If you’re brand new to running, you’re probably wondering where to start. Fortunately, there are a ton of resources out there for new runners who are lacing up their running shoes for the first time. We are here to help with our top 15 favorite resources to get beginner runners ready and motivated to take on the adventure of running!

Top 15 Resources for the Brand New Beginner Runner

1. Running For Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield

If you’re looking how to make running a part of your daily lifestyle, this book is for you. It goes over topics such as starting running, how to focus on proper nutrition, hydration, endurance, and more. Onceama

2. LuxFit Foam Roller

As a new runner, you’re bound to get some sore or tight muscles. A foam roller is a great way to loosen up tight muscles in between runs. Luxfit’s foam roller comes with a three-year warranty and free online instructional videos, too!

3. The Strava App

This is a great app for new runners to help track your miles and keep you motivated. You can join specific running challenges, share photos, and communicate with other runners through the app. It also syncs with many smartwatches, helps you analyze your performance, and connect with the running community.

4. The Run Experience

At The Run Experience, we are dedicated to supporting you through our love of running with our resources, coaching, mobile app, and training programs. Whether your goal is weight, running a half marathon, mastering treadmill running, or running your first 5k, we have you covered. Visit our website today and download our mobile app to get started!

5. Once A Runner by John L. Parker

Not all great running books are non-fiction. This book inspired me more than once as I became a more competitive runner in college. It details the story of the fictional character, Quenton Cassidy during the Vietnam War era in his quest to run a four-minute mile. The “miles of trials, trials of miles” in this book is inspiring, motivational, and heartfelt.

6. Paperchase Running Journal

Mobile apps are great, but I’m a huge fan of keeping a running journal or log. You can record each jog, strength training session, cross-training, your average pace, and how you felt that day. You can log your miles and goals and watch as you progress from week to week during your training plan. Plus, they are fun to look back on and see how far you’ve come along your running journey!

7. Darn Tough Vertex Ultra-Light No Show Socks

Every new runner quickly learns that quality socks are key to keeping your feet happy. These socks have a tight weave, the perfect amount of cushioning, don’t stretch out, and never get holes. They are available in a wide range of designs and have men’s and women’s sizing.

8. The Science of Running Website

This website is a great resource for learning about the scientific background of training methods, finding new workouts, and improving your running form. It’s authored by Steve Magness, a 4:01 minute-miler, who has tons of expertise about V02 max and exercise physiology. They also have a great podcast called, “On Coaching.”

9. RunnersResource.com Complete Guide to Beginning Running

This is a comprehensive website for runners of all levels, but they feature an excellent guide specifically for new runners that covers an array of topics. To help you get hooked on this amazing sport and keep you motivated, they include info on shoes, clothing, nutrition, music, racing, training, safety, and how to run in a variety of weather conditions.

10. Road Runners Club of America

This is a comprehensive website that has resources for runners on every level. They have a section dedicated to new runners with tons of advice on how to get started. You can learn how to set goals, make a schedule, learn what to wear while running, find a 10-week program, find races and running clubs, and get advice on how to navigate the aches and pains that come with beginning running.

11. Runblogger

If you’re even semi-obsessed with running shoes, this is a great resource to explore. It’s managed by Pete Larson, a biology teacher, runner, track and soccer coach. It includes running shoe reviews, notices about awesome deals, and meaningful blog posts that help motivate any new runner.

12. Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

Once you’re running more than a few miles and you run in humid or rainy weather, you’re sure to experience chafing, and it’s no fun. However, it’s easily preventable with an anti-chafe balm! Apply it in between your thigh or anywhere your skin gets rubbed while running. The balm won’t clog your pores, is long-lasting, not messy, and made with ingredients derived from plants.

13. Running in the USA

A huge part of a new runner’s life is finding races to set goals and keep you motivated! Running in the USA is the largest online directory of races and clubs in the country. You can search for races, find, multi-sport events, and look for running clubs to join–no matter where you live. They also feature an easy to navigate calendar on their homepage and have a robust Facebook page.

14. Hulislem S1 Sport Polarized Sunglasses

We all know to wear sunscreen when you’re outside, but it’s just as important to protect your eyes. These polarized sunglasses keep bright light out and protect your eyes, and has raised rubber pads to ensure they don’t slip off your nose as you sweat. They also come in seven different colors, a hard case, and a sleeve case.

15. The Garmin Forerunner 45S

This is a great watch for beginner runners. You can track each run, record your pace, heart rate, distance, and even your VO2 max on the go. One of the most interesting features is that you can pre-program running interval workouts so you don’t have to keep track of intervals yourself. It also offers smart notifications for phone calls and texts and has music controls for a paired smartphone.