Running tips that'll get you a head start - We decided to put together some tips that we think will be helpful for both beginners and experienced runners. Check out the gallery below and learn some techniques you can use the next time you go jogging!

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Use a metronome - Why? To build your ideal running pace. You can download an app that works as a metronome. After some time, you will be able to control your pace in a much more regular way and you'll no longer need to use the app.

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Chest out - Imagine you are being pulled through your chest and avoid running with your shoulders raised. This will make your breathing easier.

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Breath slowly - If you breathe too fast while running you can hyperventilate and your body won't have enough time to get rid of carbon dioxide. Relax and control your breathing as much as you can.

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Interval training - If you want to increase your speed, do several 20-second sprints and take a 10-second pause between each sprint. Do this between 30 to 40 times and do a longer pause after every 10 sprints.

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Combine your pace with your breathing - For example, you can try to take two steps and exhale, and then two more and breathe in. This is a helpful way to find your own pace. However, you don't have to strictly follow the above example. You should find the pattern that works best for you.

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Stretch after you run - Stretching before running can result in injury. It's therefore preferable to first start walking, then running slowly, and only then you should start your run. Once you've finish it, then it will be the perfect time to stretch.

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Talk to yourself - Have some words prepared, be it poems or songs, as long as it's something you find motivating, that will help you focus and perform your best.

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Run like you were riding a bicycle - When you run, your legs and feet should make a circular motion, almost like when you're riding a bicycle. Imagine a circle or a clock and try as much as you can to simulate the circular motion.

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Ride a bicycle - Between your workouts, try cycling. Pedaling will strengthen the thighs and improves the knee's ability to cushion the impact of running.

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Drink water - It may seem obvious, but many people forget about this small detail. It's important to stay hydrated during any kind of workout.

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Run downhill - Running downhill can increase the risk of injury, but if you choose to run down you can always take the same route and run back up. This will give you more stamina and make you run faster.

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Do box jumps - This exercise is great because it will help you learn how to absorb the impact on your legs in a more efficient way.

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Shoes - Shoes are more important than you might think. Running shoes shouldn't be tight. In fact there are even some athletes who prefer to buy a number up. It's best to buy running shoes that fit your feet's arch. However, if you are not sure, just go with a neutral fit.

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Log off - Sometimes opt for leaving your iPod or cell phone at home. This will teach you how to gain a sense of your pace without the assistance of external devices.

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Don't smoke - It may also seem obvious, but in case you do, avoid smoking an hour before or after exercise. At this time the alveoli are open and more conducive to absorbing nicotine.

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Do planks - One of the best ways to build up your stamina when you run is to do this exercise, as it will help to strengthen your core muscles.

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Sleep - It's common for people to run in the morning, but it's important to make sure you sleep well the night before. This will increase your stamina and reduce any potential inflammation.

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Avoid running in the rain - Running in the rain is not a good idea, as water will get your shoes wet and consequently form blisters on your feet. If it's light rain however, there's no excuse.

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Running on cold days - Running in cold weather can also be a bad idea, as the likelihood of catching a cold increases tremendously. If you do, make sure you take a change of clothes and when you stop running,and change your sweater as quickly as possible.

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Smile - Various surveys show that a simple smile can change your mental outlook and heart rate. Something that can be helpful for runners.

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Use reference points - Don't look at running as just from point A to point B. Take mental snapshots of several landmarks like monuments or buildings of great prominence to have more motivation to reach each and every one of them.

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Run in different directions - Do not just run forward, run backwards and sideways. This will help your body use muscles you would not otherwise use if you were just running forward.

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Time off running - If you don't run for several weeks, return to training at a much lighter pace. Don't try to get back to where you were, it will only harm your body. Be patient, about 1 month after regular workouts you will be able to get back to where you were before.

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Every other day - It's important to run every other day. Running everyday is not beneficial to the body and can leave you at greater risk of injury and muscle pain.

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Rest - More important than running is rest. It's very important that you let your body replenish the energy needed for a new workout.

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Never run in a fasted state - It's important to always eat something before starting a race or any other type of physical activity. A light meal before a workout can help a lot in terms of energy you'll have to run.

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Post-workout nutrition - After running, the food you consume is also critical for the body to recover and to prevent muscle mass loss.

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Balance your training - When we run, our whole body is supported by just one leg, so it's important perform several single-leg exercises in order to increase each leg's effectiveness.

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Don't think - Despite all these tips, the important thing is to feel good about what you're doing and realize that you are helping your body. If you can empty your mind as you run, you're half way towards falling in love with this type of exercise even more.

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