To anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that I’m not a regular runner (my college lacrosse days are long gone). But with the start of a new year and the motivation of a friendly bet, I’ve actually been hitting the pavement, er, treadmill for two weeks now. How do I know what I’m doing? Well, I don’t – but I did find some helpful tips for everything from tricks to finding the right running shoe to exercises that increase speed. Aside from an energy-spiking playlist, here are my favorite findings:

Wear the right sneaker: Admittedly, I am still wearing the same sneakers I’ve had since sophomore year of high school (I wish that was a joke). But I’m just about ready to commit to this enough to camp out in the specialty store until I find the right sneakers for my seriously flat feet. Fun fact: you should replace your running shoes every 300 – 400 miles.

Perfect your technique: When I first read SHAPE Magazine’s 10 tips for improving running technique, I was a little surprised. With advice like don’t land on your heel and use shorter strides rather than long strides, I’m realizing (quickly) how much work I have in store.

Build muscle to run faster: As much as squats (and anything that resembles the leg-trembling cousin of the lunge) give me nightmares, they are incredibly effective for strength training. But pain is gain (or so they say), and these four leg exercises promise to make you feel the burn.

One other benefit to taking up this healthy pastime? Running tours. Can you think of a better way to see a city you’re visiting? I didn’t think so. It’s social, you get in your exercise for the day, and you see all the sites firsthand. There is no downside.

Our Go For a Run Men’s and Women’s Boutiques open Saturday, January 26, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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I like to keep a workout bag packed and ready by the door at all times. I have a preposterously hard time motivating myself to go to the gym post-beach season (“But it’s dark out! But Tuesday is the new Thirsty Thursday!”). So having that bag packed and ready to go is absolutely key.

Its typical contents? Everything from the prettiest hair elastics known to man to punchy kicks that give even the least motivated days a pop of gotta-get-to-the-gym excitement.

Counterclockwise from left. 

The Bag: Gone are the days when I used to carry adidas soccer bags to the gym (ohh, high school). This checkered satchel is sporty-meets-cool – and can totally pass for a weekender, too.

The Music Maker: I’m mildly obsessed with my iPhone®. It’s fabulous for playing pump-up tunes, timing how long I can stay in plank (answer: not long), and making it possible to check work email while doing crunches.

The Kicks: Cushioned and just the right amount of bright, these sneaks are cute enough to tackle my morning commute, too.

The Watch: Okay, so do I really need a watch when I have a phone with me? Eh. But this one just makes everything look so Sporty Spice. In the best of ways.

The Water Bottle: A little shameless self-promotion? I can’t resist it – my Rue water bottle is just too cute.

The Hair Accessories: Treadmill without a hair tie? Major fail. So I won’t leave home without these knotted elastic hair ties. You can find them everywhere from Sephora to Etsy in a host of hues (and even glitter). As for tackling those leftover hair wispies? A drugstore hair clip is an absolute staple.

Want to round out your gym bag? Our PUMA Women’s Shoes & Accessories Boutique opens Monday, October 22, at 11AM ET.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

A LOOK BEHIND THE LENS AT OUR PUMA GOLF PHOTO SHOOT

Everyone on PUMA Golf seemed to be having such a blast that we needed to get a closer look. (And maybe try some putting practice.)

Our PUMA Golf Boutique opens Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 11AM ET.