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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

If one of your goals for 2014 is to hit the ground running (literally), consider these tips from Jeremy Jungling (and see page 3 for more of his story).

• Just do it. Don’t overthink it. It’s just running.

• Join a training group.

• Make a plan and set a goal race.

• Volunteer or spectate at a race.

• Ask runners questions; they love to share.

• Get the right gear. Make sure you’re fitted for shoes and have technical fabrics.

• Celebrate small victories like your first full mile, first 5K, etc.

• Learn proper nutrition. Fuel properly.

• Cross train.

• Don’t compare yourself to other runners or set unreasonable expectations for yourself.

Amber Helsel is a freelance copy editor and former managing editor of the Jackson Free Press.