Getting into running

danicathea16

So I want to start running and don't know where to begin I tired running a few days ago by starting with a 5 minute fast walk and then started running and when I became out of break I would walk until I regained breath again and continued that but I only went for about a mile. Is this the right way to go about running or is there a better way. As well I find my knees are in a lot of pain when ever I start running is this normal. When running on a treadmill I sound like I am stomping is there a way to make it sound more quiet. Any advice about running would be nice.

ThickMcRunFast

Try a program like Couch to 5k.

Get fitted for good running shoes, at a running store (not a chain). Most knee pain is caused by bad shoes or bad form. A small amount of pain in your legs is normal when you start, especially if you have not been super active.

Running outside is more enjoyable, but if you want to run on a treadmill, do it at a slight incline.

A common noob mistake in running is to go too fast. Your running pace should be slow enough that you could comfortably carry on a conversation while running. Yes, this may be very slow at first. Very, very slow. Its ok. Once you build up leg strength and your cardiovascular system, you will get faster.

mreeves261

Second vote for c25k, shoes and running outside. That being said on the cold days or the days it gets too dark I do the treadmill.

I would suggest picking up a book on running form. I am a newer runner, since April, and the 2 biggest helpers for me have been my properly fitted shoes and the book ChiRunning. There are tons of books on form, training for a marathon, half marathon or simply running just for pleasure. Either way the tips are helpful, particularly with the "plodding" sound you are talking about.

I hope you stick with running. I have found it the most enjoyable exercise for me. As long as I'm running there is nothing more I can think about other than my body and if it's doing what I want it to do at that moment!

blondiebabe92

Make sure you are wearing actual running shoes. I have seen people come in ,when I worked in a sporting goods store, complaining about their running shoes and they show me them and they are cross trainers. That really affects you physically, trust me I did it last week because I couldn't find my runners.
I used couch to 5k. Stick with it. And know that you will speed up. I am at about 35min for a 5k. Not very fast at all but I still do it. I am now in training for a 9 mile rce on thanksgiving called the run for the diamonds. I may not be fast but I do it.

lesser717

The hardest part about running is getting out the door. After that, it's easy. Just make sure to invest in good running shoes -- that's really important. I started the same way you are -- running for a distance, then walking, then running again. Just keep doing that and the rest will come by itself. You should try to run quiet but that's a matter of form and that will also come with time. The important thing is to get out the door and just go running at a nice comfortable pace. And be patient. When I started, I couldn't run a quarter mile but eventually I was able to increase the distance. Don't cheat yourself out of the experience of running your first 5K or marathon -- just stick with it.