Our Top Tips To Start Your Running Journey

So you see all the cool kids out there running and racing and having a great time, and now you want to start a running journey of your own! Wonderful! We’re here to help! Running can be incredibly fun, as well as healthy way to compete and socialize, but it can also be very overwhelming. Let’s talk about our top tips to start a running journey of your own!

Check In With Your PCP

Boring! The truth is, it’s always a great idea to check in with your doctor before starting any new physical activity. You don’t want to start something new and find out there is some risk factor lingering below the surface just waiting to emerge and really throw you for a loop. Besides, annual physicals are always recommended, so it’s as good a time as any to get that out of the way and address any concerns before they can become a problem.

Establish Your Goals

Now let’s figure out your running goals. Do you want to run two miles through your neighborhood every other morning or are you interested in a 5K? Have you watched marathoners cross the finish line and thought “this is for me”? Remember, goals aren’t written in stone. You can always go back to adjust or modify them, but it’s good to have an initial idea of what you’re working towards. Check in with yourself every so often to see how you’re managing and keep yourself challenged but moving forward.

Get Fitted For Running Shoes

Now that you have an idea of what your goals are, you need the shoes to get you there. This part is a little painful. Take yourself to your local running store for a fitting. Most running store do offer the fitting as a complimentary service, and I always recommend purchasing your first pair of shoes from that store as a courtesy. Expect to spend around $120-160. Talk with the shoe specialist about your goals and your needs. Try on all the shoes. Discuss anything that doesn’t feel good or right, and keep going until you have a pair of shoes that make you feel like flying. Get some running socks, too. You’ll thank me, later.

Choose A Training Plan

You’re ready to go! Here are some of our favorite ways to get started, by building your speed and stamina from the ground up. We love the idea of starting with a run/walk method and increasing from there, but everyone has different needs. Check these out and find one that works well for you.

• Couch To 5K
• Runner’s World 8 Week Beginner Training Plan
• Hal Higdon’s Beginner’s Running Guide
• RRCA 10-Week Training Plan For New Runners

Celebrate With A Race

You’ve put in the work and now it’s time to celebrate! Register for a race of your choice. Pick something that speaks to you, convince some friends to join you if that makes your heart happy, and toe that start line! You’re on the journey of a lifetime and there are so many more miles to go!

Are you ready to start your running journey?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs, each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!