How do you guys do it? (runners)

I started by doing C25K. I really liked it a lot.

The one major thing you want to make sure you have is a an awesome pair of running shoes. Seriously running, or even not so serious runners, must have a great pair of shoes. A great pair of shoes isn't just based on the cost. You need to go to a running shoe store so they can fit you for a pair that is great for you. I used to get shin splints as well, until I found out I wasn't running in proper shoes. It made a huge different and now I've completed 2 Half Marathons. Thank God for a great pair of running shoes.

Another thing that will help is finding a running group to train with. It was hard for me to run by myself initially. I hated it. I started with a group and then eventually broke off on my own. It's extremely helpful.

I hope this helps!

Cool, thanks, I'll have to look in to it. I get shin splints easy too soo I'm not looking forward to that. I also smoke occasionally (<-- Spelling?? :huh: ) and I think that may be an issue even though it isn't with the rest of my workouts since it really isn't often that I do.

Do you have flat feet? I have always had issues running because of shin splints until I did some research and found out that my lack of arches was what was causing the issues. They make "motion control" shoes to compensate for low arches and it has made a world of difference. No more shin splints for me :happy:

I just ran my first 5K this past Saturday and plan to run a 10K in September. I do most of my running on a tread mill but go outside from time to time to "practice". I have found that the biggest mistake I make is starting out too fast too soon. Then I get tired early and feel like a complete failure. I've found songs that are at the tempo I want to run and ALWAYS listen to them while outside running.

Good luck!

I hate treadmills. I feel I get a much better work out running outside. With that said, you might feel like you are having to work hard outside because of (1) the impact from the hard cement, (2) the changing incline of the natural world, or (3) the temperature of being outside.

You can try running at a local school. I did this to train for my half marathon because I needed to run uninterrupted. With cars on the street, they tend to get in my way. But the track at the school is “softer” and easier on your joints and feet than the street or cement sidewalks.

The incline can affect you more than you think, even if you don’t see the fact you are running slightly uphill. I personally love it. I usually find areas where there is a decent incline for a long distance. It gets my heart rate up and make it feel like you are working harder (because you are). But I notice it right away when the incline starts to level off. Suddenly it is easier and my heart rate drops.

And of course weather conditions can really make things harder. I would not recommend running outside when it is 100+. Try running first thing in the morning or late at night. I know when I run in the mornings and it is 60 outside, I can run further and faster than when I run after work and it is 90+ outside.

Also when you are running, keep it at a slower but sustainable pace. You should be able to hold a normal conversation when running. If you find you can’t complete a sentence without having to gasp for air, you are running to hard. Slow down. Good luck!

One thing that helped me was running at a 1% incline on the treadmill. it got my body prepared for those subtle changes in terrain that you come across running even the most flat path you can find.

Definintely try running slower. Something my running buddy taught me is to keep your feet under your body in order to take a shorter stride. Don't try to sprint like an expert right off the bat, you'll run out of wind and energy really quickly.

Speaking of wind, regulating your breating helps a lot too. I do square breathing - inhale on two strides, exhale on two strides. Sometimes I start out with 2 strides on the inhale and 3 on the exhale if I feel like I'm not getting enough air. Also, when I've been going for a while and feel like I'm losing pace on my breathing, I exhale sharply to really empty my lungs and that helps a lot.

Also, keep your arms, hands and shoulders as relaxed as possible. Tensing up will make it harder to breathe and use up a lot of energy for no purpose.

If you have a treadmill or access to one, try the C25K program on it. That's how I got into running. I've never been a runner. I tried it 20 years ago and got horrible pain in my shins and stopped. But this program eases you into it and lets you go at your own pace. If you have to repeat a day or a week, then that's OK. If you have to slow your pace down to finish something, that's OK too. Increased speed/pace can come later, if you want it to.

OR, maybe try outside but on a school's track. Or even in a public park as many of those have some sort of measured walking/running path, and they're usually relatively flat. You could even find an empty parking lot somewhere and run around the perimeter. Anywhere outside but flat(ish) would build you up, too.

Once you get your body used to running, either C25K on a treadmill, or outside on a flat surface, you'll be ready to hit more hilly terrain.

Again, don't worry about speed/pace. Go with what YOUR body can handle. And don't forget to take a day of rest in between running workouts to give your body time to recover.

good luck!

I used to hate running but did it because I thought I should. Now I love it and do it because of how it makes me feel.

Definitely agree with trying the couch-to-5K program and making sure you're not trying to run too fast outside.

As for shoes, I had a great pair of Saucony shoes that I loved, and I just got a new pair of Asics. They have some styles that are pretty cheap. Go to a running store and get fitted, then go online and buy them much cheaper. I wear an 11.5, which most stores don't carry anyway, and I got my pair for $40 versus $85 at Lady Foot Locker.

Good luck, and have fun running!!!

I'm also doing C25K and loving it. It starts you off very slowly and gives you some structure to follow. I tend to push myself to hard and then when I can't do as much as I'm trying to do I get frustrated and may even give up. But I've been doing C25K for 7 weeks and still going strong! Everytime I finish a run I feel like I've accomplished something.

I started with the Couch to 5K program last Feb. 2010, and could barely complete a 60 second running interval...ran my first 5K in May 2010, first 10K in Oct. 2010, and first half marathon in Jan. 2011. I have run an event every month in 2011 and am running my 4th half marathon for the year on Aug. 21. If an overweight 43 year old mom can do it, anyone can...and I lost 50 pounds along the way!! Good luck to you!!

That's really awesome! Congrats on your success!

Recommend shoe type??? I have Saucony.

Those are great shoes for running. I am currently running with Asics shoes. I love the gel in them.

Recommend shoe type??? I have Saucony.

It's impossible for someone to recommend a shoe brand to someone else. Like, I swear by my Mizunos. My husband likes Brooks. It's really individual based on your feet (flat, normal, high arch) and your gait. I'll second or third or fourth the people who recommended you find a running shoe store and start there. They'll get you into shoes that are perfect for you. And it's possible that your Sauconys ARE those shoes already, but it's the first and best step to getting started with running.

I never did the couch to 5K program, but I've heard good things. It seems like a great place to start. Runner's World online has some really excellent resources for new runners too, so you should check that out.

I tend to find running outdoors way more fun than running indoors, and I also have found that I'm faster outside. I have no idea why, as that's not typical. But I think if you find a really beautiful place to run and take it slow, you may just find that you love it. It starts to become an obsession. But in a good way.

Good shoes make all the difference, I carry a leg imbalance and suffer with my achilies, also used to get shin splints pre great shoes. Mine were fairly cheap, but I know I have really high arches and over pronate so knowing that I got shoes that give me stability, runners world have good walk to run programmes- google them

I was NEVER a runner until I started going to the gym about a year ago. Before joining, I had attempted to run outside, and it was not my thing at all! It was probably because I was 250 pounds but still. However I've realized now that running outside is amazing! Here's my 'tricks':

-Don't act like it's exercise: take a look at the world around you, observe scenery, keep watch for cars, etc. Honestly, by the time I'm done I don't feel like I've done anything, that is until I noticed i'm covered in sweat.
-Distract yourself with music: You probably listen to your iPod/mp3 at the gym, so do it while outdoors also. I search for songs that I love on jog.fm, because it gives mile times based on beats per minute, so your pace never stops.
-Wear great running shoes: I wear Asics, I honestly love them, they fit well to my feet and when running outside I don't feel like I'm slamming the ground with my feet (which is unusual for me, everyone in my family runs as if they are angry at the ground!)

So those are some of my suggestions, also I hate to sound nagging, but stop or cut down on your smoking, the littlest adjustment will make a big difference