How to Become a Runner: Powerful First Steps

A question that I see pop up often is “how do I start running?”. By asking this question you are already on your way to becoming a runner! One key component to running is to have a desire to run. Once you have that, everything else will fall into place. Whether your motivation is for health benefits, stress relief or joining a community, that driving force to start running will help you take those powerful first steps. This guide on how to become a runner will help you get started on your running journey!

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Consult Your Physician

If you are brand new to working out and fitness, make sure you are cleared to start running by a doctor. Getting active is life-changing, and your doctor will make sure you start off on the right foot (pun intended!).  

Write Down Your Motivation

When I ran my first marathon my coach told me to write down why I wanted to run a marathon. She asked, “What was my motivation?”. This is crucial for moments when you need a reminder of why you are running. For new runners keeping a run-journal can help you reflect on your runs and keep reminding yourself of those “whys”. Why is this journey important to you?

Find a Running Program to Follow

There are plenty of online programs for new runners to follow. There is the Jeff Galloway “Run/Walk” method, Couch to 5k, and plenty of other beginner programs. If you are self-motivated and want to dive into something, these are a great place to start.  

Join a Run Club or Community

If you need more motivation or want to feel more connected to a community, join a running group or club! When I started to train for my first race, the financial commitment to my run club kept me motivated to stick with my training. The friendships and support I got from the group kept me with them for years after that first race.

If money is tight, there are plenty of free run groups. Explore groups in your area through Meetup.com. There you can discover like-minded folks who run together regularly. Facebook.com is also a great resource for free running communities.     

Invest in Running Shoes

Having a comfortable pair of running shoes is essential for beginner runners. I would suggest going to your local run store and getting fitted for a pair. You can buy shoes off the rack, but it can be a bit of a Goldie Locks situation. Finding the “perfect” shoe for you can be tough, but don’t get discouraged! Even if you can’t find the “perfect” shoe, just find the best option that works for you.   

Set a Goal

Staying motivated to run, even on days you might not feel like it, is MUCH easier when you have a goal in mind! The most obvious goals are races. Starting out with a 5k or a Turkey Trot (see my reasons Why the Turkey Trot is the Perfect First Race) will give you a clear timeline for your goal and help keep you on track. There are also online races and challenges that you can sign up for and log miles, without having to attend a race. Having a clear goal will help keep you running and inspired.  

Get Comfortable in Your Running Skin

Realize that most people don’t look perfect when they run and that’s OK! I know I am NOT a running model, but that’s real life! Part of running is just getting over being nervous and insecure about getting sweaty in public or looking funny when you run. Believe me, no other runner cares about how you look, we are all just happy to see someone else running!

Make it Routine

This may be easier said than done but fitting your runs into your daily routine will make a huge difference when it comes to staying on track. I am a very routine person, I know that I run on certain days for certain miles, and it’s just part of my normal daily schedule. Obviously, life happens, and we must be flexible sometimes. That is FINE, just don’t let one small change ruin your routine! Get back at it as soon as you can, your body will thank you.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments  

Running is an amazing, sometimes difficult, but totally worth it passion to pursue. Every step is bringing you closer to your goal. I love the sense of accomplishment that running gives me. Go ahead and celebrate that feeling! Let your friends and family know what you are up to, share your runs on social media, enjoy that cookie after a hard week of training, you earned it! By celebrating your accomplishments, you will feel encouraged to keep pushing and keep training. You are strong! You got this!  

Keep in mind that there is no standard for being a “runner” other than, you guessed it, running! There is no body-type, race distance, or minimum pace requirement to consider yourself a runner. So be proud of what you can do and never feel ashamed. If you are out there doing what you can, you are a runner!

I hope this inspires you to start running! It just takes one step to begin your journey, but the benefits will last a lifetime. Running has been the biggest positive constant in my life over the past ten years. I am forever grateful to the sport that has changed my life and I know it can change yours too! Happy Running Y’all!

Don’t forget to check out my guide for Time-Tested Gear for Superior Distance Running!

If you need more reasons to run read 13 Excellent Reasons to LOVE Running!

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