Veters strikken voor beginnen met hardlopen

Starting to run? Here's how to tackle your first kilometers.

Written by: R2B Store

Good to know: you will get more energy, more mental peace and you don't need expensive equipment for it.

Many people start too enthusiastically and therefore quickly become injured or demotivated.

In this blog you will discover how to start smartly, safely and sustainably, so that running becomes a habit that lasts.

How to start running? The first steps explained.

As a beginner runner, it's important not to just jump in , but to gradually let your body get used to this demanding sport. Running demands a lot from your joints , breathing , legs , and lungs .

So: start smart, start slow .


Let your body get used to it (warm-up)

A good start begins with a short warm-up . This prepares your body and reduces the risk of injury.

  • 5 minutes walk

  • Focus on calm breathing

  • Relax shoulders and legs

A warm-up before starting to run. A runner in the woods at a slow pace.

Build up your running gradually

After that you can easily build up with an interval method:

  • 1 minute of running

  • 2 minutes walk

  • Repeat this 6–8 times

Why this works:

  • Your endurance will gradually improve.

  • Your fitness improves without overload.

  • You prevent common injuries among beginners.


Keep your pace slow and listen to your body

Many beginners start too fast . But:

  • You don't have to get out of breath.

  • You should be able to talk while walking.

  • Feeling something painful? Take a step back.

This way, your maximum heart rate will not get too high and your training will remain a responsible way of building up.


Finish with a cool-down

A cool-down helps your heart rate drop and supports your recovery.

✔ 3–5 minutes of gentle walking

✔ Pay attention to deep, calm breathing

✔ Relax your legs and core

After running, walk at a leisurely pace

In short: start slowly , in a controlled and structured manner , so that you can build up your first weeks of running safely, without injuries and with pleasure .

The correct running technique to build up your running properly

When you start running, it's important to get your running technique right from the start. Running is a demanding sport , so by consciously paying attention to your posture, breathing, and foot placement from the start, you can build your endurance much more gradually and, above all, injury-free .

👉Important : Starting without technique or just starting increases the risk of injuries.


Pay attention to your posture

Good posture makes running calmer and more efficient.

✔ Lean forward slightly

✔ Relaxed shoulders

✔ Quiet arm movement

👉 This keeps your pace stable and your maximum heart rate increases less quickly.


Place your feet under your hips

This helps protect your joints and prevents transitions.

✔ Feet directly under your body weight

✔ Short, light steps

✔ No big “steps” forward

👉 Many beginners find that running becomes a lot easier .


Breathing and rhythm

Calm breathing helps you walk longer.

  • Breathe in deeply and out slowly

  • Find a rhythm that feels natural

  • Stop or take a step back when you feel pain

👉 This ensures that your condition improves faster.


Wear the right shoes

Good shoes support your running technique.

  • Choose the right shoes with good cushioning

  • Protect your joints during every workout

  • Make recovery after your runs easier

👉 This way you can safely continue to build on your progress within a few weeks.

The right gear before you start running

If you're starting to run , the right gear is more important than many beginning runners think. It helps you build up your running safely and comfortably. And it prevents you from quickly developing aches and pains.

👉Important : Always start with good running shoes .

They provide support, cushioning and protect your joints during the first few weeks as you gradually build up your running.


Stay visible and safe on the road

When you train early in the morning or evening, visibility is essential.

👉 That's why a reflective running vest or runner's vest is a smart choice.
It makes you more visible to traffic and provides extra safety on dark routes. Read more about the runner vest here.


Take your phone safely with you while running

Many beginners use an app, music or interval timer while running.
But holding your phone in your hand is uncomfortable and disrupts your posture.

👉 A phone armband for running provides more stability and makes your run immediately relaxed and safer.

Complete your run with these running accessories

Motivation, mindset and realistic expectations

Motivation fluctuates. Bad days are part of life and don't mean failure. Listen to your body and build up gradually.

  • Acceptance helps

  • Building takes time

  • Every run counts

Short on time? No problem. Short sessions work too.

  • 10–15 min runs

  • Lunch run

  • Run-walk during your commute

Perseverance can be easier.

  • Agree on a 10-minute rule

  • Alternate routes

  • Use music or podcasts

“Start slowly, keep listening to your body and discover how strong you can really become.”

R2B tip

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a week should I run as a beginner?

Two to three times a week is ideal for beginners. Less doesn't stimulate enough progress, while more significantly increases the risk of injury. Rest days are just as important as running days, because your body gets stronger and adapts to training during rest. Consciously plan your recovery time and listen to signs of fatigue.

What if my knees or shins hurt?

Stop walking immediately if you feel pain and rest for 2 to 3 days. Then, gradually resume walking at a lower intensity, for example, by incorporating more walking breaks. Pain is a clear signal that you're going too fast, not recovering enough, or that your shoes don't fit properly. Consider better shoes or add supportive exercises like ankle strengthening and stretches to your routine.

How do I know if I'm going too fast?

You should be able to talk while running without gasping for breath—that's the talk test. If you're out of breath, get stitches in your side, or feel stiff after every run, you're going too hard. Scale back to short intervals/walking blocks and build up gradually. It's not a race: it's better to start too slowly and progress than to start too fast and be sidelined with injuries.

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