An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Becoming a Runner

• Invest in Shoes and Gear. Visit a specialty running store to get fitted for the best shoes for you and check out gear such as running shorts, tops, or tights made of wicking fibers.
• Stay Safe. Do a warmup before you start, like a walk or an easy jog for 5 min.
• Follow running safety advice, such as going against traffic when running on roads. Always carry some form of identification with you.
• Use the Run/Walk Method. Start with running for one minute, then walk for one minute. Try to increase the running intervals over time.
• Make It Manageable. Keep a conversational pace during each workout. If you can't speak in a full sentence, slow down. Breathe through your nose to get enough oxygen.

Keep your posture upright, head lifted, back should feel tall, and shoulders level. Keep your pelvis neutral and your hands relaxed. Let your arms swing from the shoulder joint.

As runners get tired, they tend to lean forward or back at their waist. Their shoulders may start to hunch over, which restricts breathing. Try to avoid this. Focus your eye about 10 - 20 feet ahead of you.

• *If you are a toe runner, your calves will get tight and you could develop shin pain.
• If you land on your heals, you are usually taking steps that are longer than they need to be. It wastes energy and may cause injury.*

Try to land on the middle of your foot, then roll through to the front of your toes.

• You should drink before, during and after your runs. Drink when you feel thirsty.
• As a general rule, you should drink four to six ounces of fluid every 20 minutes during your runs. Faster runners should increase their fluid intake to eight ounces every 20 minutes.
• Workouts longer than 90 minutes require some form of sports drink to replace lost sodium and electrolytes.

Eating anything you want may lead to weight gain after a few months of regular running. Instead, focus on a healthy balanced diet.

• Eat something light that is high in carbohydrates 2 hours before you start running.
• If you're going to run longer than 90 minutes, consume 100 calories after an hour and another 100 calories every 45 minutes.
• After a long run, eat some carbs and protein within 30 minutes. The ratio of carbs to protein is 3 to 1.

To keep up your motivation:

• Join a running group to help you when you face challenges.
• Consider running with music
• Keep a running journal
• Fill your personal spaces with motivational running quotes.

• Dress in layers. Start with a thin layer of wicking material, a middle layer of polar fleece and an outer layer of nylon to protect against wind and rain.
• Cover your head. Wear a hat to help prevent heat loss, and gloves and warm socks if needed.
• Don’t overdress.

• Light loose gear will help your body breathe and cool down.
• Use water in and on your body to cool you down during runs. Splash cold water on your head, back of your neck and under your arms.
• Don't push your pace in hot and humid conditions.

Your running should include more than just running.

Mix other activities like cycling, swimming, skating, aerobic exercises or strength training to help avoid getting burned out.

• 5K. This is a great race for beginners. Seasoned runners also participate in these races at a very fast pace.
• 10K. When you are comfortable running a 5K, the next step is a 10K.
• 10 Mile. This type of event is challenging but can be done for those who are used to a 10K.
• Half Marathon. It requires substantial training and an organized plan.
• Marathon. This event welcomes runners and walkers of different abilities.
• Ultramarathon. This is the ultimate running experience and takes serious training.