Running may be a simple sport but like in the many things in life, you have to prepare to know what to expect and what to do. Preparation is a key to prevent injury.

Here are some tips for beginners who want to sign up for a race and go into running.

Such a perfect day for a run. Blue skies + Green rice fields. Taken last month in Pontevedra. Follow us @Takboph #takboph #keeponrunning #running #marathon #training #instarunners #instarunning #igrunners #runnerscommunity #ultrarunners #run #justdoit #nikerunning #nikeplus #runspiration #fitspiration #motivation #attitude #jogging #outdoors #runner #inspired #run4fun #runitfast

A photo posted by TAlKaBOut Running (@takboph) on Aug 31, 2014 at 9:58pm PDT

 

Get the right shoes

We are lucky nowadays that running specialty stores have knowlegeable  or trained crew to assist in choosing the right shoes. They will check your foot type and recommend the shoe that will fit you.

 

Get a sports bra

Aside from getting appropriate sports apparel – drifit top and shorts, women need to invest in a sportsbra. As running is a high impact sport, these specialized bra will reduce pain, physical discomfort and minimal chance of injury during the run.

Joining the Rise of the RoadRunners Run here in Bacolod tomorrow. Good night world!   A photo posted by Que Sullano-Gavan (@takbophchic) on Dec 20, 2014 at 4:25am PST

Get a Training plan

Having a training plan can help you meet your goal. There are free training plans that you can download (Free Training Plans in Takbo.ph: 5K Training Plans | 10K Training Plans)

If you can afford, get a trainer or coach to have personalized training. He will asses your performance and give you tips for an injury-free training.

 

Join a Running Group

Find a group that can help you train for your goal – may it be running for 30 minutes straight or your first 5k. These groups usually meet once a week. There are groups that you can join for free or for a fee.

If you are in Makati, join the Ayala Triads for their weekly trainings. Aside from running, this group is doing cross training workouts that can help you. They meet Tuesdays at Ayala Triangle Gardens at around 630PM.

 

Look for a Safe Place to Run

If you are following a training plan, whether running alone or in a group, find a place where you can run safely. These areas should be well-lighted incase you are running in the afternoon towards nighttime. There are runner-friendly places in the metro like the Ayala Triangle, SM MOA, BGC, UP Acad Oval.

 

Sign up for a Race

If you have done your training, it’s time to sign up for a race. Some make this their first step so they are forced to train for their goal.

Joining a race will give you a different experience from your usual training run. You will run alongside with fast, experience runners and some newbies too. Remember not to get carried away at how fast others run. Run your own pace and enjoy the road.

 

For more running tips check out Takbo.ph Running for Beginners.