10 Running Tips For Beginners

On the surface, it may seem silly to list 10 running tips for beginners.  You may be asking yourself, “isn’t running just about putting one foot in front of another.”  Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.  Running, especially if you are a beginner, can be fraught with all sorts of pitfalls that can lead to discouragement and even injury.  That is why it is often advisable to heed the advice of some experienced runners and get as many running tips for beginners as you can. 

1. Visit a doctor or physician before you start any new exercise program.  Running puts stress on your joints, lungs and heart.  Because of this, you want to visit a physician to ensure that your body can handle this stress.  Then, after you receive the go ahead, ask your doctor to help you outline a running and weight loss program. 
2. Purchase a good pair of running shoes.  Running is great because it involves virtually no investment.  Take note that the operative word is virtually. One of the best running tips for beginners is to buy a good pair of running shoes.  The proper shoes can help eliminate the possibility of running related injuries.   
3. Start out slow and see how your body responds. When you are a beginning runner, you do not want to try and run a marathon right out of the gate.  This is actually where many beginners go wrong; they feel good so they push themselves to their limits.  Then, the next day, they discover that their bodies ache or that they have pulled a muscle.  This leads to discouragement.  To avoid this, take it slow; see how your body responds. 
4. When you are running, in the beginning, do not be afraid to incorporate a run walk routine.  Truthfully, beginning runners should focus more on finishing their goals, and less on how they are finished.  Therefore, allow yourself to walk throughout particularly difficult parts of the run.  This will give you a sense of accomplishment, and increase the chances of you continuing to exercise. 
5. Focus on time not distance.  One of the most popular running tips for beginners focuses on time and not distance.  Any quality running program will be designed to increase the amount of time you spend running and not the distance.  Your running speed will naturally increase, as will your distance. 
6. Avoid running two days in a run.  Beginning runners, for the first month or two, should avoid running two days in a row.  This will give your body a chance to recover from strains and pulls.  If you want to keep up a regular exercise routine, try walking or lifting weights during your off days. 
7. Another tip for beginning runners is to make sure you continue to run at least three days a week.  This helps ensure that you stay in a regular routine, and it gives you less reason to become discouraged.   
8. Hydrate yourself, often.  It is easy to become dehydrated when you run.  This is not only dangerous for your health, but it also increases the chances of pulling a muscle.  To avoid this, hydrate both before and after every run.  Sports are great tools for this. 
9. Never neglect stretching.  The number one reason a person quits running, especially among beginning runners, is because of injury.  Stretching properly is a key to avoiding pulls, tweaks, and shin splints.  To avoid this, include stretching as part of your cool down routine, immediately after a run.
10. Smile, laugh, and have fun.  You will not continue to run if you view it as a chore.  Instead, make it fun, and make it something you look forward.  So, turn that frown upside down and enjoy yourself.