BlackTigers

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2006
4,491
2
71
So i've never really ran before, except for HS freshman track, to be honest.

But I jsut started college, and the rec center has been free. I haven't left that place.

I actually do want to get better at running...it's what I find the most fun. I ran a 7:45 mile yesterday, which is pretty slow compared to some of these numbskulls at the gym. Are there any good tips or regimens to start lowering my time? I'm not exactly interested in anything more than a mile as of yet, my endurance is bad. (Asthma FTL).

I'm going to go get some cross trainers later today, those should help (my shoes suck.)
 

InflatableBuddha

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2007
7,416
1
0
I'd recommend doing some base mileage before you start doing any sort of interval training or tempo running. Work on gradually increasing your endurance until you can comfortably run 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

Research 5k beginner training programs on the web - that's a good place to start.

As far as shoes - don't get cross trainers. They're great for the gym, but they're too heavy and not well suited for running.

If you have good biomechanics, you can try running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers, or else get into some proper running shoes. Go to your local running store and get a gait analysis to figure out what type of shoe you need.

Good luck!
 

BlackTigers

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2006
4,491
2
71
Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I'd recommend doing some base mileage before you start doing any sort of interval training or tempo running. Work on gradually increasing your endurance until you can comfortably run 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

Research 5k beginner training programs on the web - that's a good place to start.

As far as shoes - don't get cross trainers. They're great for the gym, but they're too heavy and not well suited for running.

If you have good biomechanics, you can try running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers, or else get into some proper running shoes. Go to your local running store and get a gait analysis to figure out what type of shoe you need.

Good luck!

I'd love to be able to get dedicated running shoes, but I also lift too - and I need shoes for that too.

Being a broke college kid, for now I'm going to have to settle on some universal shoes. =/
 

katank

Senior member
Jul 18, 2008
385
0
0
Get some light flat soled shoes. Those are cheap and work well for both running and lifting. Most cross trainers are too darn squishy for you to get a stable base for lifting.
 

Onita

Golden Member
Feb 24, 2004
1,158
0
71
Originally posted by: BlackTigers
Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I'd recommend doing some base mileage before you start doing any sort of interval training or tempo running. Work on gradually increasing your endurance until you can comfortably run 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

Research 5k beginner training programs on the web - that's a good place to start.

As far as shoes - don't get cross trainers. They're great for the gym, but they're too heavy and not well suited for running.

If you have good biomechanics, you can try running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers, or else get into some proper running shoes. Go to your local running store and get a gait analysis to figure out what type of shoe you need.

Good luck!

I'd love to be able to get dedicated running shoes, but I also lift too - and I need shoes for that too.

Being a broke college kid, for now I'm going to have to settle on some universal shoes. =/

Universal shoes are no good. Get a pair of running shoes, and a pair of chucks to lift in, they are cheap.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Just run more.

For shoes get the cheapest flimsiest, thinnest ones you can. Considering there is no evidence that proper running shoes will decrease chances of injury anyway I see no purpose in starting with them, frankly. Or better yet, pick up barefoot running on the grass at your college field :)
 

gar655

Senior member
Mar 4, 2008
565
0
71
Ditto on "just run more" As for shoes, some can and some cannot run in cheapo shoes or barefoot, at least once the mileage starts to go up.

You can generally find some really good running shoes that are 2 or 3 generations old for pretty cheap. And unless you're lifting super heavy, the running shoe will work for lifting too.
 
Mar 22, 2002
10,483
32
81
Originally posted by: gar655
Ditto on "just run more" As for shoes, some can and some cannot run in cheapo shoes or barefoot, at least once the mileage starts to go up.

You can generally find some really good running shoes that are 2 or 3 generations old for pretty cheap. And unless you're lifting super heavy, the running shoe will work for lifting too.

I would disagree with the running shoe and lifting combo. Running shoes have a high arch, which prevents your foot from flattening. They also have a significantly raised heel. Both of these are detrimental just to learning the form of things like the squat and the deadlift. Use some flat-soled shoes for lifting. Running shoes can really destroy form at all weights - light or heavy.
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
27,730
8
0
I would definitely go to a running store myself and have them do a gait analysis and a fit check. Odds are, you can get a really good pair of running shoes for under 100 easily enough. Since a good pair of shoes will last 350-400 miles, you're probably be able to keep them for a while.

Edit - A good pair of running shoes will reduce your chances of injury as well as make your feet, ankles, shins, hips, and lower back feel better. You can try the barefoot running or the minimal shoe running, but you're mileage is going to be unbelievably low and put you in the back of the pack during any competitive run.

As for training, since you're just starting out, I'd do a few miles at a comfortable pace every day, or every other day, as your lifting requires. Google some of the 5K training plans as others have suggested, they are a good start. Running is a lot more fun though, so I'd transition the lifting to a secondary schedule and focus on the running. You'll be able to continue to cheaply run after your finished with college, however, the costs of a gym membership or weight equipment will make lifting more expensive in the long term.
 

KingGheedora

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
3,248
1
81
Originally posted by: BlackTigers
Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I'd recommend doing some base mileage before you start doing any sort of interval training or tempo running. Work on gradually increasing your endurance until you can comfortably run 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

Research 5k beginner training programs on the web - that's a good place to start.

As far as shoes - don't get cross trainers. They're great for the gym, but they're too heavy and not well suited for running.

If you have good biomechanics, you can try running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers, or else get into some proper running shoes. Go to your local running store and get a gait analysis to figure out what type of shoe you need.

Good luck!

I'd love to be able to get dedicated running shoes, but I also lift too - and I need shoes for that too.

Being a broke college kid, for now I'm going to have to settle on some universal shoes. =/
It makes more sense to get running shoes than crosstrainers. Running shoes have a bigger impact on your running than not having crosstrainers would have on your weightlifting. And if the shoes have thinner soles, especially Vibrams, they would actually be better than crosstrainers because they'd give you more tactile feedback for lifts that require balance.
 

gar655

Senior member
Mar 4, 2008
565
0
71
Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Originally posted by: gar655
Ditto on "just run more" As for shoes, some can and some cannot run in cheapo shoes or barefoot, at least once the mileage starts to go up.

You can generally find some really good running shoes that are 2 or 3 generations old for pretty cheap. And unless you're lifting super heavy, the running shoe will work for lifting too.

I would disagree with the running shoe and lifting combo. Running shoes have a high arch, which prevents your foot from flattening. They also have a significantly raised heel. Both of these are detrimental just to learning the form of things like the squat and the deadlift. Use some flat-soled shoes for lifting. Running shoes can really destroy form at all weights - light or heavy.

Only some "neutral" running shoes have high arches. Shoe for those that under pronate. Most stability and motion control shoes have low(ish) arches for those that pronate or pronated excessively.

Gene
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Running shoes can really destroy form at all weights
Most running shoes do a pretty good job of destroying running form, too.

The only running shoe manufacturer that at all understands this is Newton. I don't own their shoes because they're overpriced and I'm doing the minimal shoe thing anyway.
 

KingGheedora

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2006
3,248
1
81
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Running shoes can really destroy form at all weights
Most running shoes do a pretty good job of destroying running form, too.

The only running shoe manufacturer that at all understands this is Newton. I don't own their shoes because they're overpriced and I'm doing the minimal shoe thing anyway.

So what shoe do you use, or do you run barefoot?
 
Mar 22, 2002
10,483
32
81
Originally posted by: gar655
Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Originally posted by: gar655
Ditto on "just run more" As for shoes, some can and some cannot run in cheapo shoes or barefoot, at least once the mileage starts to go up.

You can generally find some really good running shoes that are 2 or 3 generations old for pretty cheap. And unless you're lifting super heavy, the running shoe will work for lifting too.

I would disagree with the running shoe and lifting combo. Running shoes have a high arch, which prevents your foot from flattening. They also have a significantly raised heel. Both of these are detrimental just to learning the form of things like the squat and the deadlift. Use some flat-soled shoes for lifting. Running shoes can really destroy form at all weights - light or heavy.

Only some "neutral" running shoes have high arches. Shoe for those that under pronate. Most stability and motion control shoes have low(ish) arches for those that pronate or pronated excessively.

Gene

That's not true. Even so, you don't wanna squat on shoes with any arch support. It always puts people on their toes to an excessive degree, forcing the knee into some dangerous glide positions. Don't lift in running shoes. It's that simple.
 

amicold

Platinum Member
Feb 7, 2005
2,656
1
81
Originally posted by: BlackTigers
Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
I'd recommend doing some base mileage before you start doing any sort of interval training or tempo running. Work on gradually increasing your endurance until you can comfortably run 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

Research 5k beginner training programs on the web - that's a good place to start.

As far as shoes - don't get cross trainers. They're great for the gym, but they're too heavy and not well suited for running.

If you have good biomechanics, you can try running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers, or else get into some proper running shoes. Go to your local running store and get a gait analysis to figure out what type of shoe you need.

Good luck!

I'd love to be able to get dedicated running shoes, but I also lift too - and I need shoes for that too.

Being a broke college kid, for now I'm going to have to settle on some universal shoes. =/

Chuck Taylor's are cheap, flat, and provide good ankle support for squatting or deadlifting. Hell I lift barefoot when I feel like that's much better than squatting or deadlifting in runners/crosstrainers.
 

Industrial

Senior member
Jan 9, 2009
249
0
0
are you running for yourself or want to compete. based on what I read, it seems you just want to run to bring your times down for your own personal goals.

I strongly advise NOT just getting a pair of cheap shoes you can find. You'll most likely will hurt yourself with knee, shin, foot, bone problems, which will make you spend more money in the long run. Both in replacing the cheap shoes and possibly medical bills.

Get properly fitted at a specialized running store if there is one nearby. Sports Authority, Sports Chalet, Dicks...etc. is not one of those! However, after you find the recommended shoes, check the clearance aisle at those big box sports stores. You might find a great deal to stay in your budget.

Yes, definitely look into barefoot running on the grass, and just run for your own health.

Can't properly advise you on lifting shoes. Sorry. However, if you take up barefoot running, you could buy some nice lifting shoes. :D