HOW TO BECOME A RUNNER (ACCORDING TO RUN-N-RAVERS 🏃‍♀️✨)

No gatekeeping here!

A question we hear all the time at RUN-N-RAVE is:

“I want to become a runner but I can’t x / don’t have x / don’t know what to do…”

So this month, we asked RUN-N-RAVERS of all levels for their best tips on how to become a runner.

Here’s what they said 👇👇👇

1. Just start. That’s it

The only thing that makes you a runner… is running.

1. “RUN.” That’s it. Don’t wait to be “fit enough” or buy the right shoes. Don’t stress about pace or distance or how you look. Just go run. - Kathi

2. “Start slow and short.” One time around the block totally counts. You can increase when it feels good. A good tip is also to start with walking and running intervals, so 3 mins walking 1 min running, and then slowly increase the running time. 20 minutes is more than long enough for a workout in the beginning. - Lotte

3. “If you’re finding it hard to start, just go sit by the door. Tie your shoes. See how you feel.” - Stefan

4. “Run where you want to go. If you run to the park, to the bakery, or even to a party, it will motivate you cause you gotta get there anyway.” - Stefan

5. “Use the Komoot app to discover routes near you with different difficulties.” Sometimes a new path makes all the difference. - Kasi

6. Highly recommend the app “couch to 5k” - Lotte

2. Your identity will catch up

Don’t worry about how others see you at the beginning - you have no control over what they think. Becoming a runner is also about how you see yourself.

1. Tell people you’re a runner. Start saying it out loud, and back it up by going running so you know it’s true. The more you do it, the more true it becomes. - Mer

2. Join a run club that focuses on fun, not speed, so you don’t feel like you can’t compete right at the beginning. You want to put yourself in an inclusive and inspiriing environment, not be somewhere you feel left out (RUN-N-RAVE is a good place to start 😎) - Kasi

3. Schedule it with a friend. It’s harder to bail and way more fun together. - Kathi

4. Set a goal. Sign up for a race, a fun run, anything official. Having a deadline is motivating! - Joy

5. There’s no such thing as a “real” runner. If you run, you’re a runner. Full stop. - Anonymous

6. Be kind to yourself. It doesn’t matter if your runs are inconsistent, every run you take is more evidence that you are in fact a runner. - Paddy

3. Forget BUYING fancy stuff

You don’t need €300 shoes, a vest, different running clothes, any app, or literally anything else.

1. Don’t buy anything. Go for a few runs before you buy anything. You want to know if running is something for you at all. Don’t go and invest in unnecessary stuff with no experience. You can upgrade later if you want. Running is great because a basic pair of trainers and some comfy clothes will do, and you already have those. - Ben and Kathi

2. Invest in routines, not gear. It’s not about what you wear, it’s about what you do. Make it manageable and repeatable. Nothing you buy is going to get you from 0 to your first half marathon, but getting bite sized wins like running 1k a day will definitely get you there. - Kasi

3. Slow growth is the best growth. One block becomes two. One day becomes two. Trust the process.

4. Everyone’s running from something. Might as well get fit doing it. - Stefan

4. Bonus 4 DA real ones only 💯

A few RUN-N-RAVERS dropped tips that are too real not to share. These are pro tips, for once you’re already feeling comfortable calling yourself a runner, and you’re ready to get in to the wacky world of chafed nipples, calling food “fuel”, and talking about BS like V02 maxes and goal heartrates.

1. Get a Vaseline subscription. You’ll know why by week three.

2. Dental insurance for all the gels. The amount of sugar you’re gonna eat if you’re doing long distance running is kinda disgusting. And the habit is addictive.

3. Running is also exploring. Use it to see new parts of your city or your own neighborhood in a new way. Make it an adventure.

4. Ignore the Zone 2 bullshit on social media. Running is hard, especially at the beginning you won’t spend a lot of time relaxing. - Lotte

5. Now you can reward yourself - do a running analysis and then invest in proper shoes. You’ve earned it, and it’s important to reward yourself AFTER you do the work, not before.

You don’t need to change who you are to become a runner.

You just need to start running.

At RUN-N-RAVE this is our ethos - everyone is welcome, and we will run at pace that makes everyone feel empowered and included, even if that means stopping lots along the way.

Once you graduate to faster, crazier runs, we’re happy to point you in the direction of faster, crazier clubs.

We’ll be here to cheer you on every step of the way.

💙

See you on Thursday.

7 AM.

Beats & breakfast promised!.