How do you guys do it? (runners)

Soccer_Chick

I hated running. I would rather stab sharp fiery needles into my eyes than run. I started the C25K program after seeing people discussing it on this site. I bought the app off itunes for 2.99, loaded up a smoking hot playlist of upbeat tunes and headed out the door one morning. I love this program! I did Week 2/Day 1 this morning and all is going well.

Give it a shot and let us know how you did! Good luck!

Bentrain

The one major thing you want to make sure you have is a an awesome pair of running shoes. Seriously running, or even not so serious runners, must have a great pair of shoes. A great pair of shoes isn't just based on the cost. You need to go to a running shoe store so they can fit you for a pair that is great for you. I used to get shin splints as well, until I found out I wasn't running in proper shoes. It made a huge different and now I've completed 2 Half Marathons. Thank God for a great pair of running shoes.

Another thing that will help is finding a running group to train with. It was hard for me to run by myself initially. I hated it. I started with a group and then eventually broke off on my own. It's extremely helpful.

I hope this helps!

All true. first stop has to be the running shoe shop and get fitted.

fakeplastictree

I'm going to try out my Saucony shoes today. I downloaded a program for c25K and plan to try to start tonight. The heat will be the deciding factor, wish I could run in the mornings but I can't around my house because of mean dogs so I have to drive 15 minutes to get anywhere run-able. Thank you everyone!

Question - Where do you go to get fitted? What store?

JsGirl93

So glad for this thread! I haven't ran since my oldest daughter was born, she'll be 18 in January. I have c25k downloaded & am ready, but every time I start, some unrelated injury sets me back! Argh! Starting again this week! Fakeplastictree, please keep me updated on your progress. Inspire me! Haha! My shoes are Asics Gel Cumulus btw... which I love for serious walking too. They just make myfeet feel good!

fakeplastictree

So glad for this thread! I haven't ran since my oldest daughter was born, she'll be 18 in January. I have c25k downloaded & am ready, but every time I start, some unrelated injury sets me back! Argh! Starting again this week! Fakeplastictree, please keep me updated on your progress. Inspire me! Haha! My shoes are Asics Gel Cumulus btw... which I love for serious walking too. They just make myfeet feel good!

I will keep you updated to my progress or lack there of.. You too though, i want to hear how you do.

mish26

Good shoes do make a huge difference. I'm sort of rare though, because I never recommend someone buy them before they start running. If you have a somewhat decent pair of shoes, those will do for a couple of weeks. I hate to see someone spend a ton of money on new running shoes and hate running. Try it for a few weeks first. If you hate it you haven't invested a lot of money. If you like it, definitely buy good shoes! Since I doubt you are going to head out for 25 miles a week in your first few weeks any pair of shoes should work for you.

Also, moisture wicking fabrics are a must! I always read the quote "cotton is rotten." It is so true. Cotton will get wet and heavy and start rubbing. I really like nike dri-fit stuff, but have other brands as well.

MtnKat

Maybe change your incline when you run on the treadmill to help your running outside. I've always heard that if you put your incline to 1 instead of 0, it mimics the work you have to do when you run outside. Once you are used to that, it might making running outside easier.

I'm the opposite....I have trouble running on the treadmill. I feel so restricted on it...and so free when I'm outside. I also noticed that I run faster on the track then I do on the road (thanks to hills lol).

I use dri-fit clothes. Wal-mart sells danskin now dri-fit (or dri-more, I can't remember which) shorts (and shirts) for about $6-8 a pair...very cheap (and they are on sale right now because the season is closing). I love Danskin Now clothes for my workouts. And they fit well, too.

I'm a Asics, gal, too. I love them! I really did my research before I bought my shoes (I'm an over-pronator, so I needed stability shoes - you can take a video of you running to see your stride) since there was no place around where I live to "go to a professional". Besides, I bought mine at a discount on ebay once I picked the right shoe. It was way cheaper than going to a specialty store (I bought my new shoes for $45...which were normally $120!!!!)

My first pair of shoes were some New Balance that my husband picked up for me. They were cheap but they were running shoes and I loved them (I still do though I've worn them out lol). Once I got more serious about running (increasing my distance, racing, etc) I went for the more expensive shoe.

*******C25K changed my life!!******* :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

I ran my first race....now I'm training for another one. My average runs are 3-4 miles, I run 6-8 miles on my long days. I love, love, love it! Good luck to you and happy running!!!

tamcrit

Question - Where do you go to get fitted? What store?

Road Runner Sports is a national chain store that specializes in running. They will have you run on a treadmill while they video your stride and watch your feet. They will then do an impression of your feet to determine your arch. All of this helps them determine if you have flat feet, high arches, overpronate, underpronate, etc. etc., which all helps them to know what type of shoe you need. I am not sure where you are, or if there is a Road Runner near you, but if there is, that is where I would go. If you do not have a Road Runner nearby, look in the phone book for your area (or do an online search for your area) to find a running specialty shop...some of them do the same thing. Road Runner is also online and has a few tests you can do yourself to help determine what type shoes you need, but it is much better to do it at the store, because they also know the structure of the different brands and what will work best for you, and also if you need different specialty insoles. There really is a science to it all.