The overriding principle in training is this: don't try to achieve too much in a short while. Any abrupt increase in intensity or duration is the perfect recipe for an injury or burnout. Gradual and continuous progress is the key to long distance running.
Therefore, the length of your very first runs depends on your current state of fitness.
Now here's another golden rule, that should serve you admirably throughout your running career: learn to read the signs given out by your own body. The way you feel is a strong indicator of your state of fitness, your readiness to undertake a particular run, whether your muscles are up to the stresses involved. If you feel pain, it means something's wrong. If you're simply itching to go running, you're probably in good shape.
So, how long should your first runs be? I'll consider three possible situations - although there are of course many different intermediate degrees of fitness.
If you're unfit, possibly overweight, your first outings should be on the cautious side - a brisk walk, breaking into a slow jog for a minute, back into a walk, and so on - for not more than ten minutes. This you should repeat on alternate days. Eventually, the jogging intervals will get longer, until you'll be able to jog continuously for 10 minutes.
If you're not unfit, but simply untrained, you should be able to jog for 10 minutes without stopping to rest. If you haven't done any sport for a long time, it would be a good idea to limit your first three runs to just 10 minutes, on alternate days. The days off will give your muscles time to recover from the exertion to which they are not accustomed, with resulting inevitable soreness. This initial phase will simply serve for your whole self to get used to this novel activity.
You may be reasonably fit already, through being active in another sport. In such a case, you could even put in a longer run, say 20 minutes or so, depending on your level of fitness.
But whatever the case don't overdo it, in intensity as well as the distance run. It's better to err on the safe side than risk getting injured. And, at least in the beginning, do not run fast at all. An easy jog will do; speedwork will come later, after you have built a solid base of endurance through easy and steady running.
What should you wear while running? Good running shoes are the most important running gear. Also, socks are important to absorb sweat, and lessen the risk of blistering or catching athlete's foot through your feet being constantly wet. It's not a good idea to run without socks. If it's cold, i.e. less than 10 degrees C, you may need warm gloves and a woollen cap. At the other temperature extreme, dress as lightly as possible. No fancy stuff - any old loose-fitting tee-shirt or sleeveless top plus comfortable shorts will do. Make sure, if you're running in the dark, to wear light colours, preferably a bright fluorescent bib.
Where should you run? The most practical, if the surroundings are suitable, is straight out of the front door, for 5 minutes in any direction, 5 minutes back and you're done. You could otherwise go to a park, a jogging trail, a pleasant promenade, anywhere without too much traffic which is reasably flat and smooth. But travelling to a park and then coming back takes up precious time, which may be in desperately short availability... In fact, I normally do a combination of the two. I run on a pleasant route, being the Cinquantenaire park in Brussels, or the lovely St Julian's to Sliema promenade when I'm in Malta, but I include the time taken to jog towards my preferred running haunt as part of the training.
At what time of the day should you run? It depends on various factors, particularly your life schedule and the conditions outside. In the peak of summer, running at any time from late morning to early afternoon should definitely be avoided, as you risk getting heatstroke, which in bad cases could even be fatal. In very hot weather, running should only be undertaken in the early morning or from late afternoon onward, also making sure you drink lots of water before and after your run. Otherwise, i.e. in cooler weather, it's up to your preference and the time you have available.
What should you eat and drink? Anything you like, in moderation. Not too much meat and fats. Carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables are definitely the best. And of course, lots of water, and no more than one unit of alcohol per day (except on rare occasions if there's a good party, you're not driving, and you're prepared to face a couple of days hungover). It's never a good idea to party late into the night if you intend to go out running the day after... Never. In particular, you shouldn't eat a heavy meal, especially one containing meat or fatty foods, if you intend to go out running within the next few hours.
To recap, here's a typical beginners' programme for the first week (as explained, unfit persons should do brisk walks including short jogging intervals, until they reach the fitness level required for a 10-minute jog):
Day 1 - 10 minutes jog
Day 2 - rest
Day 3 - 10 minutes jog
Day 4 - rest
Day 5 - 10 minutes jog
Day 6 - rest
Day 7 - 15 minutes jog
Good luck, and enjoy your first training runs. Three last words before you go - take it easy!
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