Well in this article I am going to document on how to start running as a beginner and on my plans to running competitively.
I think this is a very good decision I made and beginning gradually is the best approach. what motivates me the most is the health and fitness aspects running brings and most importantly I have been inspired by my fellow countrymen in Kenya who have shown that whatever one sets to achieve in running, they will surely do so with the right elements.
To be honest, running has shown so much inspiration to changing ones life especially here in Kenya, and I also wish to change my life and also my family through running competitively. As a Kenyan I have witnessed fellow countrymen getting scholarships to study abroad, others joining the US army because of their running and others have been able to build schools and hospitals thanks to their achievements and rewards gained from running. This is what also motivates me to running.
What is needed to start running competitively
Using the internet and resources like YouTube and social media has enabled me to learn freely what is needed to start running competitively. As a Kenyan I cannot actually say that I’m a beginner in running, this is because as a Kenyan, running culture is engraved in our school curriculum and daily lives;
For instance I was born in my rural home Uasin-Gishu Kenya where I started school at koitoror nursery/primary school almost 2kilometres from my home and I remember I used to walk daily to school. up to now this is also the daily routine for almost majority of Kenyan learners who cannot afford private schools. This is a story for another day, lets get back to what is needed to start running competitively.
- Motivation, why run?
- Your distance and running plan
- Get the right gear
- Set your goals
- Track your success.
Motivation, why start running
As I had stated in the beginning of the article, for me what motivates me to start running is the health and fitness aspects and to change my life through running. Once you are motivated running becomes easier as it becomes something that you enjoy doing. Although sometimes you may struggle with being motivated., that’s where I always remember a quote about discipline form Eliud Kipchoge
“Only the disciplined ones are free in life”
Distance and running plan
As for me I cannot necessarily say that I can hire someone to help me with distance and my running plans, since I prefer learning from my fellow Kenyan runners and also using resources such as internet to see what works best.
I was reading an article online about how Kelvin Kiptum the world marathon record holder of 2:00:35 set in Chicago began his running.
He started running early at age 13 on the local trails and roads of his Chepkorio home as he followed professional athletes like Gervis Herkimana (who later turned his coach) as they prepared for major races in Europe. Soon after, he entered his first half marathon – the Eldoret Half Marathon – where he was placed 10th overall but five years later, in 2018 at the age of 18, he won the race.
As for me I have a group of friends who are running professionally and I intend to join them and also use their plans, which is mostly early morning runs and evening runs as I fix the runs not to take so much of my daily activities schedules such as working on my farm and also writing online.
We all know bills must also be paid hehe… apart from easy runs, the following are other types of Kenyan drills I intend to incorporate in my running plans;
- Kenyan fartlek
- Track days
- Hill workouts
- Tempo/progressive runs
I will keep on writing and documenting about these runs right here on my blog.
Getting the right gear
What I have learnt from our Kenyan athletes about getting the right gear for running, is that it doesn’t have to be very expensive, but investing the right kind of gear will improve your motivation and your running.
We all know there are some of Kenyan athletes who started by running barefoot but right know they are world record holders. Someone like Faith kipyegon is a good example.
From my selection, I think Running with the right gear begins by getting gears like;
- Running sneackers/ well fitting shoes
- Rain gear
- Moisture-wicking running shirt
- Running jacket or vest
- Running shorts or tights
- Hats/sunglasses
- Water bottles
- Running belts
- Training socks
- Sports bras for ladies
- Reflective accents
- Fitness trackers/watches
Set your goals
Effective goal setting i consider factors like my current fitness level, time available for training, and any upcoming races or events i wish to participate in. For example my goal this year is to participate in a major local marathon and finish in a good time.
By setting both short-term and long-term goals, I can track my achievements, celebrate the milestones, and stay committed to my running.
Track your success
Beyond numbers, tracking success in running journey also encompasses recognizing non-scale victories, such as consistency in training, overcoming mental barriers, or experiencing the joy of running. As for me i plan to use my passion for writing to track and document my achievements in my bog.
If you’re hesitating over whether or not to begin running, keep in mind that taking the first step is already halfway towards achieving a healthier body and lifestyle. Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think. You can reach me via twitter or x also