How to get started with running

Have you ever seen those ambitious runners while you were driving and thought to yourself I could never be that person or maybe you laughted to yourself and said I wish I COULD be that person.

If this sounds like you – this post is for you…

I ran my first marathon last year and am often asked how does one get started.

To be quite truthful it is not that difficult but if you are here it is most likely because you are a person who needs a clear plan of action to get you going.

I say this from experience.. because I can never start anything without a plan haha

In this post I will explain the steps that helped me get started with running …

Sign up for your first Race

Most of us are motivated by deadlines – by having a date booked on the calendar you are more opt to stick to you goal to run the race. Especially after spending the money for the race, booking a hotel if you are going out of town, investing in sneakers etc. I personally make a goal to run 1-3 races each year. I actually budget for races each year now because running has become such a big part of my life. If you live in the USA visit RunningintheUSA.com for a listing of races that take place in each city/state by month and year. If you live anywhere else in the world check-out active.com

Invest in a decent running shoe.

Go to a local sneaker store and have them size your feet for a compatible fit/recommendations. Let the specialist know your goals and intent for the sneaker. Believe it or not your shoes matter ..More than I believed when I first got started. You want to avoid injuries, blisters and other beginning runner ailments such as shin splits.

Seek out a local running community

Running with a community will provide you with all kinds of motivation and accountability, especially as you get started on your journey. Like anything else, running included, when you have a date to run you will most likely get it done, I also find that running communities will provide you with details on running safetly, the importance of stretching etc. A bonus: you will make new friends through the process. I have met some amazing people through my running community.

Download an app to track your runs

This is huge!!! Like anything else in life, in my opinion, I think tracking and measuring is a great way to achieve success. I like to track my runs to become familiar with distances and time. Its a great way to help you not only see the progress you make with running but also to better manage your time! My go to running app is MapmyRun but I have also used Nike Run and Stravva in the past. Each app is great; I will do reviews on app more in depth in the future.

Download a running plan

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Most apps will provide running plans and I would suggest just utilizing the plan on the running app you decide to use. However, if you want to be a fancier and/or are a planner nerd like myself you can visit Halhigdon.com as they have a lot of great running plans for different distances. I use this resource for myself when training for different races.

Enjoy the process, enjoy being outdoors.

Enjoy doing something great for yourself. I have found running to be the best therapy. I choose this cardio exercise because it allows me to get outdoors to get some fresh air, raises all the good and happy endorphins and is just a great hobby or activity that is healthy. And rememeber it takes time to enjoy running. When I first started running I couldn’t even run a quarter of a lap at a local track but overtime I completed a lap, then two laps and before I knew it I was able to run 5 miles and fell in love with a sport that allows me to push myself harder. These attributes have carried over into my life and I know it will do the same for you

Picture on the left was taken at the start of the marathon. (I met the girl in blue through my running community we signed up for the race together). Picture on the right was taken as I approached the finish line -  Race Date: October 6th 2019 in Corning, NY