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Step 1
Start slowly. Too many people try to do too much in the beginning which leads to sore muscles and injuries. Beginning slowly and increasing your time and distance gradually will help you feel ready for your workout. There are many beginner running programs online that follow this principle. For one example, visit the Cool Running website.
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Step 2
Schedule your exercise time and make it a habit. People who are successful at working out have learned to make time for exercise on a regular basis. In the beginning, it may be easier to actually schedule your exercise time on a calendar and then make sure that you don't let anything stop you from meeting that schedule. Making your run a habit will increase the likelihood that you'll stick with it.
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Step 3
Find a running partner. You might run with someone you know who already runs or find someone who is also a new runner. You can keep each other accountable to your schedule and encourage each other during times of low motivation.
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Step 4
Hire a personal trainer or running coach. Not only will you be paying money, but you'll also have someone that you are accountable to. The combination of these two aspects will help you stay on track because you won't want to waste the money and you won't want to let your trainer or coach down.
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Step 5
Do something you enjoy while you're running. Listen to music or an audio book or run through a favorite park. When running is the only time that you allow yourself to do these things, you'll help yourself look forward to your run. For example, choose a book that you've been wanting to read and only listen to the audio version while you're running. With a good book, you'll be ready for your next run or want to prolong the one you're on in order to find out what happens.
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Step 6
Register for a race or other event. Knowing that you have a deadline will help keep you motivated and on track. While your ultimate goal may be a marathon, register for some shorter races in the beginning to provide a more immediate goal.
