HEALTH

Calling all Swifties! Did seeing Taylor Swift singing and dancing around a stage for three hours inspire you to add some cardio to your own routine? We suggest lacing up your sneakers and going for a run.

Running can be an amaze way to get some exercise, but it can def be intimidating if you're new to it. We've compiled some tips for newbie runners that are sure to have you feeling more energized and prepared for your next jog (or your next sing-along with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour—that's a whole workout in itself!).

Have a positive mindset

@niasioux

Sometimes running is the absolute last thing you want to do. You might dread a run because the weather isn't great, or because you're worried you won't be able to make it very far before needing to stop. Whatever the case is, you're not alone.

The best thing to do is bring an optimistic outlook to your runs. If you go into a run thinking about how horrible it might be, chances are it will be. Instead, why not be more positive? Go into a run reminding yourself that you're strong and capable, and you'll likely feel empowered throughout your workout.

Running also comes with plenty of benefits that you can remind yourself of to make it a more exciting experience. It can give you some time to get fresh air, explore a new trail and listen to reputation on repeat (at least until Taylor's Version is finally announced!). Because of all the endorphins you'll release, you're also likely to end your workout feeling more relaxed and accomplished than before. Running might even become your new go-to option for relieving stress and clearing your mind.

Set realistic goals

Seeing your friends running 5Ks and training for half-marathons can make you want to go out and run 10 miles right away with no training. Unfortunately, a new runner is probs not going to be able to run that long—at least not without plenty of breaks. Our suggestion? Set goals that are attainable. It's great to think about running a marathon one day, but you should plan some short-term goals, too.

In the beginning, make some goals based on consistency. You can try running two days a week for a month, and then start aiming for three days a week after you've succeeded. You can also make goals based on mileage and time: Try adding a mile to your workout every two weeks or aim to drop 30 seconds from your mile time by the end of the month.

When you're just starting out, you can even make it a goal to get through just one "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) [Taylor's Version] [From The Vault]" before ending your run. A week later, you can try getting through the song twice, and a week after that, you can increase it to three times. Because the song has beautiful lyrics that can distract you from how long you've been moving, one listen will mean that you've run for over 10 minutes without even realizing it.

Start out slowly

@amberunz

After stretching out your muscles, it's time to do the actual running part. It can be easy to start running fast right away, but that's a good way to lose energy quickly and want to quit. Our advice: Give yourself room to go slowly. If you're new to running, it's best to gradually work your way up to fast times and long distances.

In the beginning, let yourself walk and jog slowly during your runs. You can warm up with a half-mile walk, jog for half a mile and then cool down with another half-mile walk. The next day, you can try increasing the jogging portion by a quarter mile and decreasing the walking elements (if you feel ready to do so, ofc!). You can try switching the walking and jogging portions more during your run, too (for example, walk for 2 minutes and jog for 5 minutes, alternating until you feel like ending your workout). This will help your body get used to moving a bit more strenuously, allowing you to increase your mileage and go faster as time goes on.

Want a fun way to pace yourself during these runs? Try following Taylor's workout routine that she used to prepare for the Eras Tour. You can listen to the tour's setlist and increase or decrease your speed based on how fast the song you're listening to is. Songs like "Cruel Summer" and "22" will have you running fast and jamming out, while slower tracks like "champagne problems" and "betty" will give you a chance to catch your breath with a jog or brisk walk.

It might take you a while before you can make it through just the Lover era (let alone the rest of the 3-hour-long setlist), but we're confident that you'll get there with plenty of practice.

Make it fun!

@reneeenoe

The best way to become a better runner is to keep with it, and that's made a lot easier if you actually like going on jogs. If you're going on a solo run, try listening to music. Grab some earbuds or headphones and put on some music you love—we suggest Tay's newest re-recordings, 1989 (Taylor's Version) and Speak Now (Taylor's Version). You might get so caught up in the music and the energy it gives you that you'll run a couple of miles without noticing!

Running can also be made soooo much more fun when it's done with your BFFs. You can chat the whole time or bring along a speaker and sing your fave T-Swift songs while you run. You could even plan the run with a fun destination in mind, like an ice cream shop or a cafe. (Motivation? We think yes!)

Races can be a great way to make running fun, too. They're a cool way to meet other runners and can be motivation to keep training until race day. Want to add some extra excitement to a race? Grab your besties, sign up for a 5k and dress as your fave Taylor Swift era. You can create some debut vibes by wearing a cowboy hat or bring out your inner "Bejeweled" girl by adding some sparkle to your outfit. Your costume might give you some extra confidence for the race, and your post-race pics will be even cuter.

Share your running pics with us on Insta @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @taylorswift
Top image: @taylorswift
All GIFs via GIPHY

by Maggie Salter | 2/16/2024