How to become a runner?

TourThePast

BTW, if you do go for C25K, google podcasts.

Especially in the first few weeks, it can be pretty distracting trying to time yourself for short intervals without losing stride. There are many podcasts out there which are basically a 30 minute MP3 track, which changes music whenever you need to change from run to walk.

My personal favourite is the GoNicoleYourself set, but there are many variations for different tastes in music.

debussyschild

When you first start running, it's not very comfortable. HOWEVER, once you get into it, your body acclimates to it and it's not as unpleasant. I've run on and off most of my life, but I started getting back into it over the past couple of years. Just start out slow, take it easy, and give your self small goals each time you run, like running 15 minutes straight, then 20, etc. If it's really uncomfortable or you just can't catch your breath even at a moderate pace, try jogging for a minute, then walking briskly for two, alternating until you reach 20-25 minutes. Lots of people have done the Couch to 5 K and it works! Totally recommend it.

Take the time to choose what you wear when you run carefully, especially your shoes. It will make SUCH a huge difference in the long run--no pun intended--if you get the right shoes the FIRST time you go to buy. Go to a running store (not ****'s sporting goods or Hibbet, they don't know what they're doing half the time) and have someone determine the best shoe for your gait and foot. The right shoe coupled with the right beginning running program like C25K will make you fall in LOVE with running, as opposed to making you hate it after the first week. Good luck and keep us posted!

tegeos

www.chirunning.com

This is a great book that concentrates on your form and how to run without any pain or discomfort.

helenoftroy1

I'm bumping this cos I am like the OP. I was thinking of trying the C25K tomorrow actually!
All this advice is brilliant. I think I would love running, but it does feel like I'm going to explode when I have tried in the past!!

76tech

When you first start running, if you feel like you're running fast enough, slow down a little. You'll see that maybe you're actually running too fast. It will take a few runs to find a comfortable pace.

Everyone else has already mentioned c25k, and good shoes. Both vital.

A heart rate monitor helps too, since you will be able to see if you are working too hard or not hard enough for a given run.

Socks - good socks are subjective but very important. Good ones for me are the super-thin ones, cycling liner socks are perfect. Anything thicker and I blister. Other runners I know won't go out without the super-thick ones like Thorlos.

My long runs are still only 7 miles, I started with 1/3mile as my longest non-stop run. c25k helped immensely.

rocketpants

Start running and keep doing it till it doesn't suck anymore. I used to HATE running. Now I like it most days

speedyf

Hello!

I personally always loved to run, but because of a knee problems, that wasn't possible. But a friend of mine told me that the way I was running didn't help. He told me to strike the ground first with my toes, then to lay down my foot on the ground, my heel acting as a spring, barely touching the ground. It may sound weird, but my joints (hips, knees, and just about everything else) used to ache after and during a long jog. They don't effect me at all now. But this is only an advice, this was the only way I was able to continue.

And the second best advice: GO SLOW, VERY SLOW at first. I think we all go too fast too soon. So to help me out with that, I bought myself a Polar watch. It gives me my heart beat per minute, helping me control my speed. I found this tool to be of a great help!

busterbluth

I recommend John "The Penguin" Bingham's books/website.

InTheInbetween

Start with a jog that’s not much faster than a walk, just a slow pace you’re comfortable with. It takes some time to find your own rhythm but the more you do it the better you’ll feel and your pace will naturally increase. Some of that jarring you feel might be due to tension in your upper body. It’s easy to tense your shoulders and back unintentionally while running which makes your whole body tense up. Focus on breathing and try to think about relaxing your shoulders and back into your hips. Don’t give up! Keep at it and you’ll find a comfortable place.