Now you've decided that you want to be a runner. What should I do now? Actually one of the first things you'll want to do is make sure you physically can do it. Get a checkup from your doctor. I know it sounds tedious but is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. Maybe there is some underlying condition you have that would actually get worse if you decided to run. So do yourself a favor by getting checked out first.

Your doctor has given you the green light and you're ready to go. You got yourself some good running shoes and think now I can go. One of the hardest things that will come up is motivation. Now initially you'll have no problem with this because it is new and you're ready, but within a month or so it will not. You'll start making excuses and it will be much easier to decide to not go for your run.

What I've done that helps me to stay motivated is to actually sign up for a local 5K race. Now when I say race it's not something you'll actually race but a race to actually finish. Make sure you tell people you know that you'll be doing this because I'll tell you when you tell someone you're going into a 5K race other people will be excited for you. During your times when you really don't feel like getting out there you will because if other people know about it and ask you about it what will feel better saying "Well I gave up" or "slow but steady".

Now you don't want to sign up for a 5K that is only a month away give yourself some time to get ready. I like to use a minimum of at least 2 months. If you're just starting and have never run before give yourself a bit more time. Remember they may call it a race but look at it as a distance I want to finish, not race, especially if your new.

Make sure when you do go for a run to warm up. I usually will spend about 5-10 minutes prior to running to do this. Also make sure you do some stretching. Not so much that you pull a muscle but enough so you don't pull a muscle during your run. After my run is when I'll spend a bit more time to stretch. I have found this the best time to do this. Your warmed up and your muscles have lots of blood flow so the chance of pulling a muscle is much less.Soon after my stretching I will hydrate myself. I will drink plenty of water.

So what should I do? Well get your doctor's approval first then go for your run because before you know it the first 5K will be over and you'll be ready for another.