Runners - help me begin

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

Soldato
Joined
11 Jul 2004
Posts
16,133
Location
Neptune
Hey

I'm REALLY eager to get in to running. I need to lose weight and i need to get fit. I was speaking to a friend tonight..she says she's really in to her running and actually loves it! I feel inspired.

I will also be incorporating cycling in to my new fitness programme, if that's worth mentioning. :confused:

Basically, where do i start? Just by getting out there and running til i can run no more? Start with short jogs or sprints?

Please help, any advice would be greatly appreciated (running shoes, tips, etc). Thank you.
 
Buy proper footwear.

Don't over-exert yourself to begin with. You'll hurt yourself, put yourself off and not bother any more.

Is it just weight loss you're after or do you have other goals? Particular distances you want to cover? Run a mile in x amount of minutes? If you can, come up with some objectives. Small goals to attain that measure your progress.
 
Gilly said:
Buy proper footwear.

Don't over-exert yourself to begin with. You'll hurt yourself, put yourself off and not bother any more.

Is it just weight loss you're after or do you have other goals? Particular distances you want to cover? Run a mile in x amount of minutes? If you can, come up with some objectives. Small goals to attain that measure your progress.
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Thanks Gilly.

Can you recommend any particular make/brand of footwear for a begginer?

What i'd really like to do is lose the weight and steadily build up my fitness and increase the length of my runs as times passes. I'm not aiming to run the London Marathon anytime soon but if i start doing well that maybe something i'd consider in a year or two (or is that unrealistic?).

I really don't know where to start...get my shoes first? Are they really THAT important?..or can i just chuck on some trainers and get going...or will that lead to aches/pains/injuries like you mention?
 
Tried&Tested said:
I really don't know where to start...get my shoes first? Are they really THAT important?..or can i just chuck on some trainers and get going...or will that lead to aches/pains/injuries like you mention?
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I used to run, play a lot of rugby and football, and just generally be a very active person. I didn't get the right footwear. I can no longer do all those things properly (running is out, but football I could still do, sometimes - before i went lardo :)) because my knees, ankles and shins are stuffed (to varying degrees). Even if the chance is remote from using poor footwear (and I don't think it is), don't take the risk.
 
Definately get well padded footwear.

I personally needed more padding than I had and I suffer for it now, serious problems with both shins, knees and hips...
 
Tried&Tested said:
You're all scaring me now! :)

Right..i will get proper shoes before i start. Suggestions? Do they need to be properly fitted etc for a begginer like me?
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Find a decent specialist shop - they'll have you run over a mat which checks where your foot needs support and give you the right shoes. You might end up paying more, but it's well worth it.
 
Try this for size once you get some shoes.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I also have a new toy for my Ipod Nano, nike are doing a little sensor which you put into your trainer and then the other bit plugs into your ipod, it then tracks your run, and gives you an idea of how you are doing.Quite usefull for newbies.
 
Tinders said:
Try this for size once you get some shoes.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I also have a new toy for my Ipod Nano, nike are doing a little sensor which you put into your trainer and then the other bit plugs into your ipod, it then tracks your run, and gives you an idea of how you are doing.Quite usefull for newbies.
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Wicked link. Thank you. Just reading it now. :)
 
Start at a proper running shop rather than generic high street shops. Asics, Mizunho, New Balance, Saucony.
 
Tried&Tested said:
Still would appreciate some shoe suggestions..i really wouldnt know where to start!
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As said your best bet is to go to a specialist running store and get them to see what type of shoe you require (cushioning, structured cushioning etc). JJB Sports do a range os specialist running shoes which are good (see here ) and will probably be cheaper than the small shops. (Use the small shops for advice then go elsewear :p)
 
So it's not a case of if it feels comfy then the shoes will be ok? :( :D That's fine..but as an interim i may just get some running shoes from the local sports shop then get myself up to a specialised shop later on.

That sound ok or am i likely to injure myself; bear in mind i'm probably gonna follow the plan that was linked to a few posts up.
 
To be honest "specialised" running shoes aren't as expensive as they sound £45-£55 will great you a great pair of asics. I'd go for a pair like these if you must. Pointless wasting money on a pair of Nike Shox that are, well crap :p

The wrong shoes can lead to pains and damage in the ankles, knees, lower back though. Asics are my pick :)
 
I love running what can I say im a sadist...but I find that running at night is much easier than running during the day as its cooler and there is much more oxygen in the air which is particularly good if your asthmatic, same with the rain.

nothing like a 15 mile run in the dark :D
 
dafloppyone said:
I love running what can I say im a sadist...but I find that running at night is much easier than running during the day as its cooler and there is much more oxygen in the air which is particularly good if your asthmatic, same with the rain.

nothing like a 15 mile run in the dark :D
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Also has it's disadvantages - if you are road running wear something reflective - if only some bads on your top. Make sure somebody knows where you are as well, especially if you live in an area prone to robberies.

If running through a park away from lights watch out for tree roots *ouch* and dog carp :p Some filthy dog owners never clean up...

Otherwise, running in the dark is great.

Get some wicking technical fabrics. Don't do too much at once and run slow t first! Going too fast will not help :)
 
i started running but i think i started off too quickly, doing to far too many times a week. ended up with sore legs and shin splints which was also partly due to not having proper foot wear. so yeah take it easy for a while and ease your way into it.

MW
 
The other advantage of running at night is that fewer people can see me as I pant and wheeze my round the streets :D I ran a bit last winter and I'm looking forward to getting out again now work has calmed down a bit.

I'd 100% agree in getting new footwear. The first time I went road running I used my old gym trainers, a pair of pretty shot Reeboks. Damn did they hurt. I visited a good local shop (they've got a treadmill for testing shoes) and ended up with a pair of Nikes. Chalk and cheese compared to my old pair.

Even on the coldest nights I was out, I was fine in a pair of tracky bottoms, base-layer T-shirt, my MTB waterproof jacket (which has a handy pocket in the back for keys and mobile) and an forehead / ear warmer (£2 from Aldi!). I'd sometimes wear gloves to start with but then have to take them off when I got up to temperature.

It was always hard work running past a pub or chippy when it's cold and wet.
 
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