Running can feel deceptively simple. Just lace up and head out the door, right? But the early weeks of running are where many people fall into the same traps—trying to do too much, chasing the wrong goals, or ignoring the basic needs of a healthy, sustainable routine.
If your motivation is high but your body feels off, or if you’re wondering why running still feels hard despite your best efforts, chances are you’re making one of these common beginner mistakes. The good news? They’re easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Here are seven things to avoid when you’re just getting started—plus what to do instead to build a strong, confident, injury-free foundation.
Related: The #1 Mistake New Runners Make (And It’s Not What You Think)
1. Setting unrealistic goals
Big goals are exciting—but they can also be a fast track to disappointment. New runners often expect fast improvements: faster pace, longer distances, noticeable weight loss. And when that doesn’t happen in a few weeks, motivation dips.
The truth is, that running progress takes time. Your cardiovascular system improves faster than your muscles, tendons, and joints. Push too hard too soon, and your body might not keep up.
Instead of chasing distance or pace right away, focus on consistency. Make your first goal to run (or run-walk) three times a week for a month. Celebrate that. Progress for beginners is about showing up regularly, not how far or fast you go.
What to do:
- Start with short run-walk-run intervals
- Track how often you run, not just how long
- Revisit your goals every few weeks to adjust as you improve
Related: 10 Unique Running Goals You Haven’t Tried Yet
2. Comparing yourself to experienced runners
Scrolling through Strava or Instagram can make you feel like everyone else is faster, stronger, and training for an ultramarathon. It’s easy to get discouraged or try to mimic someone else’s routine.
But what you don’t see is how long those runners have been training—or how much of their life supports their running (coaching, sleep, nutrition, etc.). Trying to match their paces or long-run distances when you’re just starting out can lead to overtraining or injury.
Running is personal. The only runner you should compete with is yesterday’s you.
What to do:
- Mute or unfollow if comparisons become demotivating
- Focus on your own data and how you feel
- Remember that slower paces are normal and essential when building fitness
3. Not having a plan
Running without structure might work for a week or two—but it often leads to doing too much, too soon, or always running at the same pace and distance. This can stall progress and put you at risk for overuse injuries.
Many beginners unknowingly fall into the “moderate every day” trap—running at the same medium pace without variety. But your body thrives on variation: easy runs, walk breaks, strength training, and yes, rest.
What to do:
- Follow a beginner plan with variety (easy runs, walk-run days, rest days, cross-training days)
- Include strength or mobility work 1–2 times a week
- Change up routes and terrain to reduce repetitive strain (trails, tracks, grass)
4. Neglecting nutrition and recovery
Running doesn’t just tax your legs—it stresses your entire body. New runners often overlook the importance of fueling and rest, thinking recovery is only for “serious” athletes.
But if you’re always feeling sluggish, sore, or one step away from getting sick, poor nutrition and lack of rest might be to blame. Skipping meals, not sleeping enough, or ignoring soreness can derail your progress.
What to do:
- Eat a balanced meal or snack within an hour of running
- Prioritize sleep, especially after harder workouts
- Schedule at least one full rest day per week
- Try light mobility work or foam rolling on recovery days
5. Not working on form
Form doesn’t need to be perfect—but poor mechanics can lead to discomfort or injury over time. Common beginner issues include overstriding, tight shoulders, bouncing too much, or looking down at your feet.
Instead of overthinking, aim for small adjustments. Focus on running tall, keeping your arms relaxed, and landing with your foot under your hips—not way out in front.
What to do:
- Think posture: tall spine, slight forward lean
- Keep elbows bent at 90°, swinging close to the body
- Run quiet: minimize pounding or heavy steps
- Add drills like high knees or butt kicks once a week to build awareness
6. Not tracking progress
New runners often say “I’m still slow” or “I’m not a real runner yet.” But if you’re moving forward and showing up, you’re progressing—even if it doesn’t feel dramatic.
Not tracking progress makes it easy to miss how far you’ve come. Maybe you’re running a minute longer than last week or recovering faster between intervals. That counts.
What to do:
- Use a running app, simple log, or journal to note time, distance, and how you felt
- Celebrate non-pace milestones: fewer walk breaks, better sleep, improved mood
- Remind yourself: progress isn’t always linear—but it is happening
Related: 15 Mistakes That Kill Your Motivation to Run
7. Not listening to your body
It’s easy to confuse commitment with pushing through discomfort. But beginner runners often miss early warning signs—tight calves, persistent aches, weird fatigue—and end up sidelined.
The best runners know when to back off. Resting today can save you weeks of missed running later.
What to do:
- Watch for red flags: pain that worsens as you run, limping, or soreness that lasts over 3 days
- Adjust your run or rest entirely when needed—skipping one run won’t derail your progress
- Learn to differentiate normal fatigue from something deeper
Bottom line
Avoiding these common mistakes won’t make your miles effortless, but it will make them safer and more sustainable. What you need is consistency, patience, and the confidence to run your own path.
You don’t need to chase perfection or prove anything to anyone. Focus on progress, listen to your body, and keep showing up. Remember: you’re not just building fitness—you’re building a habit that can last a lifetime.
