Long distance running is a thing of beauty: The graceful stride, the sheer power in motion – not to mention the lean and muscular pistons that are a long distance runner’s legs.

Many of us would love to be long distance runners, but the reality is, it takes time to work ourselves up to this level of fitness. And if we push too hard, we may experience an injury (or mental burnout) that turns us away from the sport in the future

If you are a beginning runner and would like to ramp up your running routine (whether it’s for your physical or emotional well being or to train for a marathon or a charity running event), here are some tips to keep your body running smoothly and to create an enjoyable exercise experience.

Get Ready

Talk to your doctor. You want to make sure that a long distance running routine is right for you, and your doctor may have suggestions, tailored to you, about what kind of running routine will be best for your body type, age, and fitness level.

Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Take the time to go to a local store where they specialize in athletic shoes and make sure you find the proper fit for your foot, your preferred running surface, and your level of ability. While you’re there, ask around for good running routes in your town or city. You’re looking for a route that is safe and that provides the proper mix of hills that will keep you challenged and motivated, but not exhausted.

You’ll also want to make sure you stay hydrated while you run. You’ll have more energy throughout your run, and you’ll keep your body safe, too.

Keep a journal. Keep track of your running times and distance in a journal or online running log. You may want to make some notes, too. How did you feel starting out the run? How energized did you feel afterwards? What parts of the run did you find easy and which parts were more challenging? In what way does your running routine change the rest of your day?

Choose Your Ideal Path

The best place to run is a smooth dirt path. Concrete sidewalks can jar your joints as you run. Indoor and outdoor tracks offer a great surface but can get pretty boring pretty fast.

If you choose to run on grass, make sure you stay aware throughout your run for obstacles or uneven patches.