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To a cardio newbie, running might look like one of the simplest options. After all, the sport doesn’t involve any fancy equipment, you can do it indoors or outdoors, and there aren’t any set-in-stone rules to follow. Without any prior knowledge, running is just a faster version of the hot-girl walk . . . right? But as any dedicated runner will tell you, there’s more to running than meets the eye. If you want to know how to start running (and actually stick with it) or how to start running again after taking time off, there’s a bit of a learning curve and we’re here to set you up for success.

Whether you’re completely new to running or just figuring out how to start running again, slipping on a random pair of sneakers and hitting the pavement without any forethought can lead to frustration and injury. Instead of diving in head first, follow this running plan for beginners to learn how to start running without losing your motivation. Running coaches and physical therapists all weighed in to create this outline chock-full of helpful running tips for beginners, from the best beginner running shoes, to advice for training on the treadmill.

To integrate running into your daily life, a solid running plan for beginners is essential. Broken down week-by-week, this guide shows you how to transition from walking to running, how to warm up effectively, and how to use technology to your advantage. Read on for the full four-week running plan that’ll help you start your running journey on the right foot.