Tips on How to Start Long Distance Running

Tips on How to Start Long Distance Running - FITS®

April 29, 2022

Long distance running provides numerous benefits to your overall health and wellness. It builds your muscles and strength, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and improves your mental wellbeing. If you want to start long distance running, there are a few ways to make the experience more enjoyable, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while. Follow our five best long distance running tips to start pounding the pavement today!

5 Long Distance Running Tips

For many people, the thought of running long distances is daunting. However, with a little bit of effort, anyone can become a long distance runner, and the following tips will help you get started.

1. Build Up Your Endurance Gradually

It's essential to give your body time to adjust to the new activity. Start by running for a few minutes at a time and slowly increase the amount of time you run each day. It's also important to find a comfortable route that doesn’t have too many hills or other obstacles, especially in the beginning.

2. Dress Appropriately for Long Distance Running

What you wear can make your long-distance run more enjoyable. Your running shoes should fit you perfectly for optimal comfort and support. You’ll also want to dress in layers so that you can adjust as needed during your run. Depending on how many miles you run, it may be cool when you start and hot when you’re done.

You’ll also need a durable pair of running socks. The last thing you want is to get blisters or have your socks slip off your heels into your shoes. At FITS, we have the best men’s wool running socks and running socks for women to keep your feet cool and comfortable on your run. Our socks are made with high-quality merino wool with natural moisture-wicking properties. Plus, our patented Full Contact Fit® hugs the contour of your foot, so there are no loose socks to rub your feet the wrong way.

3. Keep Your Body Properly Fueled

Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water before and after your runs is important for endurance and recovery. You may also want to carry energy gels or other portable snacks with you in case you start to feel hungry during your run.

4. Pay Attention to Good Form

Poor form can lead to injuries, so be sure to run with your head up, shoulders back, and abdominal muscles pulled in. Keep your arms at a 90-degree angle, and be sure to land on the balls of your feet instead of your heels. As you run, take short, quick strides and try to stay light on your feet. Remember to breathe deeply and evenly–if you start to feel short of breath, slow down or take a break.

5. Listen to Your Body

Long distance running can be tough on the body, and ignoring signs of fatigue can lead to injuries. So, it's important to pay attention to how your body is feeling. If you start to feel tired, take a brief walk or slow down your pace for a few minutes. It's also important to stay hydrated during your run, so drink water regularly and carry a bottle with you if possible. And finally, don't forget to warm up before you start running and cool down afterward with some stretching. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable long distance run.

Get the Best Long Distance Running Socks from FITS

Ready to get running? You can get the best-fitting, best-feeling long distance running socks from FITS. Whether you want no-show socks or ankle socks, we have options for you. Shop our entire collection of running socks today!

Sock Sizing

The Perfect Fit Starts With the Right Size.

Your sock size shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our socks range from small to double XL, but the best way to know the perfect fit for you is to match your shoe size to the chart on the left. That way, you’ll know the size you select will give you the fit and feel you expect.

Between sizes? Go with your gut, but rest assured that your socks will still fit great. If you receive your order and find yourself wishing you’d gone up or down a size, just let us know. We’ll happily send you replacements for your preferred size.

Concerned about laundry mix-ups? All FITS® socks are coordinated by color and size, based on the colors you see on the size chart. So, you won’t have to worry about mixing up your sizes with the other FITS® wearers in your home. (But stray socks mysteriously going missing in the dryer? Unfortunately, we can’t help with that.)

The Light Hiker is perfect for everything from big adventures to everyday wear.

How Do You Determine Sock Size?

Sock sizes are typically measured in inches, not by your shoe size. So, a sock size 6-8 will comfortably fit someone whose feet are between six and eight inches long. However, at FITS®, we make it easy for you to choose the ideal sock size without having to measure your foot. Simply use our sock size conversion chart based on your shoe size to select the right fit for you.

How Do You Measure Your Foot for Socks?

To measure your foot for socks, measure the length from the heel of your foot to the tip of your longest toe. The measurement in inches correlates to your sock size. For example, if your foot is 10 inches long, a sock size 9-11 should fit you comfortably. At FITS®, you can skip this step and find your sock size based on your shoe size using our conversion chart.

What Is the Sock Size Conversion?

The sock size conversion refers to sock size compared to shoe size. While all companies may vary slightly on which size socks to purchase based on your shoe size, you can always measure your foot to find the right fit for you.

What is Sock Size to Shoe Size?

Because sock sizes are determined by the length of your foot in inches vs. your shoe size, shoe and sock sizes differ. The FITS® sock size to shoe size conversion is as follows:

FITS® Sock Size Small = Shoe Size 3½ - 5½ men’s and 5 - 7 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Medium = Shoe Size 6 - 8 men’s and 7½ - 9½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Large = Shoe Size 8½ - 10 men’s and 10 - 11½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Extra Large = Shoe Size 10½ - 12½ men’s and 12 - 14 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Double-Extra Large = 13 - 15½ men’s and 14½ - 16½ women’s

Knowing this makes it easy to choose the ideal sock size based on your shoe size without measuring your foot.

What Age is Sock Size 9-12?

Sock sizes typically don’t correlate with age. For kids, age can be a general indicator of what size sock they’ll need, but everyone is different. An adult sock size 9-12 fits anyone whose feet are approximately nine to twelve inches long. For kids’ sock sizing, check with the company to find exact details to ensure your little one gets the perfect fit.

Got more questions about finding the perfect sock size for you? Let’s talk.