It isn’t uncommon for upcoming college students to want to get involved in a new sport or activity upon starting their lives at KSU. But many often find themselves asking, where do I start? Luckily for them, the Kennesaw area has many running stores that can help the beginning or seasoned runner accomplish whatever goals they have in mind. So after paying attention to these tips, consider giving running a try. Who knows, you may just have discovered your new passion.
Where to Start
Big Peach Running Co., an Atlanta-based running and walking store, offers services to anyone wishing to pursue what they call a “Pedestrian-Active Lifestyle.”
Zach, a Big Peach employee and a runner for 12 years, offers running advice to anyone just beginning the activity. According to Zach, taking it easy at the beginning is the best way to reach running success in the future.
“Normally, you’re going to need to walk for five minutes, then jog for 30 seconds,” Zach says. “If that’s too hard for you, then I’d say to jog for 15 [seconds] and then walk another five minutes. Eventually, you’re going to want to get that [walking time] down, so like a minute run, four minutes walk and so on. You’ve got to progressively incorporate that run-walk.”
Expert runners seem to agree. Olympian athlete Jeff Galloway pioneered what he calls the “Run-Walk-Run” method. Similar to Zach’s method, it allows runners to take short walking breaks throughout the duration of their runs.
Tune into your Breath
As well as making use of Galloway’s method, Zach also encourages beginning runners to focus on their breathing, something many beginners don’t take into account while running.
“I definitely would say the breathing [is the biggest obstacle at the beginning],” Zach says. “Once you get to a certain speed, the breathing aspect of it can sometimes be laborious for some people. It just takes time to develop, but you can always try deeper breaths which can help and cause the body to stabilize and not panic. Sometimes shallower breaths can cause the body to be a lot more nervous than it seems.”
Cooper, another Big Peach employee, agrees.
“Really focus on [the breathing]. [With] running, you got to keep moving, but the breathing is what’s going to make the difference with everything in between. Make yourself think about breathing, like consciously breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, getting a good cycle going,” he said.
What you eat matters
Zach offers another piece of advice to beginners regarding diet and food intake before going for a run.
“Before a run, don’t eat something that you know your stomach’s not going to like,” Zach says. “[Big Peach has] certain nutritional items that do help [with] some [problems], but don’t help others. We have nutrition that would help with sodium, electrolytes, all sorts of stuff.”
Running Gear
The gear one wears and uses during runs can also make a huge difference in the overall, long-term success of running. One of Big Peach Running Co.’s biggest attributes that draw in runners and walkers alike is their Fit Process program. Through the program, Big Peach employees study your gait and cadence while running or walking, analyze your pronation, and suggest styles of running shoes that work best with your own body and foot structure. Runners are then able to purchase shoes from the store that best fit their feet and give them the comfort they need.
“We analyze how you run or walk…[then] we see if you overpronate which is where your ankles crash in,” Zach says. “If so, you need a shoe with a little more support.”
Cooper agrees that Big Peach’s fitting process is an important step for anyone beginning to run.
“Our Fit Process is really helpful,” says Cooper. “The right shoe makes a difference. A lot of people quit because their feet hurt and it’s because they don’t have the right shoes.”
The Importance of Support
Having a community of friends cheering you on is another important aspect to consider when beginning to run. Big Peach offers community runs throughout the week and weekends for runners of all skill levels. These free events give runners and walkers the chance to meet other people in their community and gain the confidence to sign up for races in the future.
“[Big Peach Kennesaw’s group runs are] 6:30 every Tuesday night [and] Saturday mornings too [at] 7:30,” says Zach. “It’s free and you can just come in and do it. It’s a great group of people that’ll help you out.”
Big Peach Running Co. has seven locations around the Atlanta area, including one in Kennesaw. Through their services, anyone can begin living happier and healthier lives, and that is what the company (and running!) is all about.
To learn more about getting fit for the new year, read our article 5 Steps to Becoming a Healthier Student.
Cover photo by Andrea Leopardi on Unsplash