New Delhi: So you’ve decided to start running. Good for you!

You have the right shoes, the clothes and all your favorite music loaded and ready to go. It’s a beautiful, early morning and there’s nothing to stop you…

Except, you’re not quite sure where to begin.

Shruti started running about 3 months ago, and realized that despite her active background she could only run about 500 meters when she started. Though she took aerobics classes and karate, she readily admitted to me that she found running hard.

Like many first-time runners, she also found that she had so many questions – how much water should she be drinking? Should she drink some during the run? And what about stretching before and afterwards?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during those first few weeks – especially if you’ve never really run before. I decided to ask Business of Life columnist, Rahul Verghese some of the questions that first-time runners (like Shruti) may have (click on the video to see what he says).

Rahul is a marathon runner and founder of www.runningandliving.com. You can read his column here: www.livemint.com/treadmill.htm

Turns out that it helps to have a program to ease you into the sport when you begin, and yes – you should always carry water. It also helps to focus on having the right form since it eases stress on your ankles and shins, which then helps your knees and lower back.

Shruti was lucky to find a local group to run with every morning through Running and Living. Seasoned runners gave her the tips she needed to keep going and get stronger. Now, three months later she can almost finish 7K without stopping! And she intends to train for her first marathon.

Like what you see? Watch out for our next video next Tuesday.