Running for Beginners
Every runner was once a beginner. We all of us wondered where to start; how far and fast to run; what sort of kit to buy; whether to join a club; and so on. 
This section of the website is for anyone who is just starting out in running and is looking for some advice.
You are starting out in a sport which gives a great many people a lot of pleasure. For many of us, it is an important part of who we are. We wish you every success, and hope that you find running as rewarding and inspiring as we do.
You can either read these pages like a book, by reading one article after the next, or jump around to the articles that interest you, by following links on each page using the left hand menu.
- Ten golden tips for runners
- Should you see a doctor before you run?
- Nutrition advice for new runners
- Running to lose weight
- Running clubs for beginners
- The Serpentine
- Tales from new runners
- All about running logs
- Setting training goals
- Entering races
- Keep on enjoying running
- Stretching for beginners
- Buying running shoes and other kit
- London running shops
- How to run safely in London
- A beginner's training programme
- Marathon training for beginners
- Running and your sex life
- Annex on weight loss
- "The Joys of Jogging" by Emily Wilson, an article from the Guardian about what it is like to start running
- "Blood Sweat and Spirit" by Julie Welch, from the Independent, for an article about running the London Marathon
If you'd like some help and advice in the company of others getting started, we suggest you sign up for our next Beginners' Jogging Course.