Beginner Running Tips

Here are some beginner running tips that will have you on the road in no time!

Buy a good pair of running shoes. A pair of good running shoes can make all the difference in your success. When a beginner runner goes shopping for running shoes, she often thinks that she'll get a pair of cheap running shoes just to "try it out" and make sure that she likes running and plans to continue with her running program. Then she'll get a pair of "good" running shoes. On the contrary, beginning your running program wearing a pair of high-quality running shoes can be the determining factor as to whether or not you stick with your running program.

Make sure your running shoes fit properly. It's essential that your running shoes fit properly. Visiting a running store that specializes in running gear is a good place to learn about
the different types and brands of running shoes. Trained employees can tell you whether your foot rotates inward (overpronation) or outward (underpronation, or supination), and guide you to a running shoe that has the proper support for your foot.

Start out slowly. Of all the beginning runner tips that you might read, this is the most important. One of the biggest mistakes a beginning runner makes is to go too far and too fast too soon. It's much better to start out slowly and gradually increase running speed over a period of time. Many successful runners start out with a running/walking program - run for 30 seconds, walk for 2 minutes, repeat 10 times, and gradually increase the time spent running while decreasing the time spent walking. This will also help keep running cramps to a minimum.

Keep a running record. A running journal or running log is a great way to track your progress. A small notebook will work just fine, or track your runs online at Running Journal or Log a Run. You can keep it simple and just record the date, length, and time of your run, or add more details, such as the weather conditions, your running routes, how you felt when you were running, etc. Watching your miles build up and your running distance and speed increase is a great way to stay motivated.

Use a running program. When you're a beginner runner, you may not be sure how far, how fast, or how often to run. If you find yourself in that situation, check out some running programs. A great one to try is The Couch to 5k running program, which offers training schedules, information, and links to podcasts and iPod apps that will have you up and running in no time.

Try interval workouts. Interval running workouts are a great way to shake things up a bit and get some great cardio gains in a short period of time. An interval running workout consists of a short period of hard running followed by a slightly longer period of recovery. For example, run for 30 seconds, jog or walk for 90 seconds, repeat 8-10 times. Start with one interval training workout a week, as they can be a real workout.

Flip through a running magazine. Pick up a running magazine the next time you're at a bookstore. You'll find loads of information and tips, and it's great for motivation. Some running magazines are geared more to advanced runners, so browse through a few to see which one seems like the right fit for you. Runners World magazine and Running Times magazine are two of the best.

Check back often for more Beginning Runner Tips!

Return from Beginner Running Tips to Running to Lose Weight


Return from Beginner Running Tips to Little Black Dress Fitness Tips