beginner to running

Irish_Eyes81
Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am sure there have been posts similar to this made before but here I go. I've never run before in my life but as I have worked to gain muscle, my legs feel stronger and more capable of taking it up. I am starting with the c25k app just so I dont end up royally screwing it up. Are there any tips or suggestions? Anything that helped along the way? I would love to eventually run a 5k, it a goal of mine =) thanks so much for any feedback!

Replies

  • PurpleTina
    PurpleTina Posts: 390 Member
    C25K is a great way to start. Stick to the plan, don't be tempted to do more than they say (because it IS tempting), and make sure you have your rest days too. If you need to repeat a week, more than once, it's all good too.

    Good luck! (non-runner for 44 years, until end of July last year, doing first Half Marathon tomorrow morning).
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    the single most important things I learned when starting a running program are:

    1. get fitted for proper shoes at an athletic store

    2. Don't overdo it - slow and steady is the way to begin.
  • LisaO85
    LisaO85 Posts: 152
    You are starting off right by doing C25K. Follow the program and you will have a great base. To keep your motivation up, I would sign up for a 5k race . That way you have something to look forward to. Couple of suggestions I can make

    1. Get yourself a good pair of running shoes. Go to a specialty store and have them watch you run, they will check your gait and recommend shoes that will work for you ( and yes they are going to cost some money).

    2. Don't worry about speed right away, just concentrate on building up your endurance and your mileage.

    3. Don't completely forget about weight training, it will help you with your speed and endurance when the time comes.

    4. Buy yourself some moisture wicking shorts/tops. They don't have to be expensive but you do not want to run in cotton. I reward myself with new running gear whenever I reach a milestone.

    5. This one is probably the most important. Go out and have fun... Once you complete that first race you will be hooked.

    Good luck & Enjoy !!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    My biggest tips - slow down. Too many people run too hard and can't keep it up. If you are really struggling, slow down. Doesn't matter if you are near walking pace, it's all good.

    Second is don't be afraid to try the next level. The great thing about C25K is you can repeat weeks if you need to. That said, I see a lot of people who choose to repeat weeks because they feel they aren't ready without even trying. I coach a learn to run program that is basically the same as C25K. Every week my runners tell me they can't do 2;4;6 whatever minutes of running and every week they do it. Try it first. If you really can't then repeat.
  • toutmonpossible
    toutmonpossible Posts: 1,580 Member
    I'm not a runner, but my area has several excellent running shoe shops that, in addition to selling good shoes, host community events for runners, for example, free yoga classes for runners before a morning run. There also are running classes and runner's clubs that organize weekly races, some of which are for beginners. There must be blogs. I would look into those for support and information.
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    Thank you all for your replies, I have got a pair of running shoes, I forgot to mention that I wanted to take up running a couple months ago, went and got running shoes, then proceeded to chicken out =)

    Tina, good luck on your half marathon you give me inspiration =)

    Lisa, will for sure look into the moisture wicking apparel =)
  • User819
    User819 Posts: 271
    Are you doing this and p90?
  • Back2Biz
    Back2Biz Posts: 67 Member
    You may want to consider doing yoga with your C25K program... I used to have terrible knee pain (Used to run Corss Country in HS, as an older lady now I've done a couple 10K's and lots and lots of 5Ks). Once I started doing Yoga and using a foam roller on my IT Bands (outside of thigh) that knee pain went away. I know a lot of runners that swear Yoga has helped them too. I never used to stretch after running and now I know that is VERY STUPID. Hope you have fun running - it's a great way to zone out!! :0)
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    Jerry, I will keep up the weight lifting part and do running on the off days....so mon, wed, fri I will do my weights and tues, thur, sat...I will attempt running =) lol
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    Thank you Back2Biz, I will definitely look into that if it saves me pain, lol
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    1. A pair of professionally fitted shoes.
    2. A program such as Couch 2 5k.
    3. A running log/app.
    4. Easy does it and consistency.
    5. Have fun!

    Good luck!
  • PrincessLaundry
    PrincessLaundry Posts: 2,758 Member
    I am NOT a great runner... No gazelle here, more like a sloppy drooling St Bernard. I am a yo-yo runner. But when I need to jump back into it I use the runkeeper.com ap and start with their 5K training plan. It tells you how to run faster or slower, when to walk, when to jog, when to do everything. It works for me and I love the easy to follow jump start plan. I have my son doing this, and my hubby. LOVE it! I also like that it tracks my trail when I'm running or walking. =)

    Maybe it will work for you!?!

    Sometimes just making myself jog in place when watching a movie, every 15 minutes for 5 minutes helps. Good luck! =) Admitting that you aren't a runner and trying something new is half the battle! Woot wooty woot!
  • PrincessLaundry
    PrincessLaundry Posts: 2,758 Member
    1. A pair of professionally fitted shoes.
    2. A program such as Couch 2 5k.
    3. A running log/app.
    4. Easy does it and consistency.
    5. Have fun!

    Good luck!

    We need a button to click, maybe a "Woot wooty woot Agree!" button. Ohhhh Mike!!!! =)
  • rnetmom
    rnetmom Posts: 1 Member
    How exciting...good luck, I'm sure you will be great!
  • PrincessLaundry
    PrincessLaundry Posts: 2,758 Member
    the single most important things I learned when starting a running program are:

    1. get fitted for proper shoes at an athletic store

    2. Don't overdo it - slow and steady is the way to begin.


    x likes suggestion x

    =)
  • doc800
    doc800 Posts: 148
    Most importantly, have fun doing it.
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    I also will chime in on the cacophony of: Get fitted. Get fitted. Get fitted.

    By, God, get fitted. At a real running store. Preferably a Fleet Feet, but we're not picky.

    Don't be afraid to walk if you have to.

    Welcome to the club.
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    I think what every one is saying is I need to get fitted =) lol

    Thank you all so much for the feed back and encouragement.... I will try my hardest!
  • MelissaVoci
    MelissaVoci Posts: 69 Member
    Agree with everything above :)

    Make sure your shoes are fitted, and get good supportive insoles.
    Buy running socks! I used to get blisters all the time, bought running socks from lululemon ($12 a pair, but I have had mine for 2 years and they are still strong) Haven't had a blister since!
    Get a good sports bra. Makes all the difference in the world!
    Moisture wicking , and don't get gray. I stick to black or it still looks like I peed my pants after a long run. (I didn't, I promise!)
    ICE! Ice is your friend. When your knees, calves, shins, thighs hurt after a run, ICE. I was AMAZED at the difference it makes. I hate to be cold, but it is so worth it!
    Music helps me when I run....
    Keep at it, even when it's hard. If you have a scheduled run, and don't want to do it, at least go a mile. You'll find that by the end of that mile, you usually want to finish, and by the end of the run, you feel great!
    Keep hydrated!
    Have FUN!!!
    Ok, so everyone says have fun, but honestly, I started 3 years ago, and I hated it. My first race was a half marathon, and by mile 3 I decied runners were liars, nobody could possibly like this. By mile 10 I was MAD at every runner that ever told me I would like it. When I crossed the finish line, I cried for 25 minutes, and immediately signed up for another half. I have been hooked ever since. So, even if it's not fun, it will be. Now I look forward to my runs, and have a whole wall in my house of my race bibs and medals. Ran a full marathon last April, and doing anoth in October :)
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    Thank you Lissa, good socks and sports bras...no gray just black ( do not need to look like I wet myself, lol)

    I'm going to work hard at this and I hope by my birthday I can enter a 5 k =)
  • PrincessLaundry
    PrincessLaundry Posts: 2,758 Member
    Thank you Lissa, good socks and sports bras...no gray just black ( do not need to look like I wet myself, lol)

    I'm going to work hard at this and I hope by my birthday I can enter a 5 k =)

    HOPE??? You got this! x wink x I can't wait to post back here and see how it goes! Good luck!
  • becnaffine
    becnaffine Posts: 55
    I've just finished C25K and am now on C210K. I never ran before C25K. My tips are: good shoes, slow you pace right down to begin with, and breath long and deeply (no shallow gasping).

    Good luck!
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    Here's something brilliant I learned here. I'm so embarrassed that as a speed walker, I never even thought of this before. I got some nasty-*kitten* shin splints in week 1, and then I read to run on the road rather than the sidewalk. The sidewalk is cement! That freaking hurts.

    Good luck!
  • Irish_Eyes81
    Irish_Eyes81 Posts: 808 Member
    Thank you for all the well wishes and tips =)
  • ukgirly01
    ukgirly01 Posts: 523 Member
    Most important think I can say is strength train, it will make you faster as well as stepping you from getting injured! That and get a foam roller

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