New to running? Hit your stride FAST with these simple tips!

Joining the world of running can be a daunting prospect. Where to start? What to wear? Who to run with? How to get better? A good thing to remember when getting started is that everyone was a beginner once. It takes a bit of dedication and commitment sure, but for the most part running doesn't require any innate talent, it is something that most of us can do. We may not ever become a lithe gazelle-like sprinter, but you will be amazed not only at how much your fitness improves, but also how much you come to love it. Here at HerFamily.ie, we've signed up to this year's Breast Cancer Ireland Great Pink Run sponsored by Avonmore Slimline milk. And for some of us it's a very first attempt at running 10k. We're not nervous. OK, we're a little bit nervous. To help kickstart your fitness goals this summer, check out these top tips to keep in mind before you hit the ground running... 1. Set yourself a goal! Take it from us, in order to stay committed to your running, you've got to have something to work towards. Seriously. If you're a total newbie to the running scene, find a short race (5k is a good start) coming up in the next couple of months and enter it. Even better, guilt a friend into signing up with you.There's nothing like a looming deadline to give you the kick in the arse you need! Now you've got your target of 5km and a running buddy to keep you motivated. First work towards finishing the distance without stopping and then move on to completing it in a certain time. Once you've achieved your first goal, reward yourself and move onto the next stage. 2. Nothing will happen without a plan When you're starting from scratch, making a plan (and sticking to it) is vital. Devising your own fitness plan is time-consuming and let's face it most of us wouldn't know where to start, if we did, presumably we wouldn't be beginner runners, now would we? We'd be that guy who effortlessly sprints to work barefoot with an aerodynamic backpack on. Thankfully there are endless fitness apps just waiting to tell us exactly what to do. A great starter app is the NHS's Couch to 5k plan. Designed to help absolute beginners get into running, it recommends three runs a week (sounds manageable enough... ish), and a different schedule for each of the nine weeks. Download it, follow it, love it. 3. Get yourself the right gear! When embarking on a new fitness regime, it is absolutely essential to delay actually having to do anything by first spending some time amassing all the gear and accoutrements necessary for our new life as a fit person. The great thing about running is that bar some basic kit, it's absolutely free. No gym fees, no sweaty machines and no over-crowded changing rooms. So we can channel that cash into looking good while we attempt to run. A decent pair of trainers is worth the investment as they will help to minimise impact and the potential for injury. As for the Day-Glo leggings and 80s sweatbands, most high street stores have excellent sports kit that we actually want to wear. We're are particular fans of the H&M range. We're all more likely to throw on our running gear if we look and feel good in it. Treat yourself! 4. Listen to your body It might sound hard to believe, but once you're up and running (pun intended), pounding that pavement can become addictive. Beware of over-doing it, especially if you're starting from scratch. Take note of any aches and pains, and if you feel like your body needs a break, hit the pool or pop into a Pilates class. You'll return to your running route fighting fit! This article is sponsored by Avonmore Slimline Milk, proud sponsors of Breast Cancer Ireland's Great Pink Run. Avonmore Slimline Milk contains added iron & vitamin C to give you that extra boost to get you over the line! Sign up for the Great Pink Run here.