Just started running

CliffyG

CliffyG

CliffyG

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
18,612
Location
Cambridge
Decided its about time to get some kind of fitness, playing football once every other week just isnt enough and i'm always knackered. Running is nice and cheap and can be done at any time so gets the nod.

Had my first try last night, no idea how far it was or how long i ran for but on my second lap i had to stop on a really steep hill. Figure i'll keep doing it like that until i don't need to stop then re-evaluate if i go faster or do more laps.

I've already checked out Platypus's running guide and providing i keep it up for at least a couple of weeks i'll be visiting my local advance performance shop to get my gait analysed and buy some proper shoes.

One thing i seem to remember reading about is some device that you attach to trainers which connects to an ipod (i think). Are they are good? I think i read that you can upload the data to a pc to look at distances and speed etc.
 
I think you're talking about the Nike+ Ipod Sport Kit, personally for me I'd hate to have something telling me exactly how I'm doing all the time, would take away the fun and freedom of running. Maybe good to use once a month to check up but I'd always be thinking if I don't see improvements almost every run I'd feel I'm not working hard enough...but in reality the conditions/you're attitude on a run and general drive that day could change so much it's not a fair result.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nike-iPod-Sport-Kit_W0QQitemZ330256734085QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330256734085
 
The nike+ device. I've never used one myself, though I've a few friends that have them. They upload pace and distance information. My friends really like them, though it does take a little bit of effort to get them calibrated correctly, and the accuracy isn't brilliant, though its still far better than a guestimate. The friends with them, do like them, and they are a lot cheaper than a GPS device.
 
I'm not after amazing accuracy so seems like they be ok for me, do you need to have Nike shoes and an ipod nano though?

is wireless sensor and receiver combination works exclusively with your Nike+ shoes and iPod nano
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That's the Nike+ Sportsband. Plugs into your computer via USB to uplink your data to the Nike+ site.

My road shoes have a Nike+ cutout but my XC/trail shoes don't (an older Nike model), so I use one of the little sensor pockets which you thread through the laces. Works fine.
 
Uriel said:
This site is very handy for planning your route or working out how far your've gone. http://www.walkjogrun.net/

It uses Google maps and you can work out distances, your pace, estimate calories used etc. Very handy.
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Thats quite good, according to it i did 2.2 miles. Not sure of the time it took though.

#Chri5# said:
That's the Nike+ Sportsband. Plugs into your computer via USB to uplink your data to the Nike+ site.

My road shoes have a Nike+ cutout but my XC/trail shoes don't (an older Nike model), so I use one of the little sensor pockets which you thread through the laces. Works fine.
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Ah that might be better for me as i don't even have a nano yet.
 
Whats the best way to deal with eating / drinking before running? I won't have eaten since lunch time and jog before i have dinner at around 7pm. Should i have some kind of snack before hand or something. Also should i stock up on water or only drink minimal amounts?
 
CliffyG said:
Whats the best way to deal with eating / drinking before running? I won't have eaten since lunch time and jog before i have dinner at around 7pm. Should i have some kind of snack before hand or something. Also should i stock up on water or only drink minimal amounts?
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As with anything, eat at least 30mins before to prevent having to much food/water in your stomach by that point and getting stitches, probably leave longer than that though. Have some water, should just stay hydrated all day long anyway. Food its up to you, if its purely for health and increasing endurance, a snack with some carbs, simple and complex would probably help with energy. If you're trying to lose weight at all then running without eating will probably be good, unless you've simply got no energy.

If you aren't looking to lose weight, I'd say, one night, eat before, 45min/1hour before, the next night, run without, then cycle it, and then, see which you prefer ;) Its really up to you and how you feel, some people don't like to eat soon before cardio, some do, find a food that is easy on the stomach, heavy slow digest foods will be worse. try eating before and not eating several times each as you can easily have a bad day where you feel worse when doing either.
 
Ah k looks like i'm doing ok then. I don't tea / coffee so drink water all day long + think i was ok without eating. Losing a few pounds certainly wont hurt so i'll prob skip eating beforehand :).

2 times a week ok to start with, im thinking Tues and Thurs so i have recovery time and can slot another one in if im feeling up for it on another day.
 
If I run at about 7-7.30pm during the week I just make sure that I have snack at about 4.30, before I leave work and then have a banana about 30 minutes before I go out.

if you are looking to loose weight then you might want to spread your eating over the day rather than just have 3 main meals.
 
CliffyG said:
Ah k looks like i'm doing ok then. I don't tea / coffee so drink water all day long + think i was ok without eating. Losing a few pounds certainly wont hurt so i'll prob skip eating beforehand :).

2 times a week ok to start with, im thinking Tues and Thurs so i have recovery time and can slot another one in if im feeling up for it on another day.
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At the stage you're at I wouldn't worry about it to be honest. I generally run in the evenings and would have been 5 hours without food before running and don't worry about it for short runs. Hydration isn't an issue either as long as I'm taking on some fluids during the day and only consider carrying water if the run is >1.5hrs.

Long runs are a different kettle of fish and I need to prepare for them - for me it's high carbs (food and drinks) night before. The day of the run high carb drink until 30 mins before, 2 servings of oatsosimple 2.5hrs before and carry 0.5L water & 0.5L energy (inc. electrolytes if hot).

All that said, it's what you are comfortable with and only you will know so experiment as drunkenmaster has already said.
 
I use google earth for my training. Measure on Goggle earth and take a watch. If its a free run, then measure when you get back home.

I heard that the Nike+ trainers weren't that great either.
 
firstborn said:
Hydration isn't an issue either as long as I'm taking on some fluids during the day and only consider carrying water if the run is >1.5hrs.

.
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Even in this weather? I really struggle without water during a run, and im only running a poxy 5 or so miles, problem is, I really struggle running with a bottle.

Ive used the Nike plus and Nano combo and its really good,I run with music and the nano is handy for that, the Nike plus is a great tool for telling you how far you have progressed (good for us fatties:p) plus you can set and join online challenges, DVDForums have a monthly challenge.

www.mapmyrun.com is a excellent site for plotting runs.
 
carlazai said:
I use google earth for my training. Measure on Goggle earth and take a watch. If its a free run, then measure when you get back home.

I heard that the Nike+ trainers weren't that great either.
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Horses for courses on running shoes. I bought my existing road shoes as they felt the best out of several pairs I tested in the shop. A Nike+ cutout was a bonus.
 
wohoo said:
Even in this weather? I really struggle without water during a run, and im only running a poxy 5 or so miles, problem is, I really struggle running with a bottle.
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Nowt poxy about 5 miles.

I use Nathan bottle belts; sinlge for shorter runs and double for long runs (although anything over 3 hours and it has to be a bladder of some description - currently a 2L platypus in a Salomon pack). Nathan's are very comfortable and much better than carrying a bottle as you can forget about it until you need a drink.
 
My whole fitness schedule was knocked well of joint because of me splitting up with my wife and all the associated drama. I properly started a couple of weeks ago just doing 2 and a bit K 1 evening a week along with a night of 5-a-side and one night of Judo.

This week i really felt something click fitness wise, i managed the 2 and a bit k without stopping for the first time, even sprinted the last few hundred metres and at Judo i kept going all night. Thought it was time to test myself and planned out a 5k route using the link supplied by Uriel (thanks again).

I'm so chuffed with myself :D, i managed the full 5k without stopping once and got back indoors within 26 minutes (no idea how good / bad that is). I felt i could have gone on as well but didn't want to push myself to hard so soon. I'm planning on doing the 5k once a week in future and when i get a bit fitter i shall invest in some proper shoes and an ipod shuffle and start upping the distance. Still can't believe i did it :D.

EDIT

On top of that i have lost nearly all my fat and only have a tiny bit to go before a 6-pack will be on show!
 
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I just started too and I find google earth helpful to measure distances I run since it has a ruler tool with which you can place waypoints.
 
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