Have you stopped running for a few months or even years? Whether it’s after a forced break or you’re just getting into running because you want to get back into shape, you’ll be fit sooner than you think – no matter what your age.
You should ease back into running gradually – the best way is by combining walking and jogging. The idea is to get you back into running shape, which means running 5km on a regular basis in just two months.
BE PATIENT – AND DON‘T PUSH YOUR LIMITS
While following the 2-month program, it‘s easy to get impatient, but patience is the key to preventing injuries. Don‘t try to run more, even if you feel you can. If, on the other hand, you find the program too strenuous, just stretch it out. It’s important not to feel pressured to progress faster than you‘re able to. Repeat a week if you need to and move ahead only when you feel you‘re ready. Listen to your body and you’ll be fine.
Even if you are sticking to a program such as this one, it’s completely normal to go through some periods where you’d really rather give up... and you’ll surely find plenty of excuses to do so. A good trick is to team up with a running partner or group. When you know that other people are counting on you to be there, you‘re more likely to stick to your training schedule. On top of that, the social interaction and competition that comes from training with others will boost your motivation.
All running paces will give you the health benefits you're looking for – and it‘s all about building up your routine gradually and steadily. So take your time and focus on going farther, not faster to ensure you don’t cause yourself any joint or muscle injury.
Remember: running should be a relaxed activity. And, yes, to begin running includes a lot of walking. That‘s fine.
| Week | Days a week | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 to 3 | Take it easy! Run at an easy pace, not more than 1km or 15-30 minutes, depending on your fitness. You can alternate easy running and walking – switch every two to five minutes, if you like. See whether you can increase by the end of the week. Overdoing it at the beginning would be a bad idea, as your body will feel sore and you will be demotivated. |
| 2 | 3 | Build up slowly. Alternating between running and walking is the way to go. |
| 3 | 3 | Run not more than 2km or 30-45 minutes at an easy jogging pace. If you notice any physical strains in the third week, stick to a non-impact workout or walking only. |
| 4 | 4 | Run 2 km. See whether you can speed up your pace for one day at least, then return to easy jogging for the other days. |
| 5 | 4 | Run 3 km or 40-60 minutes. Easy pace! |
| 6 | 5 | Begin with 3 km, then try 60-70 minutes by the end of the week. |
| 7 | 3 2 | Run 3 km. The time during this phase depends very much on your progress, but your aim should be to run 5km or 60-70 minutes by the end of the week. Run 4km. |
| 8 | 3 2 | Run 4km. Run 5km. |
Always be sure to stretch, but not before running, as stretching 'cold' can damage your muscles. Stretch during and after your run. Run easily for about 5-10 minutes, then stretch once you are warm and your muscles and joints are more pliable. Also, stretch your calves after your run. Look into our video library for some stretching suggestions for special workouts.
You probably have your own running technique. Even if details don’t really matter that much here, experts agree that you should run tall (not slouched) and straight (not leaning far forward or backward). Don‘t over-stride – that could put extra strain on your knees. Let your arms relax and find a natural, comfortable stride.
Alternating running with walking doesn’t make you a loser – it’s a recommended technique to get back into your routine. It’s also fine to switch to walking once you have reached the point of fatigue or discomfort. Embrace walking as part of an overall run/walk strategy for completing long runs, or as a cross-training activity for non-running days in your training schedule.
Be sure to run with your mobile phone at hand, so that you can call someone in case of injury. Also, most smartphones support free apps that will help you set goals, track your route, your heartbeat, speed, pulse, calorie consumption and performance.
Make sure you have the right running shoes. Technology improves constantly, and when looking for the right shoe, it‘s smart to go to a running shop where they will make sure you get shoes that fit and provide the biomechanical support you need. Knowing how to look after your foot when it hits the road makes a huge difference. If you have problem feet, ask your doctor for orthotics (shoe inserts) to help prevent injuries. And remember to replace your shoes often.
Have you skipped or missed more than a few days of training? Then go back to your pace of the previous week. If you have been sick, return to the pace of the previous two weeks. If you‘ve been injured, it‘s better to come back slowly, and protect the affected areas such as knees or ankles with stabilising braces. See the Elastoplast range for smart solutions.
Yes, running can in some cases lead to (mostly minor) injuries, but most can be prevented if you warm up, avoid doing too much too soon and wear the right running shoes. Before you start again, try some workouts designed to strengthen running-specific muscles to build endurance and prevent injuries. See our video library for specific examples.
Pain in your calf or thigh?
It‘s important to find out whether your pain is a simple adaptation process (coping with the new challenge), actual overuse of muscles or joints, or tissue damage. Monitor the pain. If it subsides by reducing the amount and intensity of your program, it is most likely to be an adapting process. If you keep reaching the same limit, you are probably putting your body under too much strain and it is overuse. In this case, you should see your doctor.
All runners have to deal with occasional aches and pains. If you experience mild aches and pains and a serious injury can be ruled out, follow the tried and tested RICER prescription: rest, ice, compression, elevation, referral. Try the convenient Elastoplast Cold Spray, which offers instant cooling anywhere, anytime. Don‘t overuse pain medication and anti-inflammatories, and see your doctor if the pain persists.
The overall benefits of running outweigh the risks, even when you start in your fifties or later.
Better function, fitness and overall health are the rewards for getting out of bed early every morning – as well as fewer disabilities.
Having problems with your knee? Protect your knee with a protective brace or tape to keep up your running. Elastoplast is an expert in the field and makes several different braces and strapping tapes for every need.
These braces and tape support and add stability to your knee and assist the overall coordination of muscles, tendons and ligaments around the joint. This applies to the recovery phase after injury, and to cases of chronic instability. Some joints need the support of a brace if muscles are weakened or not strong enough to cope with the exercise, which you will notice by muscle fatigue setting in before the end of your activity.
Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Use only as directed. Important: consult a health professional if symptoms persist or in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website.
For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on anz.consumerservices@beiersdorf.com. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages.
Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at support.anz@elastoplast.com.au
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
