New Runner Tips??

[fonzinator]

Well, I've decided to start running. I've never been a runner, always a swimmer. But, I can't afford a gym membership nor the time it takes to swim. I'm looking for tips for a beginning runner. I just read a great Running 101 article at Runner's World but does anyone have any additional advice for me? Currenly, I'm not in shape so I know the first few weeks will be hell!

 

[RalphKramden]

It's probably in the runner 101, but brisk walk for 5-10 minutes before and after.

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: RalphKramden
It's probably in the runner 101, but brisk walk for 5-10 minutes before and after.

Yeah, they were definitely preachin that big time.

 

[MacGaven]

Warmup.

Cool-down.

Cross-Train.

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: MacGaven
Warmup.

Cool-down.

Cross-Train.

Cross-Train??

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: MacGaven
Warmup.

Cool-down.

 

[Codewiz]

Don't try to be a superstar right off the bat. Depending on how in shape you are, start by running 2 miles without stopping. It is best that once you start your daily running that you don't stop in the middle of the run. That also means you have to build up to the distance. I know that when I started running, the first week I ran 2 miles everyday. Over time as I got faster and faster, I bumped up the mileage.

 

[fonzinator]

I've been reading quite a bit about a Run/Walk workout. For example...you run for 4 minutes, walk for 1; repeat 5 to 7 times. Has anyone experimented with this? I'm thinking this R/W plan may be good for someone just starting out. I obviously wouldn't start with 4/1 though.

 

[Amused]

That's not a bad run/walk plan, but this one is better.

Worked like a charm for me. I was running 4 miles, 4 days a week in just 9 weeks. I couldn't even run a quarter mile when I started.

 

[Mutilator]

Originally posted by: Amused
That's not a bad run/walk plan, but this one is better.

Worked like a charm for me. I was running 4 miles, 4 days a week in just 9 weeks. I couldn't even run a quarter mile when I started.

Hmm I might give that thing a try. Right now I'm walking on my treadmill @ 3MPH for 40 minutes (2 miles) 3-4 days a week. I guess the ultimate goal in that program is to end up jogging for 30 minutes @ 6MPH.
Going to buy some new shoes first though... my old New Balances are starting to fall apart. Any recommendations? How are Nike Shox? I think I saw somewhere here that they are actually pretty good. I tend to stomp when I get going 5-6mph on the treadmill. Maybe they would quiet that down some.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Mutilator

Originally posted by: Amused
That's not a bad run/walk plan, but this one is better.

Worked like a charm for me. I was running 4 miles, 4 days a week in just 9 weeks. I couldn't even run a quarter mile when I started.

Hmm I might give that thing a try. Right now I'm walking on my treadmill @ 3MPH for 40 minutes (2 miles) 3-4 days a week. I guess the ultimate goal in that program is to end up jogging for 30 minutes @ 6MPH.
Going to buy some new shoes first though... my old New Balances are starting to fall apart. Any recommendations? How are Nike Shox? I think I saw somewhere here that they are actually pretty good. I tend to stomp when I get going 5-6mph on the treadmill. Maybe they would quiet that down some.

6 MPH would be ideal. I did this program at that speed.

I like NB, and have a pair of 991 s that I'm VERY fond of. A bit expensive at $100, but they are great.

see them here

I've tried Nikes, including the Shox, and was not impressed. Too much cushion is a bad thing if stability is compromised. Mind you, I don't pronate at all, but I still need stability, or my knees and heals start barking. YMMV

Try to roll your feet more when running. If you're stomping, you're letting the treadmill drive you. Not good for the knees. A good cure for that is to raise the incline of the treadmill a notch or two.

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: Mutilator

Originally posted by: Amused
That's not a bad run/walk plan, but this one is better.

Worked like a charm for me. I was running 4 miles, 4 days a week in just 9 weeks. I couldn't even run a quarter mile when I started.

Hmm I might give that thing a try. Right now I'm walking on my treadmill @ 3MPH for 40 minutes (2 miles) 3-4 days a week. I guess the ultimate goal in that program is to end up jogging for 30 minutes @ 6MPH.
Going to buy some new shoes first though... my old New Balances are starting to fall apart. Any recommendations? How are Nike Shox? I think I saw somewhere here that they are actually pretty good. I tend to stomp when I get going 5-6mph on the treadmill. Maybe they would quiet that down some.

I just bought a pair of New Balance 1022 to start running with. I'll let you know how they perform after a week or so. In the meantime, I suggest heading over to Runner's World. They have an excellent shoe-finder you should check out. People also write reviews of shoes at Road Runner Sports. You can find coupons floating around for RRS at other hot deal sites.

 

[UNCjigga]

WHOA! ATOT Reminder Service comes through again!

You just reminded me I need to pick up a new pair of Asics Gel 1080s...thanks!

 

[Kemosabe1447]

Those running plans are kinda pathetic...When I started running I started out going 2 miles , and walked when I needed too, you will realize when you can do more than that.

 

[fonzinator]

Can anyone recommend some good, lightweight running socks??

 

[Amused]

I got some thin footies at a Reebok outlet store that I like.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Kemosabe1447
Those running plans are kinda pathetic...When I started running I started out going 2 miles , and walked when I needed too, you will realize when you can do more than that.

Following a plan, whether you make it yourself or someone else does, gives you attainable goals while minimizing the risk of burn out and injury.

 

[Kemosabe1447]

I don't agree with that. I think people know how much they can do, they just have to get out there and try it.

 

[Mutilator]

Kemosabe are you trying to get flamed? You have to remember that there are a lot of people out there that can't run for 1-2 minutes without gasping for air... let alone 30. And if they're just starting out they do NOT know what their limits are and most of the time they'll end up over doing it. Once they do that they'll say screw it this pain is too much and quit. Plans that start out easy like these keep that from happening. Just because you can jump up and run a mile without breaking a sweat doesn't mean everyone else can.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Kemosabe1447
I don't agree with that. I think people know how much they can do, they just have to get out there and try it.

Doing too much too fast is hard on the body and hard on the mind. Without a program to gracefully ease you into it, you risk both.

Now, I'm not a huge advocate of Amused's couch-to-5k either, but I do respect it. Programs like that are often overy complicated and can sometimes discourage people because you are constantly looking at a watch or trying to keep track of what you have done or what you need to do.

I prefer heart monitor training myself. Basically go out and walk/jog/run in a certain heart rate range for XX:XX amount of time and leave it at that. When starting out, you should only concentrate on one thing - time OR distance. Not both. Concentrating on both just makes you overexert or discourage yourself.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Kemosabe1447
I don't agree with that. I think people know how much they can do, they just have to get out there and try it.

Most people do NOT know what they can do. Most people will run until exhausted, and give up discouraged. If you need proof of this, read the threads at the coolrunning.com forums. It's filled with people telling how they constantly were discouraged and gave up until they found the couch to 5K program.

The web is filled with run/walk programs. While you may have not needed an organized program to follow, it is obvious that a great many people do. I benefited from it greatly, as every week had a new attainable goal to achieve.

 

[Kemosabe1447]

Originally posted by: Mutilator
Kemosabe are you trying to get flamed? You have to remember that there are a lot of people out there that can't run for 1-2 minutes without gasping for air... let alone 30. And if they're just starting out they do NOT know what their limits are and most of the time they'll end up over doing it. Once they do that they'll say screw it this pain is too much and quit. Plans that start out easy like these keep that from happening. Just because you can jump up and run a mile without breaking a sweat doesn't mean everyone else can.

I guess you have a point there, but running is mainly mental, you just need the will power.

 

[LakerGod]

Good stuff, i'm gonna try to follow it too.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: Kemosabe1447
I don't agree with that. I think people know how much they can do, they just have to get out there and try it.

Doing too much too fast is hard on the body and hard on the mind. Without a program to gracefully ease you into it, you risk both.

Now, I'm not a huge advocate of Amused's couch-to-5k either, but I do respect it. Programs like that are often overy complicated and can sometimes discourage people because you are constantly looking at a watch or trying to keep track of what you have done or what you need to do.

I prefer heart monitor training myself. Basically go out and walk/jog/run in a certain heart rate range for XX:XX amount of time and leave it at that. When starting out, you should only concentrate on one thing - time OR distance. Not both. Concentrating on both just makes you overexert or discourage yourself.

I made the C25K program easy by counting steps as I ran rather than looking at a watch. While running, every other left foot fall was a one second count. I never measured distance except to measure my route the first time. It made it very easy, and kept my mind occupied.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: Mutilator

Originally posted by: Amused
That's not a bad run/walk plan, but this one is better.

Worked like a charm for me. I was running 4 miles, 4 days a week in just 9 weeks. I couldn't even run a quarter mile when I started.

Hmm I might give that thing a try. Right now I'm walking on my treadmill @ 3MPH for 40 minutes (2 miles) 3-4 days a week. I guess the ultimate goal in that program is to end up jogging for 30 minutes @ 6MPH.
Going to buy some new shoes first though... my old New Balances are starting to fall apart. Any recommendations? How are Nike Shox? I think I saw somewhere here that they are actually pretty good. I tend to stomp when I get going 5-6mph on the treadmill. Maybe they would quiet that down some.

Walking? I can walk miles, but I can't run for sh!t.