Before you begin your running career with Help the Hospices it's advisable to see your doctor for a physical, particularly if you're a current or former smoker, overweight or if there is a history of heart disease in the family.
Once you've got the all clear, starting out depends on how fit you are. Whilst the tendency is to go out and run as fast and far as possible, the best approach is to start out slow. By not overdoing it in the first few days, you'll have fewer injuries, fewer problems with sore muscles, be more inclined to carry on your training and importantly you'll enjoy it more!
People take up running for lots of different reasons – some to lose weight, others to relieve stress, whatever your reason it's important when starting out to set yourself goals, at the very least this gives you motivation and something to aim for.
A typical goal for a beginner is 30 minutes of walking and running four times per week, later when you're into your training programme you may set mileage goals - running for one mile without stopping or running a faster time. You may choose a race as your goal, for example, your local 5k (3 miles) - whatever your goal, don't give up until you achieve it!
copyright realrunner.com 2004