One of the great things about being a runner, a running coach, and a running blogger, is that I have a wide circle of running friends. So when I took to social media recently to ask fellow runners and coaches what were their top running tips for beginners, they were quick to answer.
Thanks to the runners and coaches who shared top #running tips for beginners! Check out these tips that can help you avoid injury, get faster, and learn to love running! Click To Tweet
The Top 17 Running Tips for Beginners
Tamsyn Smith from Fat Girl to Ironman: If you don’t feel in the mood, just agree to lace up your shoes and go outside for 5 minutes. By the time you’ve done that, you may well find you keep going.
Abby Siler from the Runner Doc: From a physical therapist who specializes in running, Don’t neglect your strength training, by just doing 2 days a week of bodyweight exercises for about 10 minutes you can help prevent injuries and make you a stronger runner!
Angela from Marathons and Motivation: Invest in a good pair of running shoes, preferably from a running store where they can evaluate your gait.
Chrissy from Snacking in Sneakers: Be consistent. Don’t worry about all the fancy stuff at the beginning (like speed work and hills and all that jazz) – just be consistent getting out there at least a few days a week. It’s amazing how your body will adjust to that consistency and what was tough at the start will feel comfortable in only a few months.
Celia from Chicago Jogger: Use music as motivation. I love running to either an Amazon playlist or upbeat Pandora station. Music keeps me going and helps keep me going at a steady pace!
Janelle from Run with No Regrets: Find an accountability partner! Running can sometimes be intimidating but starting with a friend can help you both with becoming committed and staying motivated!
Deborah from Confessions of a Mother Runner: Take it slow and enjoy the process. So many new runners do too much too fast and end up getting injured or burnt out.
Courtenay from Running with Perseverance: “Run your own race” – don’t compare yourself to others, follow your own plan, adjust according to your needs, and be proud of your accomplishments.
Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home: There’s no shame in walking. Run/walk intervals are very useful when starting out and when coming back from injury.
Lauren from Breathe Deeply and Smile: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Find a plan to follow to gradually run more and be sure to take rest days and off days from running.
Erika from MCM Mama Runs: Run slow and walk fast. You will build stamina without injury as you increase your time and distance.
Michelle from Running with Attitude: Remember your why! Running is hard, and when you’re feeling discouraged it’s important to remember why you decided to take on this new challenge in the first place and celebrate milestones along the way!
Rachel from Running on Happy (and one of my Coaches’ Corner co-hosts!): Beginner runners are my favorites. I always tell them “it doesn’t get easier, you get stronger.” Every workout builds strength and mental endurance, particularly for beginners like C25K runners. It’s an incredible transformation to watch. 
Kimberly from Running on the Fly: You don’t have to run every day. You don’t have run far. You don’t have to run fast. You don’t even have to run a race. Just run and enjoy the process.
Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice: Don’t take on too much too soon and get overwhelmed. Set small, attainable goals and chip away at them slowly but consistently. The longer you spend building up your strength and stamina, the less likely you are to get injured and burn out.
Janice from Salads 4 Lunch: A stitch in time saves nine – if you’re starting to feel injured then listen to your bod so that the injury doesn’t become worse.
Kimberly from Kooky Runner: Set small goals for yourself. It will keep you motivated as you increase your mileage and time on your feet!
Thank you to all of the running coaches and runners who offered their best tips! And of course, I have my own tips, which not surprisingly echo those of these experts.
Read this: My 10 Tips for Starting a Running Program
Runners and running coaches! What is your best one piece of running advice for beginners?
Beginning runners! Now’s your chance! What is one question you’d like to ask of all these experienced runners and coaches?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
All these tips are great! A nice idea, Debbie.
I wish I had read these when I started out running.
I really think the key is to start slow and be consistent! Its so common to want to go all in right away and then end up injured or burnt out. Running doesn’t need to be all or nothing- just a few days a week is a great place to start!
Great tips. Even useful as reminders to those not so beginning runners.
I liked how you asked other bloggers for their tip.
Great advice from some of my favorite running bloggers and coaches. Running can and should be for everyone.
I love all of these! I started running as a teenager so I was practically indestructible. These tips are definitely for everyone, but especially adults who are starting a running program. Start slow, be patient, enjoy the process. Plan to run for the rest of your life!
I tried to write this on Lisa’s post (have to go back & try again) — one of my best pieces of advice for new runners is don’t try to keep up with seasoned runners or feel you have to run fast! It’ll probably feel too difficult & you’ll want to quit.
Running takes time to get used to! Like years.:)
Now is the time, for sure!
I know there are plenty of new runners who will benefit from this list!
These are all wonderful tips!! I think it’s so easy to want to jump in and do it all as a new runner, but patience and consistency are key!
Great advice! It’s so important to support and empower new runners so that they can build confidence and stick with it!