Running Advice for Beginners

Enjoy the health benefits running can provide for you --get your running program started with the following tips.

• Find a running group or running partner for motivation. It's always fun to train with another person. Check out Runners World magazine or their website (www.runnerswold.com). They offer many links to running clubs, running paths and events both nationally and locally.



• Get a good pair of running shoes. Be sure to try on several brands and styles to find the best fit. Additionally, with running shoes most of the time you get what you pay for, so you might need to splurge on these shoes.



• Stay hydrated. Drink tons of water. Before and after your runs.



• Stretching is so important. I recommend stretching at least 15 minutes before and after working out. Be sure to hold stretches for at least 15 seconds and don't bounce. Calves, hamstrings, and quads are particularly important.



• Find a trail or some grass to run on, cement's hard on the body.



• Cross train to avoid injuries.



• Don't over train. Its easy to believe the more you train, the better you'll perform. That simply isn't the case. Listen to your body, it'll usually tell you when you're overdoing it.



• Stay away from fast food. Your body will perform much better when you fuel it well.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.