When I started running several years ago, I only knew the basics of running. And by basics, I mean that I knew running involved putting one foot in front of the other. Not too hard, right? Oh how wrong I was! I tried that and lasted all of about 10 seconds. Looking back on it, I was probably trying to run too fast. But as I learned more about running, I was eager to learn even more. Depending on your current goals, you can probably find a plan online that will help you reach your goals in a healthy (and safe way). Even if you currently can’t run more than a few seconds, a solid training plan can have you running a mile or even a 5k in a matter of weeks. Runners come in all shapes, sizes and speed!
1. Invest in a good pair of shoes and get a professional fitting. I know there can be a certain level of sticker shock when you see the price of a good pair of running shoes but don’t even think about skimping on running shoes. Getting fitted by a professional at a running store is the best way to find the right pair for you. Most running store employees are runners themselves and will analyze you feet and how you run or walk and get you the right shoes. Surprisingly, shoes from a specialty store are very comparably priced to regular retail stores. With regular retail stores, you may not get the shoes that are appropriate for your feet and end up spending more money on a different pair – or worse – they can leave you with an injury. After you’ve found the perfect pair that you are happy with, you can possibly save money online. For more tips on choosing the right pair of running shoes, check out this article.
2. Be patient. Don’t expect to be able to run far or fast, at least in the beginning. Increasing speed and distance come with time and consistency. You’ll get there – just be patient with yourself. Instead of concerning yourself with pace in the beginning, focus on gradually increasing your distance.
3. Join a running group. There are thousands of running groups out there. Finding a group of like-minded people that will encourage and support you, can really help you improve and become a solid runner. While a running group might seem a bit intimidating when you start out, know that all runners started somewhere and understand how challenging it can be. More than likely, a running group will motivate you and provide you with accountability. If you don’t get that experience with a particular group, keep looking – they are out there. The extra benefit of joining a running group is that it’s a good way to form friendships and make the miles pass quickly!
4. Honor rest days. Rest is important to allow your body to recover. Sometimes the less is more philosophy is absolutely true, especially in running. If you feel like you must do something to advance your running, use rest days as academic days and read and learn more about running. Or add in other workouts that will improve your running, like yoga, weight lifting, or swimming. Your legs will appreciate the break! Running might seem super simple to the non-runner (and it can be), but there are proven ways to improve your speed and distance gradually, if that’s what your goal is. Never underestimate the power and importance of a rest day!
5. Keep a training log. If you only run a few miles a week, it may not seem necessary to track your miles in a training log. I’ve found training logs very useful to measure progress and provide a written record of how far I’ve come. As I got more serious about running, reviewing my log allowed me to see what was working and what wasn’t.
6. Walk if you need to. Some people feel like walking is kind of cheating and not something a “real” runner will do. That’s not true at all! There is nothing wrong with walking if you need to. Many times, taking a short walk break helps you catch your breath, regroup and renew your energy.
7. Set small, achievable goals. This is good advice for running and life. Running goals are accomplished one step at a time, one lap at a time, and one mile at a time Each of those steps gets you a little bit closer to your ultimate goal. Start off with a small, realistic goal, achieve that and set a bigger goal. You’ll be amazed at how much you are capable of – even if you’ve never run a complete mile.
8. Call yourself a runner. Don’t undervalue or minimize what you are doing or compare yourself to others. When I first started running, I was pretty slow. When anyone would ask me if I was a runner, I would avoid saying that I was a runner. My standard answer was “I run but I’m not very fast”. But the truth is that it doesn’t matter how fast you run, running at any pace makes you a runner. Start off calling yourself a runner!
If you are a new runner, what is your biggest challenge? Experienced runners – what advice would you give new runners?
Are you a blogger looking to increase your income? Join the Sverve bloggers network and increase your influence!
Jeannette says
July 7, 2015 at 4:53 amThese are great goals. I used to run and loved it but haven’t done it in years. This makes me want to get started again and I’ll be following your tips for sure if I do.
Jeannette recently posted…Man-Sized Meals Ideas for the Hungry Guy in Your Life
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
July 7, 2015 at 7:39 amAll great tips. I have never been a runner and probably never will be 🙁 but who knows? I do enjoy long walks though.
Jaime Nicole says
July 7, 2015 at 7:52 amThese are great tips! I struggle to set small, achievable goals. I seem to want to start setting high goals and that of course is a recipe for failure. Thank you for sharing!
Jaime Nicole recently posted…Relive Childhood Memories & Hunt for the 7th Minion at Walmart!
Denise says
July 7, 2015 at 8:59 amThanks for sharing all of these great tips. I try to run and sometimes I get frustrated, but these are great for getting me motivated.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
July 7, 2015 at 9:07 amResting is so important. No matter what type of exercise you do, you NEED those rest days. Great tips!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…LG G4 Mobile Phone from Best Buy @LGUSAMobile @BestBuy #LGG4
Shannon gurnee says
July 8, 2015 at 3:59 pmI totally agree that resting is super important, no matter what sport you play. This is a great post!
Shannon gurnee recently posted…Magic Mike XXL Girl’s Night Out with Fandango + Giveaway
Michele says
July 7, 2015 at 10:10 amI am not a runner at all–I used to be an avid walker back when I had dogs! Those days are long gone. Those are some very good and valid points you make up there-ones new and old runners alike should listen to!
Michele recently posted…Mansion of Meows-(Klepto Cat Book #9) -Patricia Fry-FREE on Amazon 7/7 ONLY
Natalie Z says
July 7, 2015 at 10:23 amGreat tips! My husband and I are runners that are training our kids to love it as well!
Natalie Z recently posted…DIY Inside Out “I’m Feeling” Suncatcher #InsideOutEmotions
miriam says
July 7, 2015 at 10:41 amThese are really great running tips. Starting can be really hard. I especially like the “call yourself a runner” idea, it boosts confidence in yourself
Candy O says
July 7, 2015 at 10:48 amI think I’m about to start back up. Great tips!! Glad I read your post today!
Jeanine says
July 7, 2015 at 12:49 pmThese are awesome tips. I’m not a new runner, but I’m not one who runs often so these are even helpful for me!
Jeanine recently posted…Breville: The Smart Grill
Pam says
July 7, 2015 at 1:21 pmI’m not a runner, but I have friends who are trying to get into it. I’ll have to send this post their way!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
July 7, 2015 at 1:34 pmThese are all great tips for runners, the shoe fitting is especially important! I’m not a runner, but I have always loved running shoes as I walk superfast, I guess it’s part of being a born and raised New Yorker! LOL 🙂
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly recently posted…{#Entrepreneurs Alert!} #Franchise Opps to Watch from @MFVExpositions International Franchise Expo #IFE2015
mykidsguide says
July 7, 2015 at 2:02 pmThese are awesome tips and a must read for new running enthusiasts. I don’t run, but I do a lot of walking.
mykidsguide recently posted…How To Throw An Awesome Beach Reads Book Swap Party
Penelope says
July 7, 2015 at 3:04 pmI’ve been working up my stamina and endurance hoping to be a runner. But I like your tip to call yourself a runner. If I run and on a regular basis, I guess I am one!
Penelope recently posted…Evenflo Advanced Transitions 3-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Liz Mays says
July 7, 2015 at 3:57 pmI really need to invest in a pair of shoes that’s just for me. I’m still pretty new to running outside!
Liz Mays recently posted…Balsam Mountain Inn – Turn of the Century Charm in the NC Mountains
Felicia says
July 7, 2015 at 6:32 pmThis breaks it all down nicely. What a great way to make sure you are successful at running!
Felicia recently posted…5 Key Ways to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
July 7, 2015 at 6:48 pmThis is all sound advice. I think it’s easy to become discouraged if you over do it when starting a new exercise or sport. Not trying to be anyone by yourself is important.
Toni | BoulderLocavore recently posted…Smoked Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Chile Peppers
Kelly Hutchinson says
July 7, 2015 at 7:05 pmThis is a great list of tips for new runner. I get frustrated when things don’t move as quickly as I would like. I need more patience.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Cheesy Meat Lovers Pull Apart Breakfast Bread
Chantal says
July 7, 2015 at 7:47 pmI don’t think I am anywhere close to running yet but I would like to get back into walking more! I think I will go get a fitting for a good pair of shoes like you recommended!
Chantal recently posted…Link-It To Me Link Party #9
CourtneyLynne says
July 7, 2015 at 8:59 pmThese are some really great running tips! I really should get out there and run more often
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
July 7, 2015 at 10:06 pmI’m still working my way up to running – I don’t think my knees could handle it yet!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert recently posted…Greek Rainbow Vegetable Salad
Theresa says
July 7, 2015 at 10:09 pmI wish I could call myself a runner, but I’m too lazy lol. I always admire those who get out there and do it though!
Theresa recently posted…My Favorite Summer BBQ Essentials
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
July 7, 2015 at 11:07 pmThanks for the great tips. I’m trying to start running again so this was just what I needed to read. I am definitely going to be running and walking.
Miranda (Myrabev) says
July 7, 2015 at 11:21 pmThese are all great tips for runners, I have not done any running in about 3 years now. I used to run with a group then I moved and lost interest
Miranda (Myrabev) recently posted…2nd Blogavesary & Financial Report
Joanne T Ferguson says
July 7, 2015 at 11:59 pmAs a former runner, these are great tips to share! For the most part, it is patience that usually does most runners in to think their body can do much more than their mind thinks they can do at one time or within a reasonable session!
Franc Ramon says
July 8, 2015 at 4:28 amI think it’s important to take small goals and slowly build on it. This allows your muscle to strengthen as you go for bigger goals.
Franc Ramon recently posted…Get Down and Dirty in the Trails with Ahon.PH
Angie says
July 8, 2015 at 7:47 amGreat post! I especially liked “Call Yourself A Runner”. I struggled with this when I was training for my half marathon. I kept telling people that I wasn’t a runner I was just trying….but mind over matter right?
Angie recently posted…River Fashion and The Final Stretch of $100 Giveaway
Tracey says
July 8, 2015 at 8:47 amThis is so helpful! I am just starting to run and can get discouraged easily.
Christie says
July 8, 2015 at 9:08 amPatience is the toughest for me. I want fast results!
Christie recently posted…Homemade Orange Creamsicle Popsicles Recipe
Raijean says
July 8, 2015 at 10:02 amI’m slowly but surely trying to get into running. Thanks for the tips, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Raijean recently posted…Beauty Report: Indure Hair Extensions Review
Ora Lee Gurr says
July 8, 2015 at 11:23 amExcellent tips to get back on a running pace. I’m glad you stressed the importance of correctly-fitting running shoes. It seems some brands are resting on their laurels by selling shoes that make a person look like a runner rather than shoes that make running safe and fun.
Ora Lee Gurr recently posted…Traveling Tuesdays – Five Reasons to Visit Clearwater Beach, Florida
Stefanie says
July 8, 2015 at 1:18 pmA good pair of shoes is so important! I need to get back into running.
Stefanie recently posted…One Pot Red Beans & Rice Recipe
Chrystal | YUM eating says
July 8, 2015 at 1:35 pmI used to run. Well, more like jog. Then walk. Then jog. Then I could jog longer. I never called myself a runner though. I really need to drop some weight and I miss hitting the pavement. Right now I have to do low impact due to issues with my spine and hip. These are great tips and I will keep them in mind for when my back and hips get stronger again.
Chrystal | YUM eating recently posted…Confession: Food Blogging is Hard
Ann Bacciaglia says
July 8, 2015 at 3:25 pmThese are such great tips. I will have to share this with my friend. She has been talking about getting started running. A good pair of shoes would be so important to have.
Shannon gurnee says
July 8, 2015 at 3:45 pmThis is a great list for beginning runners! I think that keeping a log is definitely important so you can see the progress you’ve made since you started running.
Shannon gurnee recently posted…Magic Mike XXL Girl’s Night Out with Fandango + Giveaway
Carly Brydon says
July 8, 2015 at 4:06 pmThese are all great tips! I never knew you could get a professional fitting when you get new shoes – I think doing that would help me out a lot!
Carly Brydon recently posted…21 Day Fix
Brandy says
July 8, 2015 at 5:44 pmI am so not a runner but must admit I am thinking about getting into it …. these are good tips for me to read! I figured shoes would def be important … that’s my first step!
Brandy recently posted…{Fun App} Basic Math Skills for School with Numbie on iTunes & Google Play
Lovely says
July 8, 2015 at 9:18 pma running group maybe thats what i need. cause i have the shoes and the running apps on my phone but i haven’t gotten up to take a run yet.
becka says
July 9, 2015 at 7:42 amWhat great tips. I have considered taking up running and this is a great post to start me off. I didn’t know how important rest days were.
becka recently posted…Capture The Moment By Sarah Wilkerson Book Review
addi ganley says
July 9, 2015 at 10:13 pmI have never been a runner. I recently started walking a couple miles a day and I would like to increase that. I would also like to progress to jogging and running.
addi ganley recently posted…Roll Into Your Summer Vacation With a Safe & Reliable Vehicle
XmasDolly says
July 10, 2015 at 12:00 amMy daughter just started running. I’ll make sure she reads this. I wish I could, but with Spinal Stenosis I’m afraid my running days are pretty much over. You have a great Post here though. Thanks for sharing.
XmasDolly recently posted…Durable Bright 2-in-1 LED Work Light Flashlight Review