This post has been sponsored by Clorox2®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Younger me would have laughed at you if you suggested I'd become a runner. My dad was a runner my entire life, and I'm……not exactly the most athletic person on earth. I tried jogging with him a couple times in high school and lasted about 3 blocks. In my late twenties, I started to experience anxiety attacks. Crippling anxiety attacks that led me to a therapist to ask for help. I walked in the first day and told her I was open to whatever she felt I needed to do. Imagine my surprise when she suggested RUNNING.

Running? AGAIN? Why did this keep coming up? Didn't everyone realize I wasn't athletic or outdoorsy? But, I was willing to try anything. I did a TON of research about how to become a runner, and now? Over ten years later? I still run multiple times a week and absolutely love it. So this? It's the how to become a runner guide for you non-athletes. I promise, it's not scary and will help you to fall in love with running. I'm sharing all my favorite tips and tricks for how to become a runner, including my must-have products.

Spoiler: I believe that you'll be more excited to train if you love your athletic wear, and I guarantee you'll want to keep it in tip-top shape. On your next trip to Target, be sure to snag a bottle of Clorox2® Sport Odor & Stain Remover….it's about to become your new favorite product.

Buy Clorox2® Sport Odor & Stain Remover on Target.com

How to Become a Runner: 5 Simple Tips

1. Couch to 5K Training Program: The Couch to 5k Training Program is a free interval training schedule and it's exactly what I used to become a runner. It takes you from walking to running a 5k in a structured and easy schedule. You'll start mostly walking and running for very short periods of time. Over the course of the program, the amount you run increases and the amount you walk decreases. And the best part? It's free.
2. Podcasts and Music: Now, my experienced runner dad runs in silence. Me? NO WAY. I download podcasts or set up playlists. Even when I'm running a race. It helps me to stay on track and on pace.
3. Group or Alone: Decide if you are a train in a group or train alone type of person. While I'm a total extrovert, I'm definitely a run alone person. I love decompressing on a short run at the park near our house or around our neighborhood. If you're around people all day (kids or adults), I'd highly suggest running on your own…it's a great way to decompress.
4. Have a Goal: Sign up for a race. Have a goal in mind. When I decided to learn how to become a runner, I immediately signed up for a 5k race twelve weeks ahead. It kept me on track with training, and I loved having a fun goal in mind.
5. The Right Gear:  The right gear is key for running and so is keeping it in tip top shape.  Running tights or capris in the warmer seasons, good sports bras, and great shoes will help you feel comfortable during training and races.  I tend to wear brighter colors (like the adorable rainbow band on this sports bra) because they make running just a little more fun.  And my secret weapon? Clorox2® Sport Odor & Stain Remover.  It's is a laundry additive that is used with your favorite detergent, it does a stellar job of removing sweat odors (sorry, but they'll be an issue after training days) and removing tough stains (and it's totally color safe on all fabrics).  I snagged it at Target in the laundry product aisle, and I'd highly recommend keeping a bottle on hand.