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Tips & Tricks From an Avid Runner

Posted on February 20, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Terina Ria

Terina Ria

Runner Shireen Ghorbani stages the iconic Forrest Gump running shot in Monument Valley. (Shireen Ghorbani)

Runner Shireen Ghorbani stages the iconic Forrest Gump running shot in Monument Valley. (Shireen Ghorbani)

The Salt Lake City Marathon is just a few months away, and as someone who despises running, I just don’t get it. Recently City Cast Salt Lake spoke with a couple of seasoned runners about hitting the pavement, including Shireen Ghorbani. Below she shares her tips and tricks to get from couch to 5K and the best places to run in Salt Lake City.

City Cast

How To Start Running in Salt Lake

00:00:00

Where are the best places to run?

“Liberty or Sugarhouse Park are great places to get started. The Jordan River Trail offers shade and nice uninterrupted stretches away from traffic. A personal fave is the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, if you don’t mind the possibility of encountering a snake every now and then.”

How do you get started/motivated if you’ve never run before?

“I’m a proponent of just walking out your door and getting started. A few laps around the block can quickly expand as your confidence grows. There are a number of wonderful running groups like Women of the Wasatch and Salt Lake City Running Club. I’ve never joined, but they seem friendly.”

Any additional tips & tricks?

“My biggest tips are: Take it easy, listen to your body, and always remember that you can do hard things.

While I don’t have strong suggestions on particular gear, shoes, goos/food/snacks, or trackers, as I feel it’s all so personal, something I have very big feelings about [is] sports bras. For those of us running around with boobs that need support, I highly recommend finding the right running bra for you. I run in the She-Fit high-impact bra and once I found it, it was a total game changer. Comfort and functionality go a long way in supporting you on your running journey.”

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