My Top 5 Tips for Beginner Runners - "Road Rules"

I was asked to update a story that was done on me in a magazine back in December and with the update they wanted my top 5 tips I have would give to new runners of things I have learned since I started running my "Road Rules".

    1)     Get the proper shoes for your feet. Go to a professional running store and have them fit you for the correct shoes. See my blog post here.

2)     Buy running apparel, running is easier and safer if you are comfortable and have the correct clothing. Make sure you have safety equipment when you run. Lights, clothing that reflects and a way to contact someone if you fall or are hurt. See my blog post here. I always carry my phone and on long runs I have a battery back up. I just purchased an ID bracelet from Road ID. If something happens my information can be accessed by EMS workers, while completely protecting me.

3)     Always have water with you in some way; dehydration can lead to serious problems to your health. See my blog post here.

4)     Never run with your back to traffic. Run against the traffic so cars can see you and you can see cars. I run early in the mornings while it is still dark, when there is less traffic, but there is still traffic and I am very aware of cars, as they hopefully are aware of me. I have a headlamp that shines right at the cars and I wear fluorescent colors, reflective clothes and vest, but I run against traffic so I am aware of all cars coming at me. I have noticed here in the warmer months more people are running earlier in the mornings. But some are running with traffic, it actually scares me when I pass them running, they don’t know what is coming up behind them and some wear dark clothing. Please be smart and run so you can see and been seen.

5)     Take running one step at a time. Never push yourself beyond what your body can do. Ease into running to build up distance, speed and endurance. Listen to your body if you need to rest, rest.  See my blog post here.