The 40th annual Peachtree Road Race just took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Runners lined up at the starting line in the early morning hours to run the 6.2-mile course through the streets of Atlanta, including one steep hill referred to by runners as "Cardiac Hill."

As a nonrunner, I view this annual phenomenon with mixed feelings. I remember high school runs with cramped sides and a feeling that I was going to toss my cookies or pass out afterwards. Fellow runners would collapse on the grass as the coach would bark, "Keep walking! You're going to get sick."

But running has an undeniable appeal. There's the individual psychological aspect of personal triumph and discipline over one's mind and body, yet it can also be a very social sport. There are also competititons, medals, and, of course, those free t-shirts.

Fast forwarding to my adult years, I recall an attempt to become a runner. Although I followed a beginning running plan, I still developed an injury early, became discouraged, and decided that running wasn't for me.  

However, I'm giving running another try and taking a different approach this time around. I've been reading, talking to runners, and exploring the Internet. Here are some great resources and tips I've found for those who are interested in beginning running:

Beginning running programs abound, from books to online sites. A typical phrase to search for online is "couch to 5K." These programs are designed to have nonrunners running within usually about nine weeks. You can also search for "conservative couch to 5K" and pull up sites that will stretch your 5K training to as many as seven months. Two to check out: Cool Running's 9-Week Couch to 5K and the Beginner Triathlete's 7-Month Couch to 5K Conservative Run Program. Additionally, several of these sites have their own podcast files to listen to as you progress to that 5K. 

If you use a beginning running program, feel absolutely free to make it more conservative than is listed. Just don't make it more aggressive. In my practice this time, I'm taking rest days between runs, taking time to work with weight machines to develop those muscles that support the weight-bearing joints used in running.

The annual beginner's issue of Runner's World magazine (May 2009) is excellent and dedicated to beginning runners. Their advice to beginning runners was thorough but also very simple. You don't need lots of gear. Contrary to the usual advice, according to RW, you may not even need new running shoes right away while you're doing very low mileage. Take it easy. If you're huffing and puffing, walk; run when your breathing is regular again.

Additionally, the Runner's World web site has many tools for runners of all levels. For free you can use their log feature to plot and save routes using maps. You can keep a journal of your various runs, noting particulars, such as which shoes you were wearing and what the weather was like.

Consider taking the supplement glucosamine and chondroitin, which are components of cartilage. The ability of glucosamine and chondroitin to help build cartilage has been contested, but primarily only short-term studies have been done. What has been shown is its ability to reduce pain in patients when compared with those who took a placebo. The improvements were similar to those who took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. However, glucosamine and chondroitin does not carry the same potential side effects of NSAIDs.

As your mileage progresses, certainly do look into sinking some money into gear that will help you stay comfortable and injury-free. This means going to a good store that specializes in running shoes. Typically the experts at these shops will have you run in several pairs of shoes to note whether you have a tendency to over- or underpronate and then find you a shoe appropriate for your running style.

Great Books for Beginning Runners:

The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program by the Sports Medicine Council British Columbia

Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running by Amby Burfoot

The Runner's Handbook: The Bestselling Classic Fitness Guide for Beginning and Intermediate Runners by Bob Glover