The right equipment for the job

 When starting any new endeavor, it is critical to make sure you're going in with the right tools to be successful. This theory can be applied to almost anything and I will apply it later to work, school, etc, but for today I'll just focus on running. There are a lot of things I will talk about that will contribute to your success, but first, and in my mind, most importantly are your shoes

 This may seem painfully obvious, but it's more than just finding a pair of shoes that feels good when you walk around the footwear section at Sports Authority. Before I got serious about running, I'd just get a pair that looked ok on me, felt like they fit and was a brand I had heard of. I had heard that New Balance shoes were good shoes from people, so I got a pair, and they were ok for me. I tried other brands with varying levels of success but it wasn't until I was told to get "fitted" for shoes that I had the right gear to take on the challenge of an endurance race.

My preferred shoe: Mizuno Wave Inspire

 I went to my local running store and they watched me walk with my shoes off, then looked at my current pair of shoes to see how they were wearing. Finally, they brought out a couple of different pairs for me to try running in so the employee could see what looked right and I could tell him which pair felt best. This may not be common - but since that trip to the running store in January 2007, I've only bought that pair of shoes (many times over).

The best thing you can do for your training - before you run a mile - is get fitted at your local running shop. It's not always the most expensive pair that is best for you, and a good store will make sure you're in the shoes that will carry you the farthest. Check out reviews online and make sure the store will watch you run.Also try to ignore how the shoes looks. Maybe the color doesn't bring out your eyes, but it's better to look like a dork than to get shin splints.

In case you're in LA or New Jersey. My favorite stores are The Starting Line in Marina Del Rey, CA and the Princeton Running Company. Both are great stores that take the time to make sure you're in the right shoes.

Drive slow