It seems like everything we see online nowadays is running. Like, is it just me or did literally everyone sign up for the London Marathon this year?
So it’s really no surprise then, that so many people have brought this new hype into their own lives in 2026. Whether through setting it as a New Years’ Resolution, signing up for their very first race, or simply committing to stepping outside and going for that first run, running suddenly feels like the thing to do.
And a couple of years ago… this was exactly me.
I saw the videos. Got the parkrun pop ups. And even celebrated people that I’d never even met – total strangers – for their amazing achievements. And honestly? I wanted a piece of the action myself.
But when I started, I wasn’t very good.
After watching endless videos of glamorous individuals absolutely loving their long runs – I couldn’t believe how hard it was! I did not look glamorous, I was not smiling the entire time, and I was slow. Very Slow.
But what didn’t I do? Give up.
And I am so grateful to myself for it. I am proud that I pushed beyond my comfort zone to make space for what has since become what I am most passionate about.
When I started, I was a complete beginner with absolutely no idea what I was doing… And on top of that, I’d moved to a completely, new city for uni – where I didn’t really know the area, the routes, or even where to begin.
Looking back, I would have loved a guide from someone who had been in my very much not running shoes. Someone who looked like me, felt like me, and overcome it all. Someone who also found it really hard… but finally started to love this running malarkey which seemed to fill my feed.
Well, no worries – consider this that guide.
Here you can find a collection of simple tips and tricks that really worked for me when I started out, and will hopefully work for you in the same way.
1. FUEL FUEL FUEL🍌
If you’re new to running, this is probably a term you’ve already heard thrown around – or, is definitely one you will hear… A LOT.
And this is good, because it really is so important!
I know it’s a cliché – but would you expect a car to run without any petrol in it? No. Of course not. So how can we expect our bodies to without the proper food and energy to do so?
Now, I’m not claiming to know what is considered ‘scientifically proper’, but I do know what worked for me. And, while everyone is different, this is what I would suggest to a beginner.
When starting out, I was running 5km parkruns once a week, alongside going to the gym on other days. This helped me get into the spin of my new, more active lifestyle.
And here’s a confession that might make some people raise an eyebrow… I didn’t always eat beforehand.
Parkrun starts at 9:00am on a Saturday morning, and as a student, that generally meant waking up at 8:40 and walking straight out the door. At this time, I just wasn’t hungry, and definitely not up early enough to have something. That said, I did ALWAYS have a glass of water.
(Which I strongly believe is something everyone should do in the morning whether you are running or not.)
But yep… a lot of the time I managed just fine without.
Being said, on days that I did wake up earlier or was feeling a little peckish… I either opted for something light. A banana, or one of my two favourite classics:
Yes, something delicious and full of carbs to set me off just right.
The key thing to remember is this: find what works for you and don’t be swayed by what people are preaching on the internet. You don’t HAVE to follow any strict rules or rigid routines to be a ‘proper’ runner.
But what about after the run?
For me, this is even more important… Re-fuelling after the run is essential for rest and recovery, after feeling your best later on!
After every run, I always have electrolytes to re-hydrate, alongside eating something high in protein, to make sure that I give my body the best chance to recover well.
Because I usually ran in the mornings, I would usually opt for protein porridge or yoghurt bowls as my brekkie… but if you’re running midday, why not opt for a meaty sandwich, an omelette, or simply a protein bar? It really doesn’t have to be complicated.
A Little Note: Now that I run longer distances, I am sure to always have a snack before my long runs – to make sure I have the energy to power through.
2. Wear the right shoes👟
Just as important: Footwear!
Because our feet deserve the best when we are putting them through such an ordeal.
If you are just starting out… you probably don’t need to rush into a full gait analysis quite yet – but I would absolutely recommend investing in a pair of running-specific trainers.
Top Tip: try going half a size up. Having a small amount of extra room in the shoe allows your feet to naturally spread when running. BUT that is not to say that they should be too big or too sloppy!
3. Build up!📈
A lot of new runners can fall into the trap of seeing incredible people online smashing their super speedy, mega long runs – and feeling like they should be doing the same.
But remember: ‘Comparison is the Thief of Joy’ and there was even a time when Mary Berry couldn’t bake a Victoria Sponge.
With running, it is so important to start short and slow – and build up from there… It’s not a weakness – it’s essential. Progress comes from consistency, patience, and building up gradually – not from trying to match an athlete’s highlight reel.
Plus, if you’re a red faced runner at the start… I’m afraid I have some devastating news. It never goes away😂😭
Exposing myself here:
4. Find what moves you🎤
Motivation and mental strength is like… the biggest thing when it comes to running. I mean – they’re actually what gets you out the door in the first place.
So, if I had to suggest something? It would be to figure out exactly what it is that genuinely moves you.
For me, I have curated a absolutely banging playlist that I listen to on my runs. It is one that pumps me up, and brings all the vibes to pull me out of the ‘I can’t do this’ headspace – and rather into a place where I am singing along and just enjoying myself…
Find what it is that gets you there. It may be, like me, a playlist of all your favourite songs, or it could be a podcast, an audio book, white noise… whatever helps you switch off!
It may also be worth considering running with a friend or joining a run club. This is a really great way to bring socialising into your activities and a really great way to motivate you. If other people are waiting for you – it may be just the reason that you tie your laces and face it.
5. Plan and KNOW your route🗺️
This one’s a biggie. If you don’t know where you’re running or how far you will therefore be going – you’re far less likely to do it.
The possibility of getting lost and accidentally running for miles more than you had hoped doesn’t sound appealing to anybody. This is why it is a good idea then, to know your route in advance.
Either look on your friends’ Strava accounts for inspiration, head to a mapped out local parkrun, or use an app like Google Maps which allows you to plan routes and see the exact distance before you set off.
All of these have been absolute life-savers for me – taking the stress away and letting me focus on getting out and enjoying it.
6. Strength train your legs🏋🏻
If you’re starting to run more, having strong legs is so important! This will not only give you the power to run further but also, well… better. Stronger muscles can handle the impact more effectively, which also means better recovery afterwards.
And let’s be honest, if we finish something in absolute agony… we are more than likely never going to want to do it again.
I found my leg day workouts through fellow creators online, and would definitely recommend looking on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for some inspiration – there’s so much out there for every level!
7. Immerse yourself into running and just enjoy it…🏃🏻♀️
Finally, it is so important to embrace the running lifestyle – and let yourself just love it! Be proud of your progress, your achievements (no matter how small), and appreciate the movement and all the benefits that come with it.
Whatever your reason. Whatever your why? Whatever your purpose. When better is there to start than now?
As someone who truly thought that they would never be a runner… It is hands down the best thing that I ever did.
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