MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The first Wednesday of June (which is, of course, today) is National Running Day.

If you’re using this opportunity to start a new running routine and just got a new pair of shoes for the effort, here are some tips on how to break those shoes in.

Sixty-four-year-old John Stanton, founder of Running Room, is an accomplished runner with 60 marathons under his belt, including an Iron Man. But 30 years ago, he was in a much different spot.

“Like many people, I hadn’t intentionally gotten out of shape, but I’d thrown my energies into my family, work and community activities and sort of realized I was out of shape,” said Stanton.

Disappointed that he could barely accompany his young son on runs of just a couple miles, he laced up his shoes and took on running as his sport.

“What I soon found was that by staying consistent with it over a period of time, I was able to run farther, I lost some weight and got motivated,” said Stanton. “I lost the weight and quit smoking.”

Stanton has some tips for getting started. Start with a “one minute” routine, meaning alternate jogging with a brisk walk at one-minute intervals. The jogging pace should quicken your breath but not keep you from talking.

“You go from running to walking, running to walking.  You do a combination of walk-run and do that six times.”

Each week, increase your jogging times by a minute until you reach 10-minute intervals. If you do six sets, you’re running more than an hour.

“The best feeling about running is the ‘I feel good’ feeling. The empowerment.  The calming effect. When we run, it really gives us a sense of confidence,” said Stanton. “The number one thing that keeps people from getting started on an exercise program … fear of embarrassment. That’s why I encourage people who are sitting at home and watching this to come out and join a group. It allows us to build a sense of community in a time when the world needs more community.”

If you’re looking for a running group, you might want to check out MeetUp.com, where runners or potential runners can find other people to work out with. There are groups in Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Blaine and more.