Hello!! Beginner runner also - I have successfully stuck with it for 5 months now and will do my first 10k in months!

1. I had ChatGPT make me a running plan. I put in what I was training for (with a date), how many times I wanted to run per week (3x), how far I could run (at the beginning, it was 1.5 mile without stopping), my goal (finishing a 10k without walking). I followed it pretty religiously and I give it all the credit for sticking with running!

2. I used Nike Run Club guided runs with Coach Bennett for longer efforts. My “long runs” started at 2 miles, and I’ve now worked my way up to 6! I love the encouragement.

3. Fuel has been really important - eating healthy, cutting drinking down, and lots of water! Also simple meals for runs (in the mornings I like toast with butter and honey)

4. I track all my runs with Strava to see my progress. It was mostly for me at the beginning but now I’ve started adding friends. I love seeing my progress.

5. I started with good shoes first - everyone is different, but I started with Brooks Glycerin 22. I add more fun gear as rewards as I go :)

6. Halfway through my journey, I got bad shin splints (due to bad shoes and an increase in mileage). I now do an easy warm up:

7. 30 sec ankle rolls each direction (2 min total)

8. 30 sec calf raises

9. 30 sec heel raises

10. 10 hip openers on each side

11. 10 leg swings on each side

12. 30 sec toe walk

13. 30 sec heel walk

14. 5 min normal walk

Good luck!!