How to Become a Runner, Even if You've Never Tried

By Christina Eckhert, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- For many women, running or walking just a few miles is overwhelming, but you can get race ready even if you've never walked further than around your block.

NEWS 9 will be following two women who walking and running for fitness and fun to learn how they got started and what their goals are.

"My goal is to walk/run the half marathon in Dallas in December. I've got a couple of walking/running partners who are going to help me through it and get me there. That's really my goal to do the half marathon this year and hopefully next year do the full marathon," said Whitney Moss

Moss is one of a growing number of women across the country who are out pounding the pavement and beginning a walking and running regimen.

"I'm really enjoying it believe it or not…it's kind of…I look forward to it every Wednesday and I look forward to the evenings to walk with friends and meet new people. I'm enjoying it right now so far," said Moss.

"I first started RunHers socially but then I've really enjoyed my time out here even if I take off by myself. It's just nice to have an hour where I'm not worried about my son and everybody else. I can just come out here by myself," said Hillary McAlister.

But for many new walkers and runners, it's not always an enjoyable experience because they're trying to do too much too soon.

"You'll have little aches and pains creep up, especially if you start out too hard or try to push too much in the beginning. And that's going to deter you from continuing. So really just try to start out easy and let your body adjust to that movement of running and then gradually build up the amount of time you can run," said Jenny Graef, an elite runner.

Graef was the 2008 Oklahoma City Marathon winner and said she encourages all new walkers and runners to start by mixing in walking and running.

"Take it easy. Be patient. Run as far as you can and then walk until you feel like you can run again…walk…run…and that's a great way to get started. Otherwise starting a running program can be overwhelming," Graef said.

You can start training for a 5K even if you're not a runner with this walking/running training guide.