So you want to start running
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@Kymmu - are you wearing good running shoes that have been fitted for your gait? If not I would go to a running store and get a good pair of running shoes. Let them help you find the right shoes for you. The will look at whether your ankles/feet pronate or supinate (turn in or out) or are neutral and help you decide if you need more/less cushioning, etc.. All running shoes are not created equal and it is important to get the right ones for you.
You might also dial it back a little and not necessarily run every day and not so fast. Slowly increase your distance and the speed will increase naturally but you may be pushing your body before it has had time to adjust. You could try running every other day or at least take a rest day once or twice a week.0 -
Great post! Thanks for taking the time out to share your knowledge and experience with all of us who appreciate it
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So weird question. I've been running since Sept of last year. When I started I was 50lbs heavier and I didn't pay attention to anything but not dying. Lol, anyway I ran a lot outdoors in the winter except when it was under 10* then I ran in the gym. Outside my nose always ran, I just dealt with it because I thought it was because it was so cold. However now I'm running a ton more outside and it's 60* and my nose is still running. Now that I'm aware I've realized it does it at the gym as well just not as much. Is this normal, something a lot of runners deal with or am I just special?
It's probably normal. Running is a pretty gross activity really. There are lots of fluids and gas and stuff.
There is no better way to clear your sinuses at the begining of the day than an hour run before work.So weird question. I've been running since Sept of last year. When I started I was 50lbs heavier and I didn't pay attention to anything but not dying. Lol, anyway I ran a lot outdoors in the winter except when it was under 10* then I ran in the gym. Outside my nose always ran, I just dealt with it because I thought it was because it was so cold. However now I'm running a ton more outside and it's 60* and my nose is still running. Now that I'm aware I've realized it does it at the gym as well just not as much. Is this normal, something a lot of runners deal with or am I just special?
Lol wonderful. The more I've gotten into running the more interesting facts I find out. Thanks for the reply's!0 -
What about breathing? Yeah I know "in/out". Please don't be sarcastic. I'm asking a real question.0
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It really doesn't matter at all. Breathe however you like that is comfortable for you.cathyjones08 wrote: »What about breathing? Yeah I know "in/out". Please don't be sarcastic. I'm asking a real question.
If you train right, and run A Lot your body will over time its own optimal rhythm for everything that minimizes wasted movement and energy expenditure for any given effort level. That includes developing your own personal breathing pattern.
The only rule you might apply universally is to not breathe shallow from the chest but to breathe deep so that your belly expands on each inhale.
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Wow ThickMcRunFast it must of taken you ages to write all that well done anyway thanks for the tips I think it will really help with my running.0
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Hey if you put your mind to something then you active it wether you to spead up or slow down you can do it.0
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ThickMcRunFast wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »I had signed up for a 5K, started to train for it, then got super busy and didn't get out for a run for more than a month. My schedule is starting to open up a little bit again, and Mon. I went to the gym and ran 5K on the treadmill. I did the best I could (I can't pace myself on the road very well, so probably better than I will in the actual 5k) and ran more than 80% of it. (At 36:49).
The 5K is 4/18 and my plan was to go back to the gym a couple more times and then get outside a couple times before then. But... my legs are still sore from Mon. Should I go today or not?
So, with only 10 days to go, you can't do a whole lot, and over-use will make the race miserable. I'd back off on pace. Whatever you're doing, do it slower. But still try to run 3 days/week. At this point, you're just looking to get across the finish line.
Thanks to all the help here - I had a time of 30:00 (yes, unusual to be an even number like that). I had to stop to tie a shoe, otherwise I could have finished in less than 30 min.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »ThickMcRunFast wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »I had signed up for a 5K, started to train for it, then got super busy and didn't get out for a run for more than a month. My schedule is starting to open up a little bit again, and Mon. I went to the gym and ran 5K on the treadmill. I did the best I could (I can't pace myself on the road very well, so probably better than I will in the actual 5k) and ran more than 80% of it. (At 36:49).
The 5K is 4/18 and my plan was to go back to the gym a couple more times and then get outside a couple times before then. But... my legs are still sore from Mon. Should I go today or not?
So, with only 10 days to go, you can't do a whole lot, and over-use will make the race miserable. I'd back off on pace. Whatever you're doing, do it slower. But still try to run 3 days/week. At this point, you're just looking to get across the finish line.
Thanks to all the help here - I had a time of 30:00 (yes, unusual to be an even number like that). I had to stop to tie a shoe, otherwise I could have finished in less than 30 min.
Congrats!0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »ThickMcRunFast wrote: »midwesterner85 wrote: »I had signed up for a 5K, started to train for it, then got super busy and didn't get out for a run for more than a month. My schedule is starting to open up a little bit again, and Mon. I went to the gym and ran 5K on the treadmill. I did the best I could (I can't pace myself on the road very well, so probably better than I will in the actual 5k) and ran more than 80% of it. (At 36:49).
The 5K is 4/18 and my plan was to go back to the gym a couple more times and then get outside a couple times before then. But... my legs are still sore from Mon. Should I go today or not?
So, with only 10 days to go, you can't do a whole lot, and over-use will make the race miserable. I'd back off on pace. Whatever you're doing, do it slower. But still try to run 3 days/week. At this point, you're just looking to get across the finish line.
Thanks to all the help here - I had a time of 30:00 (yes, unusual to be an even number like that). I had to stop to tie a shoe, otherwise I could have finished in less than 30 min.
Congrats! I hope you enjoyed yourself!0 -
It really doesn't matter at all. Breathe however you like that is comfortable for you.cathyjones08 wrote: »What about breathing? Yeah I know "in/out". Please don't be sarcastic. I'm asking a real question.
If you train right, and run A Lot your body will over time its own optimal rhythm for everything that minimizes wasted movement and energy expenditure for any given effort level. That includes developing your own personal breathing pattern.
The only rule you might apply universally is to not breathe shallow from the chest but to breathe deep so that your belly expands on each inhale.
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Thank you for your help. Ran my first 5K in the beginning of April. Running another in May. But have found out that as it is getting warmer I'm having a harder time breathing. It feels harder.0
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As it gets warmer it you will have to work harder to maintain the same pace. The reason is that some of your blood that normally is carrying oxygen to the muscles is now diverted to the skin for cooling. So your heart beats faster and your breathing increases.
The solution in training is to either run by feel or heartrate and not try to nail a set pace every time. Pace may vary day to day due to various factors including the weather.0 -
So you want to not start running....0
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wow. this answered so many of my questions.
i always say I hate running but secretly I want to! but I'm scared to sound dumb asking questions about running. thank you for writing this
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Thank you this is going to be so helpful. I have just started running again after illness and this will really help. The only other thing I have trouble with is eating. I normally run early morning (5am) or late evening (9pm)and I was wondering if there is anything in particular I need to be eating? Also how long should I leave between dinner and running? Probably stupid questions so sorry0
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Thank you this is going to be so helpful. I have just started running again after illness and this will really help. The only other thing I have trouble with is eating. I normally run early morning (5am) or late evening (9pm)and I was wondering if there is anything in particular I need to be eating? Also how long should I leave between dinner and running? Probably stupid questions so sorry
No worries, eating is very much personal preference. for an early morning run, I don't usually bother with anything unless I'll be running for 2+hours. If I am, then I'll have a banana or something that will sit well. Toast with peanut butter, etc. Something light.
I tend to wait two hours after eating anything substantial before running, but that is a habit I've picked up from racing. I couldn't imagine going out for a run a half hour after downing a full meal, but your results may vary.0 -
saucedojess wrote: »wow. this answered so many of my questions.
i always say I hate running but secretly I want to! but I'm scared to sound dumb asking questions about running. thank you for writing this
There are no such things as dumb questions! Don't hold back, ask!
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I am running my first 5K May 2 after a recent 41lb weight loss; feeling good, and looking forward to it. Thank you for the advice- it is a treasure.0
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So how about certain sun blocks. I'm a natural red head and need to wear it.... But I sweat like a maniac. I can't stand the sting in my eyes. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also baseball hats vs visors... Any difference there? Where do you get them? Thanks!0
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So how about certain sun blocks. I'm a natural red head and need to wear it.... But I sweat like a maniac. I can't stand the sting in my eyes. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also baseball hats vs visors... Any difference there? Where do you get them? Thanks!
I use coppertone sport sunscreen, but it does sweat off,and re-application on long runs just doesn't work. There is a world of UV-rated clothing out there that can help. Asics makes a hat with a 'sun skirt' to protect the back of your neck. Or you can find super lightweight, breathable fabric in a longsleeve. Brooks made a great one called the equilibrium, but I don't know if you can find them anymore. I know people who run fully covered in the sun due to skin cancer worries. I mean, full on body suit. Its doable, but it takes some time to get used to.
I normally just run in an adjustable visor that I got at my running store. I also have some breathable hats I picked up from races. But generally I'll find gear at a running store or REI. You can always look up reviews of products and find them on amazon or runningwarehouse.0 -
So how about certain sun blocks. I'm a natural red head and need to wear it.... But I sweat like a maniac. I can't stand the sting in my eyes. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Also baseball hats vs visors... Any difference there? Where do you get them? Thanks!
I am also a natural red head and burn very easily. I use Neutrogena Sport Face sunblock on my face and neck and it seems to last for all my runs, even a long training run or half marathon. I also use Neutrogena Ultimate Sport spray on my hands, arms and shoulders. I typically wear a hat so my scalp doesn't get burned especially along my part. Since I have a hat on I don't put sunscreen above my eyes so it doesn't run down into them.
I have gotten hats at Target (Champion brand) but I love my Asics and UA and other brands that are made specifically for running. REI is a good place as are any of the running stores like RoadRunner Sports.0 -
Very helpful! Thank you for posting this0
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womanofgod4893 wrote: »I was on week one day one of c25k yesterday.. just about killed me lol. I felt like I couldn't breathe. But I did finish. I didn't give up so I was pretty darn proud of myself for that! Does it get any easier though?
I haven't done the C25K program, but when I did start running last year, my first few runs were extremely difficult...and I was only going around the block. It does get a lot easier as your cardiovascular system gets used to working out, and gets more efficient. It won't happen overnight, so don't get discouraged if after a few weeks you still find running extremely difficult.0 -
Did my first 5K in April in under 36 minutes. Doing another on May 16th. But I feel like my running is getting worst. I need some motivational help.
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It does get easier. And since you are just starting out it gets easier very quickly.womanofgod4893 wrote: »I was on week one day one of c25k yesterday.. just about killed me lol. I felt like I couldn't breathe. But I did finish. I didn't give up so I was pretty darn proud of myself for that! Does it get any easier though?
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Bump! I want to be able to re read this later.0
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cathyjones08 wrote: »Did my first 5K in April in under 36 minutes. Doing another on May 16th. But I feel like my running is getting worst. I need some motivational help.
How do you define "worse"? Are you slower? Any injuries? One thing to remember is that as the weather gets warmer, the same effort will feel harder. Many people run slower during the summer months compared to fall, winter, and spring.0 -
womanofgod4893 wrote: »I was on week one day one of c25k yesterday.. just about killed me lol. I felt like I couldn't breathe. But I did finish. I didn't give up so I was pretty darn proud of myself for that! Does it get any easier though?
It will get easier. The beauty of the C25K and other run-walk(recover)-run programs is they are designed to be achievable by anyone and to ease you into the program so that you have no excuses to quit.
Your fitness will naturally improve as long as you stick with it. It will, just ask anyone who has gone through the program and transformed themselves in the process.
When I started running last fall I feared but really had no idea how bad my fitness had become (I was then a "former" distance runner). My first run, and many runs after that, were very depressing to me, mostly because I had the wrong mindset to start with. I still remembered my running days and had set far too high a bar.
I soldiered on but almost quit. I did not adopt a program like C25K **but should have** as it would have made it physically, psychologically, and emotionally much easier for me in the early going and reduce or eliminate the risk of me quitting. I'm damn lucky I had a supportive wife who ran with me and suffered all my wheezing stops. Had I been on my own from square one, I can't honestly say I'd have stuck it out. I don't think I would have made it and I sure wouldn't be here on MFP today if I had failed.
C25K and programs like it are different than simply lacing up shoes and going for it, which is basically the approach I took and do not recommend. The C25K methodology is such that anyone can make it work. You aren't trying to run a hilly 2.5K on day one, 100 pounds too heavy, without stopping, like I was (dumb, dumb, dumb)!
Yes, it will get better / easier and yes you will see significant progress by the time you are done. Huge progress. You'll be smiling ear to ear!0
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