If you’ve been thinking about becoming a runner for a while, let me be the first to congratulate you on your decision to give this crazy running thing a try!

 

First of all, let’s take a look at why you might consider taking up running:

  1. You have a friend who runs and it seems like a fun thing to do
  2. You want to get fit
  3. You want to lose weight
  4. You want an excuse to get out of the house alone and away from your screaming children for an hour a day
  5. You’ve had a recent health scare and your doctor told you to get some exercise
  6. You want an excuse to spend more time outside
  7. You remember how fun and freeing it was to run when you were a child
  8. You read running blogs and have decided that you must join this cool group of people

 

The great thing about running is that you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to try it out.  Sure, you can spend lots of money on cute little matchy-matchy outfits made out of the latest wick-away fabrics, but you don’t need to buy any of that until you’re sure that running is the sport for you.  When I first started running, I ran in Converse canvas sneakers! I’m not suggesting you try that, I’m just pointing out that you don’t need to buy $120 running shoes for what could be your first and only run.

Once you’ve gone on a few runs and fallen madly in love with the sport (which I’m sure you will), then you can worry about the equipment.  I highly recommend that you go to a reputable running store to get fitted in the right shoes for you.  Now that you’re committed, you can buy those cute little running outfits.  Target is one of my favorite places to shop for affordable running clothes.  I usually treat myself to one or two items from the running store and sporting goods store, but I always check to see what Target has, too.

RunningMostExpensiveSport
 

After you’re geared up in your cool florescent running clothes, you’ll want a running plan. It can be as simple as scheduling your run on your calendar so that life doesn’t get in the way.  You can set goals for times and distances, or you can fly by the seat of your pants and just get out there and run!  The key is just that – get out there, run, and
have fun!

RunCalendar

So you’re all excited and running on the days you have scheduled, feeling like you’ve got this running thing down, and then it happens…  Winter comes, or it rains for a week, or you go on a business trip, or you get sick, or something else gets in the way of a couple of runs, and you’re not running anymore!  What’s a girl with expensive running shoes, cool hot pink running shorts, and a fancy high-tech running bra to do?

 

Devise a plan to get you back on the running trails:

  1. Find a running buddy
  2. Sign up for a local race
  3. Write down specific running goals and dates to accomplish them
  4. Join a running group
  5. Download a running app on your smartphone
  6. Read running articles online to learn new running tips
  7. Encourage your spouse or significant other to start running so it becomes a part of your family’s routine

 

Hopefully with these tips, you’ll become the runner you want to be! Good luck, have fun, and get out there and run!

 

Edited note: Click here to read Becoming A Runner, Part 2

 

  • Questions:
  • Did you like the running events in the President’s Physical Fitness tests in PE when you were in school?
  • Do you run regularly or occasionally?
  • What’s the silliest excuse you’ve used to skip going out on your run?