Running tips anyone?

sarahp86
sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Right so basically i was never a runner. Due to my size i would always ache or injure myself if i tried. Im currently doing C25K with the hope of then completing bridge to 10k.
As motivation i I registered for the women's mini marathon (10k) in June and in a moment of sheer madness a 3/4 marathon in October.... Haven't ran a 5k yet so I needed to do this for motivation.

One of the things on my bucket list is to complete a marathon. I enjoy going out on my own and attempting to run/jog/crawl/die. I don't feel like my fitness or stamina is getting any better at all even with the C25K. I'm only on week 4 but should I see any improvements?

I do C25K 3 days a week I also do weights if I'm in the gym and then I try to do spinning/swimming the other two days. I would appreciate any advice or tips runners can give me because I am relatively new to running.

Thanks

(also I can't commit to a running group because I do shift work so train at different times every day)

Replies

  • mimaduck83
    mimaduck83 Posts: 175 Member
    Just keep at it...I did the c25k...never actually completed it before my 1st 5k race but you can do it. Run until you can't then walk til you can. It will take a while for the feeling that your stamina is better...but just look back...could you have done week 4 4 weeks ago? Probably not...therefore you have improved!

    Mainly, just enjoy it!
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    Shoes. You have to have the right shoes for your feet. Got to a specialty running store and get properly fitted. They'll measure you and analyze your gait. You'll run on their treadmill or outside so they can make sure you're getting the shoes you need.

    Once you have your shoes ... invest in good socks. They're worth their weight in gold, too.

    Become friends with Hal Higdon or Jeff Galloway. You can find their training plans on line.

    Listen to your body. If you're out for a run and it's difficult - take it a little easier. However, with that being said, once you're training for your full marathon don't fudge on your long run. Get that one in even if it means switching days.

    Lastly, enjoy the journey! It's incredible.
  • Littlesmile
    Littlesmile Posts: 99 Member
    Hi....

    i am also quite new to running... has started just 7 weeks back.. in the middle of C25K , wk 4 ...

    i am also looking for advice and suggestion for running better.
    i was so dreadful of running .. i never thought that i will be able to graduate from brisk walk..

    but now i am running ( although slow) but i am able to run 8.16 km in apprx 1:15 hrs...
    i know its not too gud timings but considering my lazy bones , it is for me..

    i am scheduled to run in 10k on 25th march... so dead afraid... but hope to do so...

    do add me if you feel like...
  • waterwing
    waterwing Posts: 214 Member
    I did C25K in the fall-winter and it was hard going for a while there. It starts to click a little more later in the program so just keep .. keeping on! I took a few weeks off over Christmas so then went to Ease into 10K and I'm almost done that now and I can honestly say that something definitely changed and running is almost enjoyable. I can run for quite a while without feeling like I need a break. I was never the running type so this is a happy shock for me. Just make sure you're letting yourself rest a bit in there.
    Anyway.. keep at it and don't give up and soon it'll all fall into place!
  • amyy902
    amyy902 Posts: 290 Member
    im a runner do a 10k most days. i mean for me the best investment was good socks, with good padding in them as i have very delicate feet which blister way too easy. my boyfriends grandad is a former maratho runner so i get my tips from him.
  • sarahp86
    sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
    Shoes. You have to have the right shoes for your feet. Got to a specialty running store and get properly fitted. They'll measure you and analyze your gait. You'll run on their treadmill or outside so they can make sure you're getting the shoes you need.

    Once you have your shoes ... invest in good socks. They're worth their weight in gold, too.

    Become friends with Hal Higdon or Jeff Galloway. You can find their training plans on line.

    Listen to your body. If you're out for a run and it's difficult - take it a little easier. However, with that being said, once you're training for your full marathon don't fudge on your long run. Get that one in even if it means switching days.

    Lastly, enjoy the journey! It's incredible.

    I got fitted for shoes a few months ago and it made a massive difference as I have to wear insoles. What kind of socks would be good?
  • capperboy
    capperboy Posts: 99 Member
    The more you run the more you will enjoy it.
  • sarahp86
    sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
    im a runner do a 10k most days. i mean for me the best investment was good socks, with good padding in them as i have very delicate feet which blister way too easy. my boyfriends grandad is a former maratho runner so i get my tips from him.

    Thanks a million you just answered my other question.would any sports shop have them or only specialised ones?
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    I am a new runner. I started back in October. My first 5k was a month ago and I ran a 22:15.

    I personally don't think that shoes with padding or a heal to toe height differential are good for you, but a lot of people seem to wear them. Smartwool socks are pretty cool, though.

    My main piece of advice is to get a heart rate monitor. If you want to go inexpensive, the Polar FT4 is good. If you want one with route tracking, the Garmin 210 is the one I would get.
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    Get wick-away socks. There are several brands. My personal favorite is Zulu.
  • sarahp86
    sarahp86 Posts: 692 Member
    I am a new runner. I started back in October. My first 5k was a month ago and I ran a 22:15.

    I personally don't think that shoes with padding or a heal to toe height differential are good for you, but a lot of people seem to wear them. Smartwool socks are pretty cool, though.

    My main piece of advice is to get a heart rate monitor. If you want to go inexpensive, the Polar FT4 is good. If you want one with route tracking, the Garmin 210 is the one I would get.

    I have a HRM (love it!!) and I use "imap my run" which is a great app because I could only afford a cheapo HRM at the time
  • curvylady1
    curvylady1 Posts: 30 Member
    Hi, wow we are so alike!

    I always wanted to do a marathon, this was at the time when I couldn't run ONE step...due to big boobies, back ache, illness. One day, my little sister (soccer player, cross fitter) decided it was time to enter me into a half marathon to end my nagging.
    Surprise, surprise. I had 10 months to go from 0 to 100.

    You'll be shocked to see what a wonderful machine your body is, encouragement, discipline and motivation will do wonders.

    Again..."against" my will my little monster sister decided that we are doing a marathon in April and one in May....A dream almost come true.

    YOU an do this, and more, just put your mind into it and train smart.

    Good luck on this adventure, you won't regret it. =)
  • BuildABetterMe
    BuildABetterMe Posts: 39
    I got fitted for shoes a few months ago and it made a massive difference as I have to wear insoles. What kind of socks would be good?

    Avoid ANYTHING cotton!! Make sure they specifically mention "moisture wicking." I have SmartWool socks and LOVE them.

    While you're pickup up socks, pick up a stick of "Body Glide." It looks like a deodorant stick. Apply it to areas that rub and are prone to chaffing. Also apply to your feet in areas that rub and might blister.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Hi, here's a link to all my beginner's running tips, some of them might help you:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Most important to building your stamina is the first point:

    1. When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

    Speed will come with time, for now, don't sweat it.

    Hope that helps! :flowerforyou:
  • ooOOooGravy
    ooOOooGravy Posts: 476 Member
    One of the things on my bucket list is to complete a marathon. I enjoy going out on my own and attempting to run/jog/crawl/die. I don't feel like my fitness or stamina is getting any better at all even with the C25K. I'm only on week 4 but should I see any improvements?

    I finished C25K back in October and now run regular 10K's 3 to 4 times a week. Back then it was a real strugle for me to complete a 5K and it was at 12 min/mile pace. i did a 10K run on Tuesday at 10:32 min/mile pace, I have improved dramatically, but only over a long period. I remember W1D1 and i almost died doing the 1 minute runs, now a 120 minute run is my long runs.

    Compare yourself from the start to now, i garuntee you there will be improvement, keep pushing you will go futher for longer and not feel as though you have untill you look back a think "wow yeah i really have moved on" :)

    Best of luck on your C25K experience, its changed my life into a pavement hitting junky :)
  • missy_1975
    missy_1975 Posts: 244 Member
    Hi, here's a link to all my beginner's running tips, some of them might help you:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Most important to building your stamina is the first point:

    1. When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

    Speed will come with time, for now, don't sweat it.


    Hope that helps! :flowerforyou:

    Wonderful tips, agree with pretty much all of it (except I use Apple cider vinegar and bathe in epsom salts/magnesium sulphate when I get achey rather than using ice), and yes it really does get easier over time! :smile:
  • SwindonJogger
    SwindonJogger Posts: 325 Member
    i've found taking fish oils as a supplement has helped my ankle and knee joints when running. I take a high strength version in liquid form.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    My biggest piece of advice is run often. Doesn't mean run fast just often. Focus on building a base of aerobic fitness and the speed will come.

    Also pay attention to form. You don't want to mess with your natural gait too much, but poor form and muscle imbalances will lead to injury.
  • SERinDC
    SERinDC Posts: 93 Member
    I am a new runner. I started back in October. My first 5k was a month ago and I ran a 22:15.

    I personally don't think that shoes with padding or a heal to toe height differential are good for you, but a lot of people seem to wear them. Smartwool socks are pretty cool, though.

    My main piece of advice is to get a heart rate monitor. If you want to go inexpensive, the Polar FT4 is good. If you want one with route tracking, the Garmin 210 is the one I would get.


    Does the Polar FT4 track how many miles you've run? I know there's not GPS, but wondering if it keeps track of mileage....
  • Givemewings
    Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
    bump
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