How to start running from the ground up

Invest in the necessary gear

With so many products and fancy gadgets out there, some might argue that running isn't the inexpensive sport it used to be. But that's not necessarily true. There are some items well worth investing in to make sure you're as comfortable as possible and won't be risking injury, but you certainly don't need to go on a spending spree to follow every trend.

Comfortable clothing is one area that is undoubtedly important to focus on. For people with breasts, that includes finding a supportive running bra for your body type. The Brooks Running Bra Finder tool can help you find your best fit while choosing from a variety of styles.

Similarly, finding the right running shoes is also super important. If you are brand new to running, it makes sense to visit your local running store in person to find the best shoes for you. Many running store associates will have you test shoes to find a pair that fits well and feels comfortable. They might also make a recommendation based on whether you pronate (i.e. whether your foot rolls inward or not upon impact). Once you're advancing in your running journey and want some extra guidance in choosing a shoe for a training goal, the Brooks Shoe Finder can be a helpful resource.

Another key piece of gear? Shorts — especially if you live in a hot and humid climate like I do here in Houston, Texas. I prefer tight shorts that aren't so short they'll ride up or chafe me and that have decent-sized pockets to store my energy gels and house or car key. The Brooks Method 5" Short Tight covers all these bases, and they're the shorts I trained in and wore during this year's Houston Marathon, where I ran my first-ever Boston Marathon qualifying time.

Fuel and hydrate properly

I'm not a dietitian or nutrition professional, so I hesitate to give blanket advice on fueling properly before and during runs. Everyone is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you. Therefore, it's best to use trial and error to determine what keeps you most energized on a run.

Hydration, on the other hand, is arguably more important to focus on, especially since most runners could probably stand to be drinking more water both on and off a run. Here in Houston, my other must-have piece of gear is a handheld water bottle for hydration, which I take with me on runs of any distance in the summer months. I'll usually fill it up and freeze it overnight, as it'll melt down to ice-cold water fairly quickly once I get moving. If I'm on a run lasting longer than an hour, I'll most definitely be stopping to refill it at a water fountain more than once.

Consider the conditions

One of the best ways you can stick to a running plan is to make it a habit to fuel your motivation. In order to stay motivated, it's important your runs are as enjoyable as possible. Consider the conditions, and plan out the safest time to run. In the summer, that might mean early mornings to avoid heat exhaustion. In the winter, that could mean midday to avoid running on dark, icy roads when your chance of injury is higher and it's more difficult for drivers to see you if your clothing isn't bright or reflective enough.

Another key component of setting up a comfortable routine is figuring out some go-to routes. Do you live near any parks with trails and tree cover for shade? Is your neighborhood pretty low-traffic and safe for running on the roads or sidewalks? Nailing down a few options you can rotate between is helpful to avoid monotony.

If it's not possible to get out at optimal times or you're experiencing severe weather and you have access to a gym or treadmill, by all means, use it. A treadmill is an excellent tool to get a run in. If you have your smartphone or a tablet, you can catch up on your favorite TV show or podcast while you get your workout in, which could also help with motivation when you're just not feeling it.

Take steps to avoid injury

Any runner who is starting from zero should start with a run-walk plan and work their way up to running a nonstop 5K race before pursuing longer distance goals. The key, however, is consistency. You don't want to pile on too much too soon and risk getting injured. Being inconsistent in your training and then trying to ramp up the mileage is a recipe for disaster as well.

You should run the majority of your runs at an easy, conversational pace. This is a concept that is difficult for many new runners as they target a goal race, but once you have a time goal on the horizon, your easy pace should be at least 45 to 90 seconds slower than your goal race pace. To put this in context, when I trained for my Boston-qualifying race last year, which I completed in 3:30:14 (6:20 average pace per 1 kilometer), none of my easy or long runs averaged faster than 8:39-8:49 per 1 kilometers, unless it was a prescribed race-pace workout. In addition to helping you avoid injury, this is also important for recovery.

Finally, one of the biggest components of avoiding injury is to listen to your body when it's asking you to rest. Does something hurt? Do you have slight discomfort in your knee, calf, hip, or foot that's causing you to alter your gait when you run? Take a day off, or better yet, a few, to rest it. Missing a day, or even a week, won't make or break your performance. Pushing through pain or discomfort, however, could lead to a full-on injury that might cause you to have to sit out of your running routine altogether. Trust me, I speak from experience.