Running for Beginners

Team World Vision loves beginners! And we want to help you feel confident as you train to accomplish a significant goal. Here are some questions we have heard from our team members that you might be asking as well...

Can I really do this??
What should I wear?
What kind of running shoes should I buy?
It is extremely important to be professionally fitted for running shoes. Watch this video to learn why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhn-_CeHSI

A few things to keep in mind:

• Go to a running specialty store to be fitted. They will watch you run to help determine the best shoes for you. If they don't watch you run, don't buy your shoes there.
• These stores are used to beginners! It might be scary to walk into a running store for the first time, but go proudly! Tell them you are new to running and are not sure what style you need. They will help find the right fit for you.
• Find a store that sells all brands of shoes. We recommend stores like Fleet Feet Sports and Dick Pond

Do I need a watch?
What is Body Glide?
What do I do when it rains?
What is an expo?
The race expo takes place the weekend of the race. It's where you check in and pick up your bib number for your shirt. Usually, the expo is 2 days (Friday and Saturday before a Sunday race, for example.)

Remember the expo as you make travel arrangements. Most races require you pick up your race packet and bib number in person at the expo, and don't allow you to pick up your bib number on race morning. Plus, it's fun to walk around and pick up free samples!


What do I do if I get injured?
What is my pace?
Your pace is basically the speed that you run, or the number of minutes it takes you to complete each mile. A 12-minute pace means you run each mile in 12 minutes. It can take a little while to figure out your pace.

It's good to complete a 5k test run every few weeks to help adjust your pace during your training program. A 5k is 3.1 miles. You tun this distance as fast as you can to determine what pace you should be training and running the race at. Use these pace predictor charts as a guide.



Do I have to run the whole time?
What if I'm a plus size runner?