New runner.

I eat oatmeal before long runs, the mini cliff bars during. One you go over an hour or so you need about 100 calories per hour. I agree C25K is a good plan.

Don't increase more than 10% distance from the previous week. Don't try to go too fast or stomp your feet. Starting out just focus on keeping moving. I've had shin splints and it was from "Too much, too soon".

I also got shin splints, even with new shoes I was fitted for. I found out I have high arches and got an arch support insert. It has made a world of difference! I've also started Kinesio Taping for extra support. I also recommend C25K. Stick with the program, don't push yourself to do more, sooner. That's how I ended up with really bad shin splints that I had to take off 3 weeks for. When you do have them, use the RICE Method - rest, ice, compression, elevate. If you can take Ibuprofen, it will help with pain and inflammation.

If you have an iphone and want advice, feedback, and training, I can't recommend the Jeff Galloway series enough. Everyone that tried it, regardless of the program, loves it.

Easy 5K with Jeff Galloway

I started with the half marathon program 2 years ago and then got the full. I almost can't run without it.

He coaches you though run/walk/run training. He gives you tips. It uses your music and will speed up or slow down the tempo.

I can not eat before I run as it makes me feel ill regardless of the time of day. If I'm only running for 60 minutes or 6-8 miles no food, totally empty, and I run mornings between 5-6 am.

If it's for more than 6-8 miles, only Gels or Stinger Waffles as it's quick to digest.

See what works best for you.

Don't do too much downhill running if you are prone to shin splints (I find it aggravates mine). Start with a run walk programme and run very slowly to start with. You should be slightly out of breath but not breathless and gasping! Lots of beginners run too fast to start with. I have a bowl of porridge about two hours before I run, any closer to the run and it is too heavy on my stomach. If you want to run early in the morning eat a good snack before bed and don't eat in the morning until after your run. If you are running for less than an hour that should work ok.

I started running by just trying to run a mile. I didn't follow any program, just kept aiming to do an easier, and ultimately faster, mile every other day in the beginning. Then I extended it to two, and then three. It's been six months and I can run 5k in 28:40, and a mile in 8:10, the latter of which is about three minutes faster than when I started. Maybe I could have reached a stage with faster times by now if I'd followed a program, but maybe not. I just did what I felt was right for me, and doing a mile only takes around 10 minutes... it was a good way for me to ease my way into running without feeling the pressure of progressing through a program.

I went and bought the cheapest pair of New Balance running shoes from Sports World (I'm a student with very low funds) and they've done me well so far. I'm an evening runner, which I really prefer to daytime running, as it's quieter and cooler. I've got running/workout playlists of songs I listen to which I've selected based on having a good beat to run to, or being motivating when I'm struggling. Because I listen to music and have to cross a few roads, albeit quite roads at night, I wear a high-vis running vest. I felt like an idiot at first, but honestly feel uncomfortable at night without it now. It helps me feel safer on a couple of levels.

If I run more than a couple of hours after eating a big meal, I will have a banana 15 minutes before I leave. I definitely run better with some fuel in me. Sometimes I find having coffee before helps as well. I always like to stop my run a short distance (maybe 1/4 of a mile) from home so I can walk back and cool down - I found the few times I didn't do this left me with more aches the next day. I've never suffered shin splits so can't offer any advice on that, but I have found a foam roller helpful on the few occasions I've had aching calves.

I think it really just is a case of trial and error, finding what works for you. Definitely don't pay attention to other people's times for the distances you are doing... everybody is built differently and comparing yourself to others isn't really a helpful approach. Just compete with yourself, trying to keep hitting new personal bests, and be persistent with your training. The changes you'll see will amaze you

And a sliced banana to my oatmeal too for potassium