Any tips on how to start running?

jacksonpt

CSARdiver wrote: »

mwyvr wrote: »

If running outside in the summer you are probably getting plenty of vitamin D produced by your own body. It only takes 10 - 20 minutes exposure in the sun a few times a week to ensure your body produces sufficient vitamin D. A supplement in the winter for those living in sun-starved higher latitudes might be advisable, but like many things one needs to be careful about doling out blanket advice as individual circumstances may warrant otherwise.

Too much vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin the body can not quickly get rid of, is toxic and can result in hypercalcemia. Certain diseases (including thyroid related diseases - given the nature of this site this thyroid related problems are not uncommon here) can make a person more susceptible to this.

Do not supplement with vitamins without consulting your doctor. As a general rule if you take any form of supplement you need to increase your water intake (urine should be gin clear).

I don't know the science behind your statement, so I don't know the truth/context/inaccuracy of it... but as a blanket statement, that's borderline fear mongering, isn't it? If nothing else, too much fluid/water can strip the body of sodium it needs to function, especially during long, intense workouts.

CSARdiver

jacksonpt wrote: »

CSARdiver wrote: »

mwyvr wrote: »

If running outside in the summer you are probably getting plenty of vitamin D produced by your own body. It only takes 10 - 20 minutes exposure in the sun a few times a week to ensure your body produces sufficient vitamin D. A supplement in the winter for those living in sun-starved higher latitudes might be advisable, but like many things one needs to be careful about doling out blanket advice as individual circumstances may warrant otherwise.

Too much vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin the body can not quickly get rid of, is toxic and can result in hypercalcemia. Certain diseases (including thyroid related diseases - given the nature of this site this thyroid related problems are not uncommon here) can make a person more susceptible to this.

Do not supplement with vitamins without consulting your doctor. As a general rule if you take any form of supplement you need to increase your water intake (urine should be gin clear).

I don't know the science behind your statement, so I don't know the truth/context/inaccuracy of it... but as a blanket statement, that's borderline fear mongering, isn't it? If nothing else, too much fluid/water can strip the body of sodium it needs to function, especially during long, intense workouts.

It is a very general statement and based upon the average person who does not have (as you stated) a vitamin D deficiency, despite the marketing claims from vitamin manufacturers. Also general considering the average person does not drink enough water.

As for the origin of the urine/gin comment it was a field doc I worked with who was a "urine guy" - he could tell most ailments via urine sample.

As for hyponatremia - extremely rare and one would either have a genetic deficiency or experience a dramatic shift in both exercise regimen and water intake. Long endurance athletes are susceptible, but should not be a concern to a beginner.

mwyvr

Back to 'how to start running' now?

Tubbs216

Another vote for slowing down. I ran 5k for the first time yesterday (which was a push for me, and a triumph actually). My legs got tired, not my lungs. I realised a little while ago that I had been trying to run much too fast. When I slowed right down (4mph), I found I could keep going for ages.

I didn't do couch to 5k this time, but it is an excellent program.

Good luck!