{"id":2859,"date":"2020-01-13T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-13T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/?p=2859"},"modified":"2022-07-21T21:27:27","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T20:27:27","slug":"how-to-make-running-easier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-make-running-easier\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make running easier: 7 simple tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:149.92679355783%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>I often get asked how to make running easier. If you&rsquo;ve just started out on your running journey, you may be wondering if it will ever get any easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you start out, it will likely feel like a struggle because you&rsquo;re yet to build your aerobic endurance, stamina, strength and speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with anything, running takes practice and, more importantly, patience. It will take time to get better at it whilst you prepare yourself both physically and mentally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may feel like giving up after the first run, but my advice to you would be to stick with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Excuse the pun, but running is very much a marathon and not a sprint. It can take months to build your base fitness levels if you are not used to doing any form of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are however some simple ways to make this easier and a lot more fun! After all, running is supposed to be enjoyable, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some simple tips on how to make running easier.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-683x1024.png\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20683%201024'%3E%3Crect%20width='683'%20height='1024'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4300 eager-load\" title=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-683x1024.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/80.png.webp 1000w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start with Couch to 5k<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many runners mistakenly think they need to be able to run non-stop for 30 minutes or more when they first start running which is simply not true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why running programmes like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/couch-to-5k-plan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7911\">Couch to 5k<\/a> are so popular because they offer a simple and effective way to get into running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Couch to 5k gently eases you into a running habit. Over the years I have worked with hundreds of runners through the Couch to 5k programme and I can honestly say it works!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The plan ranges between 8 to 12 weeks and involves periods of running separated by walking intervals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the first few weeks, you will likely do more walking than running to build your base fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then from about week 4 onwards you will slowly ramp up the amount of running that you do, finally ending with a 35 minutes run in the last week of the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many beginner runners go on to complete their first 5k having finished the Couch to 5k programme. So if you&rsquo;re looking for a gentle way to get into running, this may be for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Run away from home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things about running is that you can do it almost anywhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you run in the city, in the country, on a beach or on a treadmill, there is bound to be a place yet to be uncovered where you can run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick a spot that you&rsquo;d love to visit and select a running route. Not only will you discover new and interesting places, you&rsquo;ll be able to fit in a run while you&rsquo;re at it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re planning a holiday, why not take your running gear with you. There are lots of travel companies nowadays that offer running tours in capital cities and near famous landmarks across the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These tours are a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of your destination, whilst you get your weekly mileage in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-683x1024.png\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4301\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4301 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77.png.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/77.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Create a reward list<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/9-ways-to-motivate-yourself-to-go-for-a-run\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"370\">motivate yourself to go for a run<\/a>, then a reward system can be a game changer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find those things that motivate you to complete your run. Whether it be a hot shower, a warm bath, a bar of dark chocolate or your favourite series on Netflix, treat yourself when you finish your run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The important thing is that you don&rsquo;t reward yourself after every run. This will quickly become stale.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick a goal and when you reach it, reward yourself every once in a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Go plogging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the new running craze sweeping across the running community.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/what-is-plogging\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4418\">Plogging<\/a> (a mixture of &lsquo;jogging&rsquo; and &lsquo;plucking&rsquo;) is an eco-friendly trend that originates in Scandinavia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It involves collecting litter and rubbish along your running route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you&rsquo;re looking for a way to do your bit for the planet, then why not organise a plogging group near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All you need is a pair of gloves, a bin bag and set out on your run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to join a plogging group near you, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PloggingGB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plogging UK<\/a> Twitter page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-683x1024.png\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4302\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4302 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78.png.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/78.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Run with a dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running with a dog is one of the best things. Dogs are so happy go-lucky &ndash; they really bring a smile to your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs love going for a run. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is bound to rub off on you if you&rsquo;re struggling to find the motivation to get out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&rsquo;t own a dog, fear not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowmydoggy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Borrow My Doggy<\/a> connects dog owners with dog borrowers. So if you&rsquo;re looking to fill the dog-shaped void in your life, sign up today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Run without a watch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although I love running with a watch because you can keep track of distance, speed and pace, sometimes it feels great to run without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/benefits-of-running-without-a-watch\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5230\">Running without a watch<\/a> can take away some of the pressure to perform on every run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The freedom and enjoyment that comes with running is best experienced when you take a more leisurely approach to your run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&rsquo;t have to run a set number of miles at a certain pace in order to consider it a proper run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply head out the door and run whichever way you want. And remember to leave your watch at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-683x1024.png\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4303\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-683x1024.png.webp\" alt=\"how to make running easier\" class=\"wp-image-4303 lazyload\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-683x1024.png.webp 683w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-200x300.png.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79-768x1152.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79.png.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/79.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Try mindful running<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mindfulness has become a hot topic over the last few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With our lives becoming ever more busy and increasingly crowded by technology, a lot of people are looking for ways to live in the present.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/how-to-practice-mindful-running\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"656\">mindful running<\/a> comes in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essentially, it&rsquo;s about being more mentally connected with your body and movement and not being distracted when you run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of focusing on your watch, your phone or what your next song is, simply head out on your run and connect with the landscape around you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feel the wind in your hair, the ground under your feet and listen to the nature around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be extremely soothing just to go out on your run without the distractions of modern life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I often get asked how to make running easier. If you&rsquo;ve just started out on your running journey, you may be wondering if it will ever get any easier. When you start out, it will likely feel like a struggle because you&rsquo;re yet to build your aerobic endurance, stamina, strength and speed.&nbsp; As with anything, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[39,53],"tags":[70,106,90,69],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":2554,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/49-300x300.png"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2859"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2859"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8199,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2859\/revisions\/8199"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.runwithcaroline.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}