In recent years, you only had to look around you in the streets of the capital to notice a very simple phenomenon: running has become THE trendy sport. After all, it requires (almost) no equipment, and it can be done just about anywhere. Since then, all sorts of running clubs have invaded the canals and bakeries of the capital, and people show off their Strava performances the way they'd post their vacations on social media. So if you too want to be part of the (not) very exclusive category of Parisian runners, here are some tips for you.
Think about gearing up properly
It may seem obvious, and yet, all too often during weekly runs, you can spot weekend warriors in an outfit that's clearly
far from being suitable for sports practice. Especially when it comes to shoes. Because yes, to run well and without hurting yourself, you need good soles and proper ankle support. For that, head to a specialist shop, and ask an expert for advice based on the terrain: parks, cobblestones, asphalt, and so on. On the flip side though, there's no need to get ahead of yourself by buying racing sunglasses, a camel bag, and shorts for 300€ right away. An Iron Man competition isn't happening anytime soon.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
We Set Ourselves Realistic Goals
Because yes, running, like any sport, is something you learn. So to avoid getting discouraged and to actually stick to your commitment, we set achievable targets. No, you won't be running a half-marathon on your first outing. And no, you won't manage to maintain a pace of 3'50/km either. And that's totally fine. So we start small, with outings of 15 to 30 minutes depending on your fitness level — which is already pretty impressive — at a slow pace that you can sustain over the distance. And we gradually increase everything with each run!
J’ai couru 3km je suis au bout de ma vie et jvoulais faire les 10km en fin de semaine ptdrrr https://t.co/BskzyKeJ28 pic.twitter.com/KgB8566IEG
— blc mdr 🇩🇿🇮🇹🇵🇸 (@surpnm) February 17, 2025
Eat and hydrate properly
A car without fuel won't go anywhere. Well, your body is the same — you need to fuel it to make it work. So if you want to get serious about running, learn to eat according to your needs, whether it's before, during, or after your workout (especially when you move up to longer sessions lasting more than 1h30). Same goes for hydration — always make sure to drink enough water. And if you're feeling a bit lost, we suggest checking out Marie Run to Bliss's account — it could give you a little boost and answer quite a few of your questions!
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Finding the motivation
This is undoubtedly the most complex element on this list. Running shoes can be bought. Your stride can be found. Nutrition can be learned. But motivation isn't easy every single day. So here are a few tips on this front: don't hesitate to find yourself a running partner, set realistic goals so you don't get discouraged (we'll come back to that), reward yourself, and most importantly, always be kind to yourself. Running is a somewhat ungrateful sport, with good days and not-so-good days, but you'll always be happy you made the effort, even if it's just for a few minutes. And above all, consistency is the key!
Ptn la reprise de la course à pied ☠️
— J (@TeillierJustine) September 3, 2026
Learning to recover properly
It might sound crazy, but learning to run well also means learning to rest properly, and listening to your body. So after a run, start with a few minutes of active recovery, by walking a bit. Next, hydrate and eat, then rest (a good 8 or 9 hours of sleep, no less). For your longest outings, don't hesitate to take care of your legs with a little massage, a cold bath, or compression socks. Also remember to do some stretching, and avoid doing back-to-back long or intense runs (hello hill repeats!) two days in a row. For the addicted, mix it up with cycling, swimming, or strength training — they'll all help you progress!
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