Tips for a New Jogger?

I have been a runner for 18 years. When you are starting to run, it's very strenuous, and that's to be expected. The main thing is to be consistent. With time, it will become easier. You just have to be patient and keep at it. If you stick with it long enough, you may find you love it just as I did.

buy good joggers

Start with shoe's

Ahh! You said the J word!!

Make sure you are not sprinting in those short sessions - I found that when I was doing running intervals I ran a little too hard. For me, when I ran my first race (10K for me) I only wanted to be able to say I ran the whole thing - timing didn't matter at all. So start slow!

I started training for a half marathon in January (race is in May) after not having run regularly for several years. To work my way up to the training schedule (day 1 was 2 miles!) I did a lot of interval training in Nov and Dec to get myself used to running. Just keep doing what you are doing - you will be surprised how quickly you get used to it.

Good luck! And remember, regardless of how you finish or if you run the whole thing, at least you tried, and were there for your daughter!

Downloading the c25K app right now... I'm running a 5k at the end of May.

Ran cross country and track through high school, hit college and say on my *kitten* the entire 4 years.

I'm getting back into the groove tho

I an doing c25k. Every new week I swear to myself there is just no way I can complete that session...and every time I just do. Its been great.

I found "ease into 5k" by bluefin a more forgiving app for starting to run from scratch. c25k seemed to have longer intervals and larger jumps, which for a non-runner seemed hard. Ease in to 5k is exactly the same, just a more gradual transition.
Ease in to 5k isn't free though, the app is all around better though so I didn't mind paying (it also has a decent music player that actually works, along with maps/stats etc.)

lots of good tips,c25k is what im looking for,and will download!

Merkavar wrote: »

Does jogging/running on a treadmill cross over to running outside?

Does the c25k app work if your on a treadmill?

Sure I could get on a treadmill and walk and jog but for how long? What speed? How much should I progress each week?

I find I can jog much longer at an even pace on a treadmill than I can outside- the variables from natural hills and even weather impact your jog outside. I also tend to focus more on my breathing when I'm on the treadmill which also helps, but outside I get distracted. But since all 5ks are pretty much outside, I feel the best place to train or get ready for one is outside!

I couldn't even jog a minute before starting C25K, I started last October and completed up to week 3 before it got too dark and cold for me to run on the nearby trail. This winter, I focused on total body workouts and I thought that would help me pick the jogging back up (it did, 'dem squats and lunges). About a week ago, I just jumped straight into week 3 and was able to complete it with little issue. But I'm not running, I'm still jogging at a real nice easy pace. I noticed when I tried to push myself into more of a run during an interval, I'd get a nasty stitch in my side.

Make sure you put the left foot in front of the right one, then the right one in front of the left one, rinse and repeat. *nods*

GOTR is a blast. 99 percent of the girls will do some form of run / walk anyway so you will fit right in. Don't stress, have fun and enjoy the time spent with your daughter and the other girls.

pearso21123 wrote: »

Hello, everybody. Recently my daughter signed up for Girls on the Run and asked me to be her running buddy for a 5K run that will be held on May 17. I agreed, figuring it would give me extra motivation to get in shape. I've been exercising at home and walking, but recently started trying to jog. Today was day #2. I walked/jogged for 3.2 miles (mostly walking with a little bit of jogging). I've never jogged in my life, not even when I was young and skinny. Most of what I've read says if you can't carry on a conversation while exercising that you're working too hard. Today I was gasping for air with every jogging session. Am I doing something wrong or is this just how it's going to be until I get into better shape? Thanks for any tips.

1) At first, shoot for maybe twice a week. Running can be a forest of injuries.

2) Gradually advance, but it will be a while until you can keep at a good and consistent pace.

3) Give your body plenty of recovery time. Again, TONS of injuries can manifest running. Hit your body and then lay off it a while.

I've been running on and off for the past few years, so here's my advice.

1. Invest in quality gear. That means good shoes. Get fitted for a pair at a local running shop if possible, it'll help you tremendously. If you're female (I can't tell), also invest in a good running bra. You need to lock down your girls, excess bouncing damages the tissue and hurts like hell. The rest of your exercise clothing you can cheap out on. Ideally, choose breathable clothes made of synthetic material (not cotton), it won't chafe when you sweat and dries itself out quickly.

2. Interval running should be your friend. If you use a smartphone, either Couch25K or EaseInto5K might work for you. Otherwise, some digital watches have an interval function. Space out running with walking, starting small and gradually (key word!) increase the time you spend running. I'd advise you space out your training days, and aim to run 3 times a week.

3. Be conservative. That means going slow, respecting your body and not overdoing it. Failing to do these things sets you on the fast track to injury. If your daughter runs faster then you, then maybe you can have her circle back to you when she gets ahead, depending on the terrain you're running on. Let her run ahead, then she can run back to you, then ahead again. Trying to keep up with her isn't going to do anything beneficial for you. Personally, I'd always rather to start slow and discover later that I can go a bit faster, rather then starting out fast and then having to slow down/not being able to finish.

4. I'd advise not running on a full stomach. Wait a few hours after eating before running, since the bouncing motion with a full stomach can make some people feel ill. Likewise with water. Do aim to be well hydrated before going out, so have a decent amount of water up to maybe an hour before. With experimentation you'll know what's good for your body.

5. Try to stay loose when running, and avoid clenching your fists or holding tension in your shoulders. I usually aim to loosely swing my arms, keeping my hands within ribcage height. Try to pretend you're holding eggs, or maybe potato chips in your hands when you're running to avoid tension in the hands. Aim for short, even strides of the legs rather then a sprinting motion, it's easier to sustain this motion. Let your legs the work, but try to keep your body relaxed and comfortable.

It is true that ideally you'd be able to have a conversation while you're running, if you're really huffing and puffing you either haven't warmed up or you may be working too hard. If you can't talk, at least keep your breathing relatively deep and comfortable.