Common Struggles for Beginner Runners
Becoming a runner is not easy. Most people have been ‘unfit’ for years. It only stands to reason that it will take a while to reach fitness. This series is meant to help you overcome the struggles of beginner runners.
In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be releasing a blog post every couple of days, and I’ll be recording a similar podcast episode every few days, each one covering a topic that is a common obstacle for beginner runners. Depending on when you read this, they may all be out, but as I write this, it is December, 2025.
Here is a brief summary of the Beginner Runner Struggles Series:
Not enough time. After working with thousands of runners, I can tell you this is the biggest struggle for anyone under the age of 60.
How to start and how to progress. How much to run and how much to walk and for how long. With me, you take a diagnostic test to reveal this, and I’ll provide a guideline of how to progress from there.Motivation, which is closely tied to confidence. Hopefully, yesterday’s post has already started to build confidence in you that will result in you being motivated because you believe you will succeed.
Motivation. This goes hand in hand with confidence. I have plenty of ideas and techniques for you.
Accountability. Again, over the years, I’ve developed accountability systems for myself and for others.
Injury. I can’t tell you the number of runners that get injured, but it’s super high at all levels. I’d say it’s highest and the most harmful to beginner runners because they’re just getting started and therefore may conclude that their body isn’t strong enough to run.Another struggle is stamina, but, again, yesterday’s post should help you realize that if you increase the time of your running/walking segments gradually enough, that will give you time to build stamina, allowing you to avoid being miserable. Like so much, it’s about doing it right. You don’t need to suffer - ever.
Equipment: Beginners worry about what shoes to buy, whether they need a watch, and which one.
Nutrition and hydration: Beginners ask how they need to change their diet. That’s an easy answer.
The Overwhelm: Too much to think about. Too much to know. I’ll break it down and simplify it.
Crosstraining: Beginners need to know how to incorporate other activities such as weight training, stretching, yoga around their running training schedule.
Want to work with me? Go to BeginnerRunner.com.