Advice for a new runner!

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Kelly_fat2fit30
Kelly_fat2fit30 Posts: 61
in Fitness and Exercise
Runners: What is one or two things that you wish someone had told you when you first started running?

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  • red0801
    red0801 Posts: 283 Member
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    Posture & Foot Strike matters-look into running posture/neutral strike.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/perfect-form
  • agirlscamaro
    agirlscamaro Posts: 175 Member
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    Start slowly!!! I tried to start off at 5-6 days a week with 2+miles on a treadmill. My knees hurt so bad. I bought KTTape which really helped but not running for a week and a half then going back to running 2-3 times a week really worked. My knees don't hurt with that pace.
  • red0801
    red0801 Posts: 283 Member
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    O & remember your doing this for enjoyment. SMILE
  • laurieagain09
    laurieagain09 Posts: 183 Member
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    1. The importance of proper running clothes and shoes.

    2. Runkeeper app!! & Pandora "dance cardio" or "hip hop and power work out" playlist

    hope people add a lot more, I could use advice too!
  • Kelly_fat2fit30
    Kelly_fat2fit30 Posts: 61
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    Awesome tips!! I especially love the smiling one :)
  • emtjmac
    emtjmac Posts: 1,320 Member
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    Here is a post I made that some people seem to find helpful:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/805724-want-to-run-do-it-some-crappy-advice-from-a-newbie?hl=crappy+advice


    Here's another one I wrote that addresses the importance of strength training:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/921236-guide-to-strength-for-new-runners?hl=strength+new+runner#posts-13980461


    I'm still learning every day and I don't think it'll ever stop. Good luck and I hope that these help you!
  • Lostone31
    Lostone31 Posts: 57
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    I wish someone told me heel striking was bad... I learned the hard way... 1.5 mile walk back from a run with shins in the worst pain they have ever been in.

    oh and you will experience runners stomach when you run far enough... had that happen 2 miles out... and there was no bathroom between me and the start point that I could use...
  • tachyon_master
    tachyon_master Posts: 226 Member
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    1. Don't try and run every day. Start out with 1-2 days a week and build up to every other day, and then every day (if you want). Same goes for speed - build up to it.

    2. Running can be very monotonous at times. Put together a good playlist on your ipod (or whatever you use) to keep you motivated.
  • Lostone31
    Lostone31 Posts: 57
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    I suggest running in a nice downtown area with extremely expensive houses... you can dream while you run by them... hahaha

    oh and beer is an awesome post long run refreshment... :)
  • emtjmac
    emtjmac Posts: 1,320 Member
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    I wish someone told me heel striking was bad... I learned the hard way... 1.5 mile walk back from a run with shins in the worst pain they have ever been in.

    oh and you will experience runners stomach when you run far enough... had that happen 2 miles out... and there was no bathroom between me and the start point that I could use...

    Last week I was on the way back from a 5K and had to run down a wooded embankment and poop at a 45 degree angle. I know all about it!
  • AlessisMore
    AlessisMore Posts: 179 Member
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    Be really careful about running through an injury. Sometimes taking a day or two off will keep a little problem from becoming a chronic problem!

    And leave your technology home sometimes and just run for the sheer fun of it: no watch, no gps, no tunes...just you and the road. It can be pretty zen!
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
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    I really wish I'd built up a solid base of 20km+ per week for a year before going into half marathon training. By the time I finished running my first half, my IT bands were so hurt I didn't run for a year afterward.
  • amc119
    amc119 Posts: 71 Member
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    I'm a heel runner...for the next 2 weeks, I have to work with it as i have a test next weekend...but after that I need to transition to anything but heel striking as my knees and shins are killing me! Any advice for that?
  • Lostone31
    Lostone31 Posts: 57
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    I'm a heel runner...for the next 2 weeks, I have to work with it as i have a test next weekend...but after that I need to transition to anything but heel striking as my knees and shins are killing me! Any advice for that?

    I switched overnight... I bought shoes that made it hurt to heel strike thin thin thin soled shoes. then I watched about 20 or so youtube vids on proper run form.
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
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    I'm a heel runner...for the next 2 weeks, I have to work with it as i have a test next weekend...but after that I need to transition to anything but heel striking as my knees and shins are killing me! Any advice for that?

    If you start by shortening up your stride and really focusing on your foot strike... that's about it. Even with a heel strike, a shorter stride can reduce the injuries that come from reaching so far forward with the leg. Think tall, upright and legs kicking back like a leg lift towards the back...
  • Kelly_fat2fit30
    Kelly_fat2fit30 Posts: 61
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    I wish someone told me heel striking was bad... I learned the hard way... 1.5 mile walk back from a run with shins in the worst pain they have ever been in.

    oh and you will experience runners stomach when you run far enough... had that happen 2 miles out... and there was no bathroom between me and the start point that I could use...

    Last week I was on the way back from a 5K and had to run down a wooded embankment and poop at a 45 degree angle. I know all about it!

    HAHA!!!!

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