zero pressure and zero expectation. Just turn up and have a jog/run/walk/crawl along.

4. Use Instagram

Instagram is made for runners. There are runners of all shapes, abilities, experience and backgrounds on there – simply start by searching the #running hashtag.

Don't think you're a runner? Instagram will prove that you most definitely are.

Uploading pictures from your jogs is a great way of staying accountable, as well as becoming part of a massive community which you can be as much or as little part of as you want.

5. Take regular baths

Like you needed an excuse for a hot bath when it's so hot and grim outside.

Hot baths are great for post-run recovery and according to researchers from Bangor University, hot baths may help runners to run faster – particularly in warm climates.

So if you get used to running in the winter and you're worried about carrying on as it starts to get warmer, your bath might hold the key to continued success.

Add some magnesium salts into the bath for maximum muscle relaxation (magnesium is fantastic for muscle repair – marathoners swear by the stuff!)

You can get a big bag from BetterYou on Amazon for £7.45.

6. Walk more

The key to significantly improving your running is to bring up your overall fitness.

If you're just starting out, it's a bit unrealistic to start running to and from work – but you can walk part of the way. That way, you'll get used to being on your feet more (which can sometimes be difficult), and you'll be getting a gentle cardio workout.

Eventually, you may well decide that it's easier to jog than walk – but you'll only find that out if you start off walking.

7. Create a banging playlist

There's absolutely nothing that can keep you working away like a great playlist.

Stick your favourite upbeat songs on a playlist that you're only going to listen to when you're running. Make sure you've got a few hours' worth of tunes so that you don't have to listen to anything on repeat.

And the longer the playlist, the more inclined you might be to keep running.

8. Set yourself a goal

It's all very well running to get fit but most of us need a goal to work towards in order to keep up the motivation.

Why not sign up to a 10k run in April or May, which will not only give you something train for but also a good opportunity to raise some cash for your favourite cause?

You can find a 10k run near you here.

9. Get yourself a Strava account or Nike Running app

Keep track of how much you're running. Once you put all those 20-minute jogs together, you'll soon start to rack up the miles – and apps are great at helping you both see how far you've run and for planning future outings.

Both apps are free. Strava is fab for plotting routes and keeping a track of other people's runs, while Nike Running is super easy for clocking up the minutes and kilometres.

If you really get into it, you can always upgrade to the Strava Premium account which has all kinds of groovy features.

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