'I'm trying to become a "runner". These 5 beginner tips changed everything.'

Thanks to our brand partner, POSCA HYDRATE

I have a confession to make. I used to be a running girlie.

For years I was one of those girls who ran daily with ease and actually liked it. To be completely honest, I have no idea where that girl has gone.

These days, I watch runners pass me by on an early Sunday morning looking like they've just stepped out of a Lululemon ad. I sit there sipping my coffee seriously wondering how they can breathe so easily.

I told myself running just wasn't for me anymore. I'd try it again every so often, usually after getting inspired by a friend's City2Surf Instagram post only to find myself gasping for air, clutching a stitch and Googling "is it normal to feel like you're dying after 300 metres?".

But lately, I've been determined to give running a proper go. Not because I plan to become an elite athlete but because I wanted a form of exercise that was free, flexible and would let me spend more time outdoors. So, I started small and along the way I picked up a few beginner tips that made all the difference.

And I'm not going to lie, the first few weeks were humbling. But I also discovered a handful of beginner-friendly tips that actually made it easier. If you've been thinking about giving running a go, here's what helped me keep going (and, dare I say it, look forward to my runs).

Here are the five game-changers that helped me not just survive running but actually start to enjoy it.

1. The hydration trick that keeps you going longer.

In my early running attempts, I'd set out with nothing but a coffee in my system. Unsurprisingly, I'd be puffed and sluggish by the first kilometre. I quickly learned that hydration isn't just about drinking a glass of water before you head out — it's about making sure your body actually has what it needs to perform and recover.

This is where Posca Hydrate came in for me. It's a sparkling drink with electrolytes to replace what you lose through sweat, plus prebiotics to support gut health (we love a two-for-one), and it has no added sugar or unnecessary extras. I find it refreshing before a run, and I love it afterwards for recovery.

For someone like me who's trying to build a consistent habit, having a hydration option that tastes good but still feels like a smart choice has been a small but important win.

2. Start small to stop burning out.

My problem in the past was going from "I haven't run in six months" to "I'm going to smash out five kilometres today". Spoiler: I did not smash it out. I burned out.

This time, I started with five-minute run intervals followed by two minutes of walking, repeated until I hit 20 minutes. It felt a little ridiculous, but the point was to end each session feeling like I could have done more — not like I was about to pop a lung. Gradually, I've been able to increase my running intervals without that all-too-familiar dread before a workout.

Pro tip (from someone who definitely isn't a pro): if you can't talk in full sentences while you're running, you're going too hard.

Image: Supplied.

3. Upgrade your activewear (yes, really).

Investing in proper running shoes and an outfit to match is all the excuse I need to pound the pavement.

I used to think "real runners" wore old, battered sneakers as a badge of honour. Then I bought my first pair of properly fitted running shoes and realised… no wonder my knees hurt.

Now I understand why experienced runners swear by them. The same goes for activewear that makes you feel good. If you have leggings that don't slide down and a sports bra that actually supports you, you're already removing two major excuses to skip your run.

4. Run with a buddy and never skip a session.

One of the biggest hurdles for me was motivation, but running doesn't have to be a solo sport.

I started doing one run a week with a friend, which kept me accountable and stopped me from talking myself out of it. We run at a pace where we can chat (barely) and the time passes much faster. But the rest of my runs I do solo, because there's something really satisfying about ticking it off on my own — also, alone time? Sign me up.

If you don't have a running buddy, consider joining a beginner-friendly run group. The accountability and community can be a real boost, especially when you're just starting out.

5. How the right playlist can make running easier.

It's all about the audio vibe for me. Load up a playlist or find a bingeworthy podcast that makes you actually look forward to lacing up. I have a running playlist with a mix of upbeat pop and nostalgic bangers from my teenage years — lmk if you want me to drop you the Spotify link.

I'm still not the kind of person who bounds out of bed at 5am to run (let's be real), but these simple changes have made running not only bearable but actually enjoyable.

Maybe one day, I'll run the City2Surf. For now, I'm just enjoying the fact that I've gone from "running is not for me" to "when can I fit my next run in?". And that's the biggest win of all.

Grab Posca Hydrate from your nearest stockist.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Ancient wisdom, remixed for the battles of modern life.
A 2,000-year-old recipe, reimagined as a sparkling functional drink, Posca is your hydrating, energising, gut-loving, zero sugar health elixir, with flavour that hits.
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