You don’t want to go on a run that ends up making you rush out to work or school, and then more stressed, instead of being more relaxed.

If you’re running, you can prepare a list of your favorite “pump up” music. If you’re walking, some more relaxing or inspiring music can work, too.

Go to a runner’s store and have a staff member help you find a pair of sneakers that fits you correctly. [6] X Expert Source Francisco GomezFitness Coach Expert Interview. 24 October 2019. The shoes should have enough wiggle room between your toes and the end of the shoe and a secure fit in the mid foot and heel. Get light-weight, non-cotton clothes that can let you move around comfortably. Cotton clothes absorb sweat and will leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable. This means that you should get socks that are non-cotton, too.

Don’t go running or walking on an empty stomach. You will feel tired very quickly, and may even have to deal with some dizziness. If you like to drink coffee in the morning, make sure you drink it with some food. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can cause digestive problems. [9] X Research source

You can string your house key through your shoelace so you don’t lose it. You should also consider bringing a phone in case you get lost or fall and need some help. If you’re a first-time runner, just make sure to have the right form: keep your spine straight, look ahead instead of down, keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle, your shoulders low and loose, your hips pointed forward, your knees slightly lifted, and hit the ground lightly with your feet, landing between heel and mid-foot and rolling onto your toes. You can take a bottle of water if you want, but if you’re only going for 30 minutes or less, it’s not really necessary if you’ve hydrated properly before and you don’t want that water weighing you down. (If it’s already hot outside, though, then you should bring it. )