Before getting started on a run, make sure you follow these few simple preparation techniques - believe me, you'll thank me later.

Before you get started on a run, there are certain techniques you should follow. Of course, if you're anything like me when I first started running, you've already gone out there and just started running. Well, now it's time to back up and start again, this time doing it properly.

The most important thing if you're thinking about seriously getting into running is to get a checkup from your doctor first. Tell Doc what you're planning on doing and talk to him/her about any health problems you might already have. It may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but better a few minutes spent with a medical professional now than a few weeks later after you've keeled over from a heart attack.

Next thing, start thinking about safety. As a good rule to follow, probably best not to run alone. It's also a good idea to map out a route and make sure you know where all the places you could have mishaps are. Check for any holes in the sidewalk, look at traffic patterns and make sure you wear clothing that helps drivers see you.

Listening to music while wearing stereo headphones is very popular. It's also very dumb if you're running on the open highway. When you can't hear what's going on around you, that opens you up for trouble. It's best to be able to hear the ambulance coming and not be run over by it....but maybe that's just me.

Another thing to think about is make sure you drink enough water. You should be hydrated at all times when you run. It not only gives you keeps you cool, water also rehydrates you and flushes waste out of your body. No need to buy fancy designer water though. A normal bottle of water or some filtered tap water is fine. Don't forget, you're using it to regulate your body and not using it to show everyone you have more money than sense.

The final thing before you get started running is remember to stretch. This is one thing I'm really bad at and probably why I've pulled a couple of muscles in the last few months. In a simple case of do what I say and not what I do, make sure you stretch before you start running, as well as after.

But make sure you stretch safely. Don't stretch cold muscles. Cold muscles are usually tight and can easily tear causing weeks if not months of misery and pain. So remember, before you run, get a check up, make sure you're running safely, don't wear headphones if running on the road, drink enough water and remember to stretch. You might think it's not important but, believe me, you'll thank me later when your friends are lying in hospital in traction and you're stretched out in your favorite armchair after finishing your latest marathon.