I once thought anyone who actually liked running was crazy!  Go here if you’d like to read how I got started.  Otherwise, keep reading for my top eight tips to get stared on your own running journey.

8 Tips to Get Started Running:

1. Set a Running Goal:

I still do this. If I don’t have a goal on the horizon, I get lazy. So find a race and sign up for it. Most cities have several 5k, 10k, or longer races throughout the year. Or find one within easy driving distance and make a day of it. Don’t worry if you won’t be able to run the whole thing. Walking part (or even all) of it is just fine.

2. Get the Gear:

One of the reasons I love running is because it’s cheap. The only piece of equipment that is a must have is a decent pair of shoes. I highly recommend making a trip to your local running store and asking them to fit you for the right shoes.  Go ahead and splurge a little in this area.   Expect to spend $100 – $150.  I know that sounds like a lot, but remember you’ll be saving that much in doctor’s visits by avoiding injury.

3. Get the Tech:

You don’t really need any tech to run, but it makes it a little more fun. If you want to map your distance you can do it the old fashioned way and drive your route to see how long it is. Or you can do it the high tech way with a GPS watch or an app on your smartphone. GPS watches start around $100 for basic models and go up to several hundred dollars. But if you’re just starting out, save your pennies and just go for one of the free smartphone apps like Map My Run or Runtastic.

4. Get Moving:

Once you have that target on the calendar you need a plan to get moving. There are TONS of training plans online. “Couch to 5k” is a popular one that will get you moving little by little until you’re up to a 5k. Hal Higdon’s website also has great free training plans. I’ve used his plans for everything from a 5k to a full marathon.

5. Deal with the Roadblocks:

If your life is anything like mine, as soon as you have a plan all in place something will sidetrack you. Don’t worry about it. Adjust and adapt and you’ll be fine. Change your walk/run day, decrease your distance, or even miss a day every now and then if you have to. Just keep moving.

6. Get the Kids Involved:

If you have older kids let them ride their bikes along. Younger kids can ride in a stroller. Let them time you as you run/walk. Make it a game.  Many shorter races will allow kids, and some smaller races will allow strollers.  Many larger races offer kids’ runs sometime during race weekend.  Check the race website ahead of time, and get the kids excited about running.

This was taken at our first family race. All three of the older kids are teenagers now who’ve run half marathons.  The littlest one is in grade school and already talking about her first race.

7. Make it Fun:

Find something that fits your personality and makes running fun for you.  Maybe it’s a scenic running route or great music on your device that motivates you.  If you’re the competitive type, set little goals for yourself and try to beat them.  If social interaction is your thing, find a running buddy.  Lots of towns and cities have running groups and clubs.  Try searching Facebook to find one near you.  If you’re an animal lover, take your four legged friend along.  Personally, I like to listen to podcasts while I run.  My husband thinks this is incredibly boring, but as a mom of eight I need to multitask!

8. Be Determined:

Reaching any tough goal in life takes determination. That’s why we called this site Run Determined. Because some days you just won’t want to get out there and go. Do it anyway. Be determined to reach whatever goal you set for yourself. It won’t always be easy, but it will all be worth it when you cross that finish line!