Running Tips
Join a local running club - check with local running stores or gyms to find one that works for you.

Invest in good shoes and socks made for running. Your feet will thank you.

Try running soft trails - think nature trails/cross country trails - if you are prone to shin splints and lower leg pain.

Bags of frozen peas make great ice packs for soothing aches and pains.

Tie your shoe laces in a double knot so they will not come untied while you're running.

Keep a training diary and subscribe to a running magazine to keep in the know.

Run either early in the morning or in the evening - its cooler - and wear sunscreen - even in the winter - to prevent sun burn and skin damage.

Find a running partner. It makes the run more enjoyable to do, and harder to back out of.

Remember to keep yourself hydrated! Dehydration is dangerous. Either carry a bottle with you, or plan on a pit stop at a halfway point to get liquids.

Don't push yourself or punish yourself to hard. Everyone has good days and bad days.

When running outside, do not wear headphones unless you know that you will not be surprised by a car, neighbor’s dog, or wild animal. You also do not want to be surprised by a dangerous stranger. While running you need to be aware of what is going on around you so that you will safely make it home, and you cannot do that with headphones on.

Check the weather report and dress accordingly. Dress in layers in the wintertime so you can remove them if need be. Also, it is NEVER a good idea to run when thunderstorms are imminent!

ALWAYS remember to stretch before and after a good run. This will help prevent muscle soreness.

Keep a good consistent pace, especially when running long distances.

Make sure you invest in some good socks. Cotton socks will sometimes give you blisters over time.

Don't compare yourself to other runners. Run for yourself.

If you have not run in a long time. Work into it slowly. Start with short distances. Don't push too hard the first few times. It is ok to stop and walk a little, too.

Try to vary your distances and terrain. Come up with a few different courses to run and plan your path out in advance.

If you hurt yourself stop and walk. An injury will only get worse until you take care of it.

Use your car to map out distances for different runs.

Pay attention to how you run. If you run lightly you will minimize the impact that could lead to injury. Don't run flat footed.