Wanna Be Runner Looking for Advice

[robinf]

I have always wanted to run but never actually got around to doing. Since spring is, hopefully, right around the corner I am inspired to begin running. I exercise at a gym pretty often - usually biking, ellipital trainer or various step classes so I am probably in OK cardio-shape. However, I've NEVER run before. Since there seems to be a number of runners on the board, I am looking for any advice you can offer about how to get started. For those of you with young children (I have a 4 y/o daughter) what do you do with your kids?

Thanks!

[Kerri]

Hello! Glad to hear you are interested in starting to run. I started running in college when one day I just decided that I was going to run a mile, and no matter how slow I had to run it, I was going to finish. In my opinion, I think that would be a good start for you. runnersworld.com has training programs for new runners, but it sounds like you are a couple of steps ahead of that in shape wise. You will just want to make sure that you have good shoes so the pounding of your feet on the payment it not to much of a shock to your system. If you feel comfortable with that, increase you mileage until you reach 3 miles. Past 3 miles, I think you would want to follow a training program that would increase your mileage more carefully so that you don't get injured. I have read that if you run 3 miles, 3 times a week, you will continue to get in shape and you will not gain any wieght. I don't know what you are aiming for goal-wise, but that might be a good one to start off with. Just be really careful not to get injured. Spend plently of time warming up and streching. Have fun!

Please note that I am not an expert in anyway, this is just what worked for me. I don't have any kids, so I can't help you there. I have seen many parents with special running strollers and I am sad to say that many of these people have passed me in races. However, I regain the lead when a diaper needs to be changed!

[SusanT]

Check out the Runners' World website www.runnersworld.com (http://www.runnersworld.com) - they have a good section for beginning runners including a training program.

Also, many local running clubs are sponsoring seminars to help beginning runners.

Patience is key to running. It may take a while for it to feel good but it's worth the effort.

[aggie94]

I just have a suggestion as far as picking up a good pair of shoes. I used to run in college, and when I decided to pick it up again last year, I went to a running shop for new shoes. The guy asked some questions and fitted me with a good pair of Saucony stability shoes. Unfortunately, after a few weeks of running every other day, I developed horrible shin splints, something I had never dealt with when I was in college. I went to the physical therapist and after she watched me run, could tell immediately that I was an overpronator and a very heavy-footed runner. She sent me back to the store to buy new running shoes (this time, motion control) and fitted me with orthotics. The second guy who helped me actually had me put on shoes and run down the sidewalk outside the shop while he watched my stride, patterns, etc. If they had done that the first time, I would have saved about a hundred bucks on a pair of shoes that ended up being just another pair of around-town shoes. Anyway, the moral of the story is to go to a reputable shop, preferably one that deals just in running gear, and have them fit you with the proper shoes based on your running style. It could save you money and pain!

As far as actually getting started running, I started off just running ten minutes a few times a week. When that got comfortable for me, I added a couple of minutes and did that for a few weeks. I continued to gradually add a couple of minutes at a time until I worked my way up. Now, I'm working on increasing my pace. It's a slow process for me, but it's the first time in my life that I've actually ever enjoyed running, so it's been worthwhile.

[mandarin2j]

Someone posted a link to this program a while back, and it sounds very safe and sensible to me (a former runner who is working back into the sport).
http://kicksports.com/new/couch.shtml

It seems a tad slow, but better start slow than be sidelined with a nasty injury. The other thing I would advise is to stretch, stretch, stretch. When I was a regular runner (40 miles/week), I never bothered to stretch, and I ended up with a pulled hamstring that gave me just the excuse I needed to quit.

[robinf]

Thank you all for taking the time to answer. I appreciate it. Today was a beutiful day and so I decided to head out for a run rather than stay in at the gym. I ran - very slowly - about a half mile and then alternated between walking and running for another mile. I was very surprised at how tired I was! But I felt good and am looking forward to going out again.

Thanks again!

[emilycat]

Robin,

I love to hear about people picking up running...you'll become addicted, for certain! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Alternating running with walking is one of the best ways to get started; before you know it, the walk breaks will become shorter and shorter, and you'll be running farther than you ever thought you would!

Have fun!

Emily