Eight Things to Consider Before Starting a Running Program

Running is a great way to build fitness, energy levels and tone and maintain muscle structure. However, you shouldn't jump off the couch and begin running without first developing a plan to successfully reach your specific goals. Whether your goal is overall fitness, losing weight, or running a particular distance, here are 8 things you really need to consider before beginning a fitness (running) routine:

1. Organization - You will need a disciplined and systematic approach to reaching your fitness goals. This means assessing your current fitness level, considering factors such as time needed to reach your desired fitness level vs. amount of time willing to dedicate, and keeping good records of your workout activities. Several websites online will help you plan and track your workouts and allow you focus on getting fit and in shape (coolrunning.com and runstoppable.com are two good examples).

2. Training Program - You should follow a program that will allow you a reasonable chance at attaining your desired goal. If you are a true beginner, a "Couch-to-5K" type plan would be a good start. Build slowly and at a manageable pace; remember the old saying, "it is a marathon, not a sprint!"

3. Commitment - Any new fitness regimen will require some dedication on your part. Some days you may not feel like exercising, but keeping committed will be the single-most important factor in reaching your fitness goal. Keep motivational items around you (such as the entry form of your first 5K or maybe a picture of your kids; whatever inspires you to improve your life).

4. Avoid Illness and Injury - This goes without saying, but injuries can be avoided by slowly increasing your endurance limits rather than an 'all-at-once' approach. A well-known proverb is to increase your weekly miles base by 10% max per week. And do not attempt to "run through" injury; you may be making a small, recoverable injury much much worse!