Australia is buzzing with a fresh new craze, and it's all about running! Running groups, some boasting an impressive 500-1000 participants each week, are popping up in every suburb. Everyone is partaking in some fun run or running race, and completing a marathon is not such a big deal anymore because 100km trail races are becoming mainstream. If you're feeling the itch to jump on the bandwagon, but your idea of running is a leisurely Sunday jog or a quick 15-minute treadmill session at the gym, don't worry—you're not alone.

The big question is, where do you begin? Do you need to splurge on the latest high-tech running watch and shoes and start eating sugary energy gels? The short answer is you can if you want to, but it's unnecessary. Let's break it down, step by step, and get you lacing up those sneakers in no time.