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What point do you say no to running?

Hype
Hype Posts: 349
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Right, so i have this programme to get you running a mile in four weeks. I want to start it - i have finally found an armband for my iphone so i can run without issues of where to put it. But this leaves me with three major questions.

1 - what time in the morning is the best to go running? I am very concious of people watching and making fun of me. I am not a runner and im certainly not slim. So if i said i got up to go running in the morning - what time would be ideal?

2 - what point do you cancel a run cause of the rain? I mean if its spitting, i would go like, but if its hammering down - do you go or not ?

3 - stupid question - anything in particular to wear? I know a sporta bra is good, with a t shirt, running trainers and probably a jumper due to it being chilly and my worry about my phone in my arm band. BUT - can you wear short jogger things? Shorts or traky bottoms? What is best for a uk size 16 woman????



I thank you all in advance for your advice, i wish to start running Monday so i need answers - thanks!

Replies

  • CharlieBarleyMom
    CharlieBarleyMom Posts: 727 Member
    Just run. Who cares what you look like or what you're wearing as long as you are comfortable.

    This is not a fashion show... if you're looking for a fashion show you won't be able to run.

    So, just run.

    I am still in the c25k program (just started this week). I have found that the biggest thing is a bra that HOLDS me tight to my body. I have lost 30 pounds and the bra I have been using as an exercise bra has become too large to hold me significantly tight enough to my body -- and boy did I know it yesterday morning when I was running!

    So today I went out to Fashion Bug to buy a sports bra -- no luck. What they have there is nothing that would support me. I ended up buying a soft cup bra in a couple sizes too small hoping this will work. I've seen sports bras for sale on the internet but I need to make sure it fits... and HOLDS. Support is not really the issue, flatten to the body is better.

    I've been just holding my android phone in my hand because I'm training and I'm in 60 second intervals. 60 run, 60 walk - so I need to have the time.

    If you feel uncomfortable running in the rain or if you are running on slick surface, you might want to wait until after the rain.

    Good luck.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,463 Member
    Just start. These things will work themselves out. You are over-thinking this, and you'll never run with all this worry.
  • tmarie2715
    tmarie2715 Posts: 1,111 Member
    Early, early, early. Less people, cooler out, and it is so peaceful. Early runs are wonderful way to start the day.

    I live in Seattle, so if I never ran in the rain, I'd never run. It feels nice to run in the rain, unless there are hurricane force gails or hail or lightning or something like that, I'd go spitting through full-on rain. No white shirts! ;)

    I like wearing my underwire under my sports bra, but I am a small chested girl, so that may not work for you. Test out a few different brands of running bras or double up if you have ample blessings. I like running in pants or capris, but recently got some running tights-- THEY ARE WONDERFUL. You may have to hold off, because it does take a lot of guts to wear such a form-fitting piece of attire, but it is really nice the way they keep you cool and many claim to maximize performance by assisting your muscles, or something like that. Bottom line I think is wear what you are comfortable in!
  • dancingdeer
    dancingdeer Posts: 373 Member
    Hi there -

    Get a well fitting sports bra, and some kind of wicking, stretchy shirt - short or long sleeve depending on the weather. I like Nike running shorts, but you may feel more comfortable wearing some ankle length stretchy pants that are not too clingy. Make sure you have decent shoes!! So important! I like to run after I've had a few cups of coffee and woken up a bit. (it's nice being retired). So, decide how long you want to go out for....maybe start at 30 minutes. I would begin by running for 1 minute, walking for 2 and so forth. You can gradually increase that to: run for 2, walk for 2...or whatever feels good to you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to do fabulously the first MONTH of running. You don't want to get shin splints, and if you do - you'll be home and in pain for a while. Be sure and cool down afterward with some light stretching.

    As for the weather, if it's just misting I run. If it's pouring I don't.

    Just take it slow and remember, every professional athlete, or accomplished runner started at the beginning, just like you. Good luck!
  • gbelltx
    gbelltx Posts: 142
    First of all getting out there for the first few times is the hard part. Size does not matter as long as you’re out there trying to do something. I live it Texas so if you run too late you might not make it through your run in this 100+ temps. If you’re run in the morning or evening just being safe is your first priority.. Depending on where you live will dictate what you wear. As far as the rain I would only look at the type of device you carry unless you have money to burn and buy new equipment. I would also see if there is a run/walking group in your area. They provide support just like MFP everyone just wants to run and they all support new runners and walkers. Best of luck and let us know how you’re running program progresses!!
  • Missmissy0003
    Missmissy0003 Posts: 250 Member
    What kind of temperature do you have over there where you are (in farenheight if know)?

    Definitely need a sports bra, - good one. I wear 2 of them and I have a small chest. I like Champion sports bras for high impact, but I would probably get some input from some others with bigger chests on the best kind of sports bra.

    What time do people go to work and school in the UK. I find, here, in the U.S., about 6 or 7AM, its still very cool and not many people are out and about yet.

    As far as rain, I probably woulldn't go if there were any rain drops, but if it just looks like its going to rain - I don't let that stop me. If I let it "looking like rain" stop me, I would probably have missed out on 75% of my runs and I've only been caught in the rain maybe 2x in my life (while running).

    I hope some of this helps you.
  • Sadie98072
    Sadie98072 Posts: 212 Member
    Sounds like you are looking for an out here. Just run. Try it out a few times before you decide if you like it or not - the first few times out are hard but they will be worth it.
    Shoes are most important - the best you can afford.
    Sports bra is the next most important - double layer if you need to.
    Clothes that dont fall down or ride up or chafe are the only things left. Dress appropriately for the climate. Dont make the mistake of wearing long pants etc if its boiling hot out.
    If its raining....suck it up and go anyway. The shower after a run in the rain is worth all the effort of being out in it :)
    Just do your best and see how you go, it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks. And dont forget that there is no such thing as running too slowly :)
    Good luck!
  • luscadero
    luscadero Posts: 92 Member
    Just go, don't worry about who's watching. Believe me, nobody cares.

    I only cancel if it's lightning.

    Get good shoes, and wear what you are most comfortable in. I wear a sports bra, a v neck or low cut top (can't stand anything on my neck), capri-length running tights, and good shoes. I have a hooded waterproof windbreaker thingie for when it's really pouring.
  • pjol79
    pjol79 Posts: 50 Member
    Just do it!

    I used to be very self conscious about running too, but I never got better at it or lost any weight hiding indoors. I finally had a friend tell me that when I would get that "people are watching me, I feel like an *kitten*" feeling, it's really just me projecting my own negative mojo. Don't let the bad thoughts beat you! When I see people out being active now, I always think about my journey to get to where I'm at, and smile to myself and silently root them on.

    And running in the rain feels great! I just draw the line at lightning.
  • Missmissy0003
    Missmissy0003 Posts: 250 Member
    Oh, and if you are worried about rain, you can check on the radar on the internet to see if it really is a big storm before you go.

    Also, sometimes I feel self-conscious, too. I just start with walking, and then start running eventually, once I've been out there a little while and realize everybody is not watching me (or maybe wait until no one is around), Its just the stopping and starting that I am self-conscious about and I can't believe I'm admitting it here on the internet. Oh well.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    If it's raining hard enough to damage your iphone, stay home.

    Experiment with different times. Mornings are good because the weather is cooler, but sometimes early evenings are better because the humidity is lower. It was under 70 F this morning, but about 80% humidity... I wasn't sure if I was drenched in sweat, or condensation!!!

    Anyone else out - running or otherwise - is too focused on their own lives to care what you're wearing or what you look like. They're only going to see you for about three seconds anyway. Wear what you feel comfortable in. The only thing I don't like running in is full length pants. They feel confining. But if it's cold enough, I sure will wear them!
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    1: Doesn't really matter, though I try to go in the morning or night because of the death heat that Florida has whenever the sun is out.

    2: Personal preference really. I love running in the rain sometimes, and I've had some of my best runs when it's pouring and windy. However, it's all up to you. Just be careful about the sidewalks being slick.

    3: I just wore a t-shirt and sports/cargo shorts for the longest time. When you're just starting out it's not too big of a deal to get moisture wicking clothes, but if you can get your hands on some running gear (I prefer 100% polyester, but some have a spandex/nylon blend with polyester) then it wouldn't be a bad idea.
  • Adynata
    Adynata Posts: 128 Member
    Running in the rain feels amazing, as long as you've got good footwear with a decent path. It's my favourite weather condition for running in - so much nicer than when it's sunny. Getting to and from your running spot can be less fun though =P.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    I pretty much say no to it all the time :wink: . Not a fan.
  • Sadie98072
    Sadie98072 Posts: 212 Member
    Oh hey and if it is raining, waterproof your iphone with some cling wrap :)
  • calibri
    calibri Posts: 439 Member
    I was so self conscious about running, I bought a treadmill. I run every day, to the displeasure of my downstairs neighbours.
This discussion has been closed.