Running and jogging for beginners
Some general tips for beginners:
- See your doctor for a check-up before you start a running program. This is especially important if you are over 40 years, are injury. Consider other low impact activities, such as swimming, at least once each week.
- Plan your route. If possible, choose flat, grassy areas rather than hard or loose (such as sandy) surfaces to reduce the risk of injury.
- Avoid running near roads. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition such as Avoid running during the hottest part of the day in summer.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after your run.
- Take your mobile phone with you.
- If using headphones, do not have the sound too loud – stay alert and aware.
- Wear reflective materials if you're running in the early morning or at night.
- Tell someone where you plan to run and when you think you'll be back.
- Choose well-lit, populated routes and avoid dangerous and isolated areas.
- If you injure yourself while running, stop immediately. Seek medical advice.
Where to get help
- In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
- Your Avoid running , Smart Play.
- ‘What encourages physically inactive people to start running? An analysis of motivations to participate in Parkrun and City Trail in , Frontiers in Public Health.
