Any Runners? Newbie runner!

tiggerdug
tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Ive been on a weight loss journey since January and im quite pleased with what ive done, but I wanted to take it further and I signed up for a marathon!! Huge challange for me.

Since entering the world of running a month ago its much more complicated than I thought, the right trainer, clothing, food, training plan.....

Basicaly Im confused by some of the termanology and looking for some freinds for advice along the way. Im under no illusion this is going to be easy but I want to do it!

First thing I need help with is the best trainners? Please add me if you think you can help!

thanks
Gillian xx
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Replies

  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    When is your marathon? Have you considered some shorter races to work up to that distance?? I have been running for about 2 years and have done multiple 5ks, a 7k and my longest coming up soon a 10 mile.
  • mcapone67
    mcapone67 Posts: 15 Member
    There is a great running club and its free - called "Moms Run This Town" and you can find clubs in your area and valuable information on their website www.momsrunthistown.com.
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    its May next year. So I have time and started training. Its something ive always wanted to do as personal achivement, Im scared a smaller race will put me off.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    That's very ambitious for a first race. There are plenty of other challenging distances that are shorter than the marathon. I suggest that one be running an average of 25 to 30 miles per week for a year to 18 months prior to starting an 18 week marathon training program.

    Doing too much too fast frequently results in injury.
  • AMNimlos
    AMNimlos Posts: 34 Member
    I recommend doing a couple smaller races between now and then because it will help you gauge your progress under racing conditions (first thing in the morning, fueling, etc.).

    That being said there are lots of training programs and apps that will help you train properly. Runner's World is a good magazine. Get fitted with proper shoes at a running store and see if they do any free runs, or look up local running programs or groups. Meetup.com can be a good place for that. Read running blogs and leave comments if something confuses you. It's all about learning, so if something is confusing you just need to look it up. I'm not really sure what you mean by best trainer? You mean a training program?
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    I was worried about the time factor, but the guy who dose my programs at the gym seems to think i can do it. Right now I run 4 times a week, a mixture of interval and distance.
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    sorry I ment trainers as in shoes, there are sooooo many, one I saw in a magazine said it was made with fairy dust or something!!
  • gsnthensome
    gsnthensome Posts: 23 Member
    Join a running club! And work your way up. I've done 2 5k races. After a few more I will do a 10k when I get comfortable w that then ill increase to 1/2 marathon. Don't burn yourself out. Make achievable goals and run races that give out medals for extra motivation and encouragement !
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    its May next year. So I have time and started training. Its something ive always wanted to do as personal achivement, Im scared a smaller race will put me off.

    Actually I think that the opposite is true. Entering and racing a smaller race will boost your confidence level and will really help motivate you to keep running and enjoying the sport. Do a couple 5ks and see what you think. It's great practice for other races. I did one this last spring and used it to practice grabbing cups of water without stopping which really came in handy during a half marathon race. Each new race and level you achieve is just going to make you a better runner. Don't skip the middle steps or you'll miss out on a lot of fun.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    Wow, that is very soon. I say do shorter races because you may find they are challenging enough. Training just for this 10 mile race is quite time consuming. If you do some shorter ones you can gauge if a marathon is really something you want to do. I can possibly now imagine doing a HALF marathon and I've been running over 2 years. It takes time to adjust to longer distances. As for shoes I've used a few brands asics, under armour, and most recently brooks. How far are you running currently??
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    its May next year. So I have time and started training. Its something ive always wanted to do as personal achivement, Im scared a smaller race will put me off.

    Actually I think that the opposite is true. Entering and racing a smaller race will boost your confidence level and will really help motivate you to keep running and enjoying the sport. Do a couple 5ks and see what you think. It's great practice for other races. I did one this last spring and used it to practice grabbing cups of water without stopping which really came in handy during a half marathon race. Each new race and level you achieve is just going to make you a better runner. Don't skip the middle steps or you'll miss out on a lot of fun.

    yeh your mayberight, I just seem to have it in head that it will be horrific and it will put me off doing the marathon which I dont want to happen!
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    furthest i have ran is 8K and I add .5k on every week with the plan I have just now.
  • Greywalk
    Greywalk Posts: 193 Member
    Ok so here are some things to help:

    1. go to a running store that has a good staff...they should watch you run before they recommend a shoe. or two or three. If they don't depart that store find another.
    2. Marathoning for Mortals a book by John Bingham will help with developing your training plan.
    3. myasic.us will help you formulate and track your progress in your training plan.
    4. good advice site: http://www.runnersworld.com/
    5. supplies are here: http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/


    And the rest of us will cheer you on and function as a cheering section....feel free to add me as a friend. I am gearing up for a 1/2 marathon next year and am putting together a group to meet up in PA at the Runner's World half in October 2014.

    I am a runner, how do I know this? Because I have been running for almost 8 years? No because last time it rained I thought wow what an opportunity to check out the traction on my shoes.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    its May next year. So I have time and started training. Its something ive always wanted to do as personal achivement, Im scared a smaller race will put me off.

    Actually I think that the opposite is true. Entering and racing a smaller race will boost your confidence level and will really help motivate you to keep running and enjoying the sport. Do a couple 5ks and see what you think. It's great practice for other races. I did one this last spring and used it to practice grabbing cups of water without stopping which really came in handy during a half marathon race. Each new race and level you achieve is just going to make you a better runner. Don't skip the middle steps or you'll miss out on a lot of fun.

    yeh your mayberight, I just seem to have it in head that it will be horrific and it will put me off doing the marathon which I dont want to happen!
    If you find a 5k horrific, I'd say you probably won't enjoy 23 additional miles. Marathons aren't for everyone, as I know that I have no desire to do one. I felt very accomplished after each of my 5k's and they are a great way to see if you like running races. I would definitely not do a marathon as my first.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Shoes. The right shoe for me might be totally wrong for you.

    Go to a specialty running store and get fitted (not one of the Big Box Sporting Goods Stores). They will analyze your gait and suggest the right kind of shoe for you in several different brands. You then choose the one that feels the best. If it's a running store, you don't need to worry about brand, they will all be good brands.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    furthest i have ran is 8K and I add .5k on every week with the plan I have just now.
    What is your plan to get up to 26 miles?
  • alanlmarshall
    alanlmarshall Posts: 587 Member
    Running a marathon involves some real risks of injury, illness, or even death in rare cases. Take the time to gain experience and be prepared. Run some 5ks and a half first. Give yourself at least another year. Otherwise you will likely end up walking it or quitting.
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    I have a trainer at my gym who makes up my plan, I see him in a week when my plan ends and see what he says, as Im new to this.

    Thanks to those who have sujested books and website, i have made a note of them all. :o)
  • Sheff612
    Sheff612 Posts: 12 Member
    Just like with your weight loss journey i would recommend taking baby steps towards your ultimate goal. Too much too soon will almost guarantee an injury or burn out. So i suggest starting small and building yourself up! I went from a 5k a few years ago to my first half this past august and hoping to do a full next year! Oh and for my training plan if youre interested i used rookie marathon.com.
  • foreverTaylor16
    foreverTaylor16 Posts: 7
    When is your race? Its good to go up about 3 miles every 2 months.

    I myself have been running for several months now and am training for a half marathon, if you have any questions I'd be happy to help as much as I can!

    Good luck! xox
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    I've found that Carson says pretty much everything I'm thinking when it comes to running, and with a lot more diplomacy.

    You need to get some miles on those legs and find out if you even like it, much less can handle the pounding and time sacrifice that entails running a marathon.

    I took up running in 85 and it wasn't until early 89 before I felt that I was ready to run a marathon. Of course, I set ambitious goals of low 3 hours (which is what we did back in the day) and had at least 4 half marathons and 20K's in the books by then.

    Take your time.
    That's very ambitious for a first race. There are plenty of other challenging distances that are shorter than the marathon. I suggest that one be running an average of 25 to 30 miles per week for a year to 18 months prior to starting an 18 week marathon training program.

    Doing too much too fast frequently results in injury.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    Ive been on a weight loss journey since January and im quite pleased with what ive done, but I wanted to take it further and I signed up for a marathon!! Huge challange for me.

    Since entering the world of running a month ago its much more complicated than I thought, the right trainer, clothing, food, training plan.....

    Basicaly Im confused by some of the termanology and looking for some freinds for advice along the way. Im under no illusion this is going to be easy but I want to do it!

    First thing I need help with is the best trainners? Please add me if you think you can help!

    thanks
    Gillian xx

    Gosh a woman after my own heart.... :heart:

    I started running as part of a weight loss program... knew nothing whatsoever about the subject but it seemed reasonable to me that if the largest muscles in the human body were in the legs, I would need to engage them to get results. I had every pound to lose and everything to gain.

    I started my weight loss journey 5+ years ago in January. I went from 325 pounds to 240 in the span of 11 months and ran the Honolulu Marathon. It too was my first race.

    Since then my weight has plateaued at 225 but my percentage of body fat has declined significantly.

    Since then I have completed numerous half and full marathons and was contracted to coach running clinics for the Running Room. Feel free to add me so you can ask me any questions you may have.

    Cheers!
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    I like Hal Higdon's "Marathon" book. It goes over all the basics for first time marathoners with free training plans online.

    I've been running for a little over a year and am signed up for my first marathon in January (which will put my first marathon at about a year and a half after I started running). I can't wait!
  • mjrkearney
    mjrkearney Posts: 408 Member
    A. Shoes, of which you seem to be aware.

    B. If you haven't started already, run outside. As entertaining as it would be to run a group marathon on treadmills, that doesn't seem likely.

    C. Shoes. Find a good local running store and show them how much they're going to love you and how much you're going to hate them. There are different shoes for different arch types, and all that jazz.

    D. If you're in a well-populated area, there's probably a running club. Those things spring up like weeds. Join and find a training buddy.

    E. For the love of your knees, get fitted for the right shoes. WalMart is not going to cut it. Neither are most department stores. You can find what you need and buy them online cheaper if you must.
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    Thanks for everyones sugestions, Im going to order the books and track down as good shop for shoes.

    I know it seems crazy to do a marathon first time but I like a challange and Im all or nothing kinda girl. I have signed up to do it, got my place and will be doing it. Im hopeing to raise as much money for my favourite charity and I hope people will realise what im putting myself through to do that.

    I think any one can do anything they put their mind too.

    Edinburgh 2014 here I come!
  • soniabogonia
    soniabogonia Posts: 778 Member
    Best advice I can give is

    -you should NOT run every single day
    -if you feel an injury coming take a day off
    -if you get injured, stop training (don't run through the pain)
    -hydrate well, drink water on your long run, 7+ miles
    -go to a running store so they can fit you for proper shoes
    -lift weights on the days you don't run, you want to strengthen your abs, arms, back, legs.... a strong body will make you a more efficient runner
    -enjoy your outdoor runs
    -keep going... YOU CAN DO IT!

    =)
  • alanlmarshall
    alanlmarshall Posts: 587 Member
    Thanks for everyones sugestions, Im going to order the books and track down as good shop for shoes.

    I know it seems crazy to do a marathon first time but I like a challange and Im all or nothing kinda girl. I have signed up to do it, got my place and will be doing it. Im hopeing to raise as much money for my favourite charity and I hope people will realise what im putting myself through to do that.

    I think any one can do anything they put their mind too.

    Edinburgh 2014 here I come!

    For most races you can change to a shorter distance, there is probably a half marathon option.
  • DisneyAddictRW
    DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
    I have a half on Oct 20th and Nov 9th. Then the Dopey Challenge in January.
  • STrooper
    STrooper Posts: 659 Member
    Thanks for everyones sugestions, Im going to order the books and track down as good shop for shoes.

    I know it seems crazy to do a marathon first time but I like a challange and Im all or nothing kinda girl. I have signed up to do it, got my place and will be doing it. Im hopeing to raise as much money for my favourite charity and I hope people will realise what im putting myself through to do that.

    I think any one can do anything they put their mind too.

    Edinburgh 2014 here I come!

    My first big scheduled race is a marathon (November 3rd). I entered a 10K race last April mostly to be able to take pictures from the bridge that the 10K run was named after. I didn't plan on running (just walking) until the last moment. I had not run a 10K 9or any distance of any note) since 1985.

    You need good shoes, appropriate clothing and, most of all, time. The plan I am on is a 27 week plan that starts at the ability to run a 5K (not necessarily speedily, but at least continually). It stresses rest days (cross-training okay, easy walking to get the blood flowing throughout your body) and a minimum of 3 days per week of actual training.

    Since our marathon days are usually a Sunday, the schedule calls for training runs (30-40 minutes) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I can go longer on those days but need to be careful about overdoing it. The longer training runs are usually done on Sunday along with various speed drills, timing runs, etc. Generally speaking, my plan calls for stepping up the long run distance by 2 miles every other week until I reached the 14-mile run. After that, two weeks later I stepped up by 3 miles to 17-miles but I then had 3-weeks to the next long training run. I've done my 17, 20 and 23-milers. I have my last long training run of 26 miles two weekends from now. After that it is taper and maintenance training until race day. Those long-training runs are not at race pace (dialed-back by at least 2 minutes per mile plus a temperature compensation for each 5 degrees above 60 degrees F). At my training pace that is about 5.5 hours for the longest of the runs.

    In the interim, I have run a 5K race (almost on a whim and won my age category) and am thinking of running a 10K or half-marathon on one of my "shorter run" weekends. It is really something to be able to run those other distances on a whim. A year ago I would not have imagined it was possible.
  • tiggerdug
    tiggerdug Posts: 67 Member
    Thanks for everyones sugestions, Im going to order the books and track down as good shop for shoes.

    I know it seems crazy to do a marathon first time but I like a challange and Im all or nothing kinda girl. I have signed up to do it, got my place and will be doing it. Im hopeing to raise as much money for my favourite charity and I hope people will realise what im putting myself through to do that.

    I think any one can do anything they put their mind too.

    Edinburgh 2014 here I come!

    My first big scheduled race is a marathon (November 3rd). I entered a 10K race last April mostly to be able to take pictures from the bridge that the 10K run was named after. I didn't plan on running (just walking) until the last moment. I had not run a 10K 9or any distance of any note) since 1985.

    You need good shoes, appropriate clothing and, most of all, time. The plan I am on is a 27 week plan that starts at the ability to run a 5K (not necessarily speedily, but at least continually). It stresses rest days (cross-training okay, easy walking to get the blood flowing throughout your body) and a minimum of 3 days per week of actual training.

    Since our marathon days are usually a Sunday, the schedule calls for training runs (30-40 minutes) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I can go longer on those days but need to be careful about overdoing it. The longer training runs are usually done on Sunday along with various speed drills, timing runs, etc. Generally speaking, my plan calls for stepping up the long run distance by 2 miles every other week until I reached the 14-mile run. After that, two weeks later I stepped up by 3 miles to 17-miles but I then had 3-weeks to the next long training run. I've done my 17, 20 and 23-milers. I have my last long training run of 26 miles two weekends from now. After that it is taper and maintenance training until race day. Those long-training runs are not at race pace (dialed-back by at least 2 minutes per mile plus a temperature compensation for each 5 degrees above 60 degrees F). At my training pace that is about 5.5 hours for the longest of the runs.

    In the interim, I have run a 5K race (almost on a whim and won my age category) and am thinking of running a 10K or half-marathon on one of my "shorter run" weekends. It is really something to be able to run those other distances on a whim. A year ago I would not have imagined it was possible.

    Thats fantastic, very insperational.

    Ive went from no running to being able to run 45mins straight no stopping in 5 weeks, I do yoga and pilates on my rest days too.

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