I’ve been running since middle school, when I joined my school’s cross country team in 7th grade. Sometimes seasonally I wouldn’t run much, when I was recovering from a foot surgery in college, or if I was burnt out from running, but it has always been a passion of mine, something I enjoy.

I told a coworker this morning, my favorite thing about running is that I don’t need any machine or tool to do it. I can lace up my tennis shoes, step out the front door, and go.

Asics is running a marketing campaign right now, “It’s a big world, go run it.” I love it, the idea of putting more and more miles behind me, exploring the known and the unknown.

I get that running may not be the most enjoyable or pleasant experience, but if you’re looking to get started, here’s what I would say:

1. Get the right shoes. It’s hard not to buy running kicks based on color or style, but resist! Your shoe needs to cater and work for your specific needs. Because I’ve had multiple surgeries on my left foot, I need a shoe with a great deal of cushion and support. “Weightless” shoes don’t work well for me. Research a little bit, visit your local running store, and decide based on your goals.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Don’t shy away from water, especially if you’re training to for a longer run. It’s a great idea to start drinking days before any run; it’s key to keeping your body in top shape.

3. Don’t be afraid to take a leap. Don’t think you can run 5k, 10k or half marathon? You can! Finishing a distance is half your head, and half your body. If you sign up for a race, you’ll be more motivated to be consistent in your weekly running. Sign up with a friend or family member, encourage each other, and enjoy the adrenaline. :)

4. You are what you think. A large percentage of running is a mental game. If you think you can, you will. Guess what happens when your thoughts go the other way? Stay positive on the run and try to make all your self-talk encouraging. One of my personal favorites is set your pace, run your race. It helps me not start out too fast, and to keep my mind on my own run and not the person who is passing me.

5. You don’t have to run the entire time. Jeff Galloway, running legend, has built his entire career around the Run Walk Run. Giving yourself small, attainable goals will help you to run better in the long run. The trick with running is consistency. If you need to run/walk – do it. Repeat it as many times as you need to, and pretty soon, you’ll find yourself not needing to walk at all. Or, you may find that the run/walk suits you and you do it on every training run and every race. Either way you are a runner, enjoy it!

If you’re a new runner — what’s one thing you’d like to know about running?

If you’re an experienced runner —what’s one thing you wish you had known when you started running?

photo via Google images