Running outside for the first time

passenger79

So I'm fairly new to running ,I 've done c25k and c210k over last 6 months or so and from not being able to run at all without hyperventilating I can now manage to run alot better .

Thing is I 've only done it on the treadmill. I want to run outside but I wanted to lose some weight first and I was lacking confidence.

I need to know everything I need to transition to running outside . I 've read few times that people recommend getting fitted for right trainers can anyone recommend a good shop in UK ?
I just have cheap pair from Sports direct .
Also what's most practical to store phone,keys and water in ?
I can go on Amazon and order random stuff but Id rather hear experienced runners tips first on what's essential and what not to bother with.

RadishEater

I have an iPod for music that has a clip which clips onto my shirt. My roommate has an armband for her phone (I leave my at home). For car keys I take my key and have it on a carabineer which I tuck and clip on my waistband.

5k and 10k I don't usually bring water. Just leave some in the car. I also pick time of day where it isn't very hot to run.

For shoes I would think if you aren't having problems running on the treadmill than they would be okay for running outside, however running on treadmills gives me knee and shin problems whereas running outside I'm fine. However having a pair of shoes for your gate and that are cushiony enough is always a good idea if you have the money.

TavistockToad

yep, get fit for shoes, most running shops will offer it.

i buy leggings/shorts with a zip pocket for my phone and keys. when i started running longer distances i bought a belt for water as i hate holding anything when i'm running. i rarely use it as its not often hot enough to need water on a regular basis.

you might find running outside harder than treadmill running, so don't worry if you're slower than your treadmill speed.

pondee629

For water and keys I use Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld Bottle Carrier from Amazon.
For tunes I use my I-Phone.

SteveTries

Congrats on your success! It's not easy and sticking to it is an achievement for sure.

Shoes
Good shoes are essential. They transform the experience and significantly reduce the chance of injury. I'd recommend you bypass any big chain and find the specialist sports or even better, specialist running shop in your area. If that's 25 miles away, its worth the drive. Unlike a chain store, these people are specialists, probably runners themselves and you'll likely find yourelf dealing with the owner of the business. His/her reputation is everything. I've spend an hour at a time in running shops trying on a dozen pairs and they are always happy to do so.

Running Belt
I've used several and this one is may favourite. What it does that others don't it sit flush to the body, reducing (eliminating) bounce. I use this a lot, including marathon distance where I've carried a load of Gel's, my car keys, jelly babies, hydration salts etc.

Carrying Water
I don't carry water when running less than 2 hours - just make sure you are hydrating well the days before your run. When I do, I use a backpack.
However I did used to carry it when I first started running. I was convinced it was something I needed but in hindsight, I realise it was a bit of a crutch. If you choose a water running belt, I'd urge you to buy one with a velco strap. water carried around your hips is a weighty thing and you want it snug so it doesn't bounce and put you off.

passenger79

Thanks everyone lots of useful tips.
I think I will find a specialist shop first and get a good pair of shoes before I start running outside.

SteveTries

passenger79 wrote: »

Thanks everyone lots of useful tips.
I think I will find a specialist shop first and get a good pair of shoes before I start running outside.

Outside or treadmill - you want the correct shoe, laced up appropriately for your foot shape. If your current shoes aren't causing you any problems, they might just be a perfect fit for you. Take them with you to the running shop. A good shop will happily send you out with what you are currently wearing and won't try to sell you something you don't need.

tirowow12385

Download MapMyRun or Strava, you'll be able to see all the local routes closest to you that the runners there use to walk/run.

Tacklewasher

You may find it easier outside. I do, but it's more mental than physical. The treadmill bores me so I won't do more than 5K on it (30 mins). But I do a lot longer outside.

jesspen91

I'm in the UK and I got fitted at Runner's Need. The specialist shops are a bit pricey but the way I see it I'm paying for the service as well as the shoes. Plus you only need to do it once. Now that I know what shoes I need I can buy them from cheaper places (would highly recommend www.startfitness.com for all fitness attire) next time I need them.

It's a bit gross and probably not good for my health but I keep my phone in my sports bra when I'm running. I found all other methods too clunky. I do worry a bit about the radiation but I've yet to find a better option. I would also get some wireless headphones so that you can listen to music without worrying about wires moving. They also stay in your ears better.

I don't take water with me on short runs, I just have a big glug after I finish.

My last advice is to check out if you have a local Parkrun. I do it every Saturday and it's really nice to run with other people in a semi-competitive but not unfriendly environment.

beerfoamy

I got my belt from Decathalon (£3) -holds phone and key and has headphone port to allow the wire to fit through without compromising the zip - nifty.

I don't drink at the moment on runs - I get stitch at the drop of a hat. Will have to work on that as I get past 6 miles possibly but anyways.....running outside is fun.

I downloaded mapmyrun, and really like the delay start (allows you to set up belt/stuff to carry, start music, lock up, and have a little walk before starting 'officially') and the amendable notifications. I have it set to every 2 miles and run til the first notification, then turn round and run home. If I haven't had time to pre-plan a loop. Very handy.

Also Parkruns are excellent.

Josh_lol

Depending on the treadmill you're using, you might find running on concrete is a little harder (actual toughness of the floor). Some treadmills offer a little support or shock absorption so that might be the first thing you notice.

I got my shoes from sports direct. I run quite flat-footed so I got a pair of Karrimor excell D30s. Been very comfy for me. An actual running shop will also be able to help you get fitted with the right shoe for your feet / running style but I don't know of any names of running shops to try out.

I use a little arm band that holds my phone on my arm while I run. I don't know the exact name for it but it helps if you don't like your phone bumping around in your pocket.

I don't tend to take water with me unless I'm out for more than an hour. But if you did want it, there are foldable / collapsible water bottles you can clip onto something, or a water bottle with a handle through the middle so you can easily hold it while running.

apullum

I have a Flipbelt. It holds everything I've ever needed for up to a half marathon. I generally don't take water on my everyday runs, but I bought a water bottle that fits in it for my longer runs. I've tried armbands and other belts, but I think the Flipbelt is the best by far. They don't pay me to say that.

I use Bluetooth earbuds. You can get a cheap pair on Amazon, which worked fine for me for years until I got an expensive pair as a gift. I wear only one earbud so I can hear things around me.

Buy running socks when you buy the shoes. Don't wear regular cotton socks; you'll get blisters.

Wear sunscreen.

tirowow12385

Invest in a pair of sunglasses.

passenger79

So I googled specialist shops near me and on one website it has "neutral road" and "guidance road" trainers what's the difference ?

So many great tips really appreciate all your help I'm quite excited about this .

TavistockToad

passenger79 wrote: »

So I googled specialist shops near me and on one website it has "neutral road" and "guidance road" trainers what's the difference ?

Presumably guidance ones are a stability shoe?

Orphia

Neutral shoes don't have inbuilt support for your arches.

Shoes that have support are usually called "stability shoes".

And here's another recommendation for doing parkrun.