Starting out in a nutshell - Training

Stage 1

Make sure you warm-up, stretch and cool-down for EVERY run.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to do too much too soon. Start off very gently and remember that if you cannot hold a conversation when you are running, you are pushing yourself too hard.

Don’t worry about how hard you are training or whether you are doing enough, just get out and establish the routine first. After about a month of your training, your consistency should start to feel like a habit.

Stage 2

At this point think about involving a professional. Find a recommended personal trainer to progress your training at the right rate for you. If you don’t belong to a gym then find a freelance trainer that will come out to your house. This doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive just a couple of visits and they will write you a plan and show you different techniques.

Set yourself a goal! This will be great for your motivation. Beginners are advised to start off with a 5k race as their first goal.

Alternatively, you could download a training plan compiled by a professional coach to get you started