Platypus' Beginners Guide to Running

Not read all the replies, but it'd be good to include advice on stitch avoidence, management when running (abdominal breathng and rythm), eating drinking pre running etc to reduce diaphram stress.

What about how to best avoid other common problems? Splints etc..

Just started running myself, I'm in The Windsor Half.

Nice post!
 
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How is everyone getting on?

I've gone from struggling to "run" a mile last July to looking for my first 10k race today.

Currently doing 3-4 10k runs every week - loving the warm weather lately, makes you feel proper hardcore running around with a hoody on :o
 
Can I suggest a few more shop links?

Pete Bland Sports in Kendal. Good selection of tarmac shoes but loads of choice for XC / trail running, with specialist fell running shoes too. Offer mail order.

Bourne Sports. Only a few miles from OCuk. Long standing independant sports shop. Have an official shop run every Saturday morning with promo's. Treadmill instore which they are more than happy for you to test shoes on. No rush service during the week - my last purchase saw me try on over 10 pairs.

No association with either shop except as a satisified customer.

Sub-4. Only visited briefly a couple of times but very specialist running shop in Stoke-on-Trent. Offer all manner of assessments - IIRC they have a running track in their premises which has video cameras embedded in it. Cost for the longer assessments can be £200+.

Joe Jogger. Mail order only, so only good for people who know what trainer they want (ie a second or spare pair) but discounted prices.
 
Does anyone get the sound of water "sloshing" around in their stomachs all the time?

Is it simply drinking too much throughout the day?
 
Just finished my first run, could only do twice round the block...rubbish! thought i would be better than that, im on my feet all day at work...
 
I've never done any running before, but would consider myself quite fit being an avid walker and cyclist. I would love to be able to run a half-marathon, and have my eye on one that is in my area on 16th September. Am I being naive/optimistic to expect to be able to complete this run, starting training now? I've looked at training programs for half marathons but they are generally 18 weeks in length. I have some running shoes.
 
Nope fusion, as long as you don't overdo it to begin with you should have enough time to train for it. Make sure you're not pushing things, maybe if you post your planned/current routine we could have a look at it?
 
platypus said:
Nope fusion, as long as you don't overdo it to begin with you should have enough time to train for it. Make sure you're not pushing things, maybe if you post your planned/current routine we could have a look at it?
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I've started on the 'From jogging to marathon training schedule' found on the Serpentine running club's site. I'm going to have to cut corners somewhere though as they work up to a 13 mile run in 17 weeks, and I only have 11! I've not had any problem with the 10 minute runs in the first week. The first time I covered only a mile as I was pacing myself slowly, today I pushed a bit harder and did 1.1 miles, doing the mile in 9 minutes. I'm confident I can push further, but I don't want to place strain on my body of course.
 
Sorry Fusion, not really had chance to reply. The Serpentine club's site is an excellent resource, and if you can follow their plan without over stretching, give it a go.

One thing I would say is to be careful - its a 17 week plan for a reason! However, a half marathon isn't quite in the same league as a marathon, in that if you cut a few corners in marathon training then you'll be in real trouble. What I'd suggest is to take one of those weeks where you're doing 2 mile runs, and replace them with a mix of 2,3 and 4 mile runs to get you used to the distances quicker. Hope that helps, and please let us know how you get on :)
 
Ran 3 miles last night steadily in 26 mins 47 secs. Toughest part is staying tough mentally. Will definitely take some water out next time as my mouth and throat was dry even though outside temps were low (it was 8.30pm). I've been having problems with my left foot, getting friction burns on the sole. Once last week it was particularly painful and had to have a few days off. I've got some padded socks so I'll wear those where possible.

If I can increase the distance that I run each day by half a mile a week I'll be pleased.
 
firstborn said:
Sounds like you were dehydrated before you even went for a run - you shouldn't need to carry water on a run like that, imo.
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You're probably right. Going out to do the same run soon and will drink plenty of water beforehand. Entered the Robin Hood half marathon just now, which will serve to motivate me even more. Looking forward to it, bit apprehensive though :eek: :)
 
Fusion said:
You're probably right. Going out to do the same run soon and will drink plenty of water beforehand. Entered the Robin Hood half marathon just now, which will serve to motivate me even more. Looking forward to it, bit apprehensive though :eek: :)
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I'm also doing the Robin Hood half, quite a nice varied route. If you can keep up your current pace as you increase you mileage you should manage a fairly good time. Are you getting in any longer runs? You run in Notts?
 
firstborn said:
I'm also doing the Robin Hood half, quite a nice varied route. If you can keep up your current pace as you increase you mileage you should manage a fairly good time. Are you getting in any longer runs? You run in Notts?
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Good stuff, yeah the route looks inspiring, going round the uni and Wollaton Park. I'm steadily increasing my distances, did just under 3.5 miles in 30 mins dead tonight. Going to get a 4/4.5 miler in this week. I'm from Huthwaite (wayyy up north, nearly 20 miles from Nottingham city centre) and run on trails around my area.
 
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