How to start running?

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Replies

  • Tomhoffman84
    Tomhoffman84 Posts: 99

    Someone else pointed out getting good shoes. Get some minimalist style shoes. I love my Brooks Pure shoes. I had lots of injuries when I started out. I have not been injured since I switched to them.

    Minamalist shoes have a place and time, but for a first time, novice runner, I would strongly suggest something cushioned to start with, minimalist shoes aren't a good fit for new runners.

    By the way, year ago, the most I'd ever run was 3 miles, now my long runs are up to 18 miles and I registered for my first full marathon this week. Just get started...no matter where you are when you start, you will surprise the hell out of yourself a year later!
  • collteach328
    collteach328 Posts: 30 Member
    Couch to 5k!! And find a running buddy or two that can keep you motivated when it gets tough. I started running back in February to prepare for a 5k I wanted to run with my daughter in April. I didn't even get the whole way through the Couch to 5k, but I ran my very first 5k (the Diva 5k in North Myrtle Beach, SC) on April 28. My time was pitiful (41 minutes), but I ran almost the whole time! My daughter (who is only 9) fell and cut up her leg, so we stopped long enough for me to use my pants to wipe up the blood, then we cruised to the finish.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member

    Someone else pointed out getting good shoes. Get some minimalist style shoes. I love my Brooks Pure shoes. I had lots of injuries when I started out. I have not been injured since I switched to them.

    Minamalist shoes have a place and time, but for a first time, novice runner, I would strongly suggest something cushioned to start with, minimalist shoes aren't a good fit for new runners.

    By the way, year ago, the most I'd ever run was 3 miles, now my long runs are up to 18 miles and I registered for my first full marathon this week. Just get started...no matter where you are when you start, you will surprise the hell out of yourself a year later!

    Better to ditch the cushion and to learn the gait right away if that's the direction someone is going. Otherwise, they'll have to build their feet and calves up later which can be frustrating.
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member

    Someone else pointed out getting good shoes. Get some minimalist style shoes. I love my Brooks Pure shoes. I had lots of injuries when I started out. I have not been injured since I switched to them.

    Minamalist shoes have a place and time, but for a first time, novice runner, I would strongly suggest something cushioned to start with, minimalist shoes aren't a good fit for new runners.

    By the way, year ago, the most I'd ever run was 3 miles, now my long runs are up to 18 miles and I registered for my first full marathon this week. Just get started...no matter where you are when you start, you will surprise the hell out of yourself a year later!

    I think it a good idea for the novice runner to start with minimalist shoes. They will quickly learn proper foot plant and stride while not becoming dependent on arch supported, motion control running shoes. Their foot will strengthen and they will have less injury.

    I had to lay off running for over 2 years and dreaded starting over because of my near chronic shin splints. Though I had 3 pair of new Asics Kayanos, I bought a pair of NB Minimus and never looked back. No pain, no injury and my feet have never looked so good in all my years of running - thin and muscular with higher arches to better absorb shock loading.

    A while back I tried running in the Kayanos and after about 1/2 mile turned around and picked up the Minimus. Felt like I was trying to run in high heeled boots. BTW I weighed around 240lbs when I started in the Minimus.

    I now weigh 222lbs and ran a little over 75 miles last month. I expect to run in the Minimus until I wear holes in them.
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member

    Someone else pointed out getting good shoes. Get some minimalist style shoes. I love my Brooks Pure shoes. I had lots of injuries when I started out. I have not been injured since I switched to them.

    Minamalist shoes have a place and time, but for a first time, novice runner, I would strongly suggest something cushioned to start with, minimalist shoes aren't a good fit for new runners.

    By the way, year ago, the most I'd ever run was 3 miles, now my long runs are up to 18 miles and I registered for my first full marathon this week. Just get started...no matter where you are when you start, you will surprise the hell out of yourself a year later!

    Better to ditch the cushion and to learn the gait right away if that's the direction someone is going. Otherwise, they'll have to build their feet and calves up later which can be frustrating.

    ^^^^^This
  • h9dlb
    h9dlb Posts: 243 Member
    one foot in front of the other ?
  • jaena4
    jaena4 Posts: 175 Member
    I'm currently starting to run myself. I tried the C25K thing a few times, but kept getting bored and never made it through. So I'm just running til I can't run anymore then walking for a bit and then running again. I'm enjoying it, although I ran into multiple clouds of bugs tonight - so gross!!! I also just downloaded the Zombies Run! app on my iphone. Not quite convinced yet, but it's fun and distracting - I'm willing to keep giving it a try so far!

    Good luck!
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    As far as non-running exercises you can do at home with no equipment, nerdfitness.com has several good bodyweight circuits that will give you a great workout without any equipment. I highly recommend them.

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