Sports Spotlight: Jogging

Welcome to Sports Spotlight. Every week, as your Sports Inquire Web Editor, I will be taking on a new sporting activity for the benefit of those interested in diving into something to get fit. Or those just wanting some ideas. These articles will be posted every Saturday/Sunday, with the lowdown on how to make the most out of the weekly chosen sport and many top tips on how to be a pro.

This week is… Jogging.

I hear the sighs of disbelief everywhere. The cries of ‘but I run out of breath so quickly’ and ‘I can’t even walk up the stairs to my lecture’. But fear no more. As an amateur myself, I had these very thoughts. The churns in my stomach of having to step foot outside in running clothes and the embarrassment of maybe even (GASP) seeing someone I know. Yet, I made it through the week to figure out the best way to combat those stomach stitches and become the next Mo Farah. It may be ambitious, but better to think high then low.

So, read on, for more fitness fun.

Top Tips to Become a Running Pro

1. Start off slower – if you burn up all your energy from the beginning, you’ll never make it back to your house. You’ll end up in the middle of the field and never escape. Okay slightly dramatic, but you get the picture.
2. Don’t stop running – many people like to run all the way to a certain distance and then, on the way back, walk it. Although this somewhat improves your endurance, the main focus here is cardio. And, seems like an easy way out of running the whole way, you’ll feel prouder of yourself if you don’t stop. It also makes you less likely to injure yourself.
3. Invest in a pair of good running shoes – I started out in my cheap Primark, no grip trainers, which was not a good idea when running down hills. So, definitely swap those shoes that look good, for shoes that feel good. I’d recommend Sketchers Memory Foam or Nike, made specifically for running purposes (or so I’m told).
4. Drink water before and after – if you hydrate yourself before your run, that’s half the battle won. Your body will get sluggish and sweaty halfway through. Glugging enough water before and after your run around the block will make you feel less worn out after.
5. Weather dependent – In weather as hot as this, it’s important to choose your running times carefully. I would say that pre-sunrise early mornings were good, but I was never up that early. My favourite running time is 5 pm onwards, an hour before or after dinner as so not to feel bloated but get that cool evening breeze.
6. Loose clothing – while super tight sportswear accentuates your summer body, it’s not at all practical for sweat. Opt for running shorts and a baggy t-shirt that will circulate air. Oh, and girls, good sports bras are a must.
7. Stretch – makes your body looser and ready to run. Find stretch routines on YouTube or Google.
8. Blast that playlist – my absolute favourite part of running is the tunes you can play. I had so much fun devising a playlist together for myself, that I wanted to share it with everyone. Look below for the tunes that I think make running easier.

Jogging Playlist (that makes you feel ready to run)

This playlist is derived of songs that are fun, upbeat and made me want to run a marathon whenever I’d listen to them. There is a mix of genre here but apologies to those music buffs who are too cool for cheesy hits…

• Recovery by Frank Turner
• Power by Little Mix
• Dancing In The Moonlight by Toploader
• Can’t Stop by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
• Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
• Mountain At My Gates by Foals
• Valerie by Mark Rodson and Amy Winehouse
• Take On Me by A-ha
• Hooked On A Feeling by Blue Swede
• Domino by Jessie J
• 99 Problems by Jay-Z
• Numb/Encore by Jay-Z/Linkin Park
• Stronger by Kanye West
• Light It Up by Major Lazer

Overall ratings of the Sport

Intensity: 9/10 –

Comment: Got easier as the days went on and the weather got cooler.

Practicality: 7/10

Comment: Although quick, can make one very sweaty so needed time to recover before going out.

Time: 9/10

Comment: Only took twenty minutes out of my morning.

Fun: 9/10

Comment: I felt refreshed, upbeat and ready to battle the world!