by Jason Staeck and Andrew Hood

“In general, runners should approach running…in baby steps” Christine Blanchette of UBC REC explained.

“Rushing into a program or into running, you would probably injure yourself or you would perhaps suffer from burnout. A safe and easy approach to running is the best.”

Jogging is one of the most commonly pursued exercises because it is so accessible. It is also one of the most beneficial exercises, as it has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, strengthen bones and improve mental fitness.

Whitney Aharon is an employee at The Running Room in Wesbrook Village and a regular jogger. She said that the best reason to run is that, “jogging makes you feel energized all the time.” She added that such benefits are noticeable almost immediately.

For a new jogger, the amount of time that should be spent running is perhaps the most daunting aspect. The irregular jogger would most likely entail attempting to jog for 10-20 minutes straight off the bat before succumbing to exhaustion. Aharon suggested a jogging program for first-timers: walk five minutes for every one-minute run in a routine that gradually develops with every added week.

Excellent routes for jogging and running include seaside routes such as the Stanley Park Seawall, the Coal Harbour Seawall, Kitsilano Beach and Spanish Banks or along roads through the University Endowment Lands, namely along Chancellor Boulevard or University Boulevard.

“One of my favourites is running from the Rec Centre…down to Chancellor Boulevard and then making my way down to NW Marine drive, straight down to the beach,” Blanchette said, adding that it’s a good route for joggers looking for varying terrain. “It is a great run.”

If you’re interested in jogging but reluctant to undertake such an endeavour by yourself, a great way to get into jogging is through group motivation. Whitney suggests that beginner joggers should consider participating in group jogging programs. Both The Running Room and UBC REC offer free group runs several times a week, for all skill levels.

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