Advice for newbie on running

keltoi93
keltoi93 Posts: 51 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So Im a bit of a newbie in regards to running but theres a work 5k run in two months so I need to get in some practice so I dont show myself up on race day!

So a bit of back story Im a 6"1 male I've gone from 18 and a half stone to 13 and a half in a year but most of that was up until february, I havent lost much since then maybe half a stone.

As you can imagine the slowdown is due to somehow managing to get a girlfriend combined with finishing my degree but we all know they're just excuses I made up to rationalise it with myself!

Around februrary I stopped going to the gym and could do a 5k in under 30 mins, not great but pleasing from where I started off when I was over 18 stone. When I went back to the gym last week (its a free college gym so not going wasnt costing me money) my time was 32 mins for 5k.

A few questions, what would you say should be a reasonable time to aim for? My work colleagues are all averaged sized but only a few run regularly that I know of. What is the best method for improving this time? Should I be upping the speed on the treadmill and do fast bursts followed by a lower pace to regain breath? Should I be aiming to run longer distances to improve my endurance? Also how much harder is street running compared to the treadmill? I've never done the former before but Im imagining it'll be harder to maintain the same time without a treadmill forcing me to keep up.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Replies

  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running
  • keltoi93
    keltoi93 Posts: 51 Member
    I saw the sticky but was looking for more tailored advice especially considering the body of it is concentrated on getting to the point of being able to run 5k, something I can already do.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Most of your questions are answered in the post, but I'll spoonfeed you anyway

    A few questions, what would you say should be a reasonable time to aim for? First 5K race, just aim to finish.

    My work colleagues are all averaged sized but only a few run regularly that I know of. What is the best method for improving this time? Run more slow easy miles. It's that simple.

    Should I be upping the speed on the treadmill and do fast bursts followed by a lower pace to regain breath? No. Not at your skill and speed level.

    Should I be aiming to run longer distances to improve my endurance? Yes.

    Also how much harder is street running compared to the treadmill? You have to propel yourself, manage your own effort, and deal with weather elements and wind resistance.

    I've never done the former before but Im imagining it'll be harder to maintain the same time without a treadmill forcing me to keep up.

    You've just gotta ditch the treadmill and get out there and run. Nobody on the internet will be able to tell you how you'll feel. Just do it and experience it yourself.

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