Tips and Suggestions for a Running Beginner

HoneyMnShawnee

HoneyMnShawnee

Member
Original Poster
Hi everyone! I am a newcomer to running. To be honest I am a couch potato, mom of 2 girls (2 and 2 months). I am heavy (and also and asthmatic) and I have really had enough of how I feel and look. I was quite active when I was younger especially with Golf and Volleyball. I really would like to take up running, to become a healthier, more energetic person.
I have been reading and have come across the Couch to 5K running program. I know that the key for me it to start easy, very easy and to work my way up to running more and walking less. My ultimate goal is to run the 2012 WDW Half Marathon (and perhaps some smaller races prior to). Can anyone give me any tidbits of info about how to get started properly? Any websites to check out? Any thing to keep in mind while I get going? Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
Auroragirl

Auroragirl

New Member
... I apologize first, b/c I have no tips for running at WDW....

But CONGRATS to you for taking the first step to becoming healthier!!! Someone just told me about the "Couch to 5K" program. I may be looking into that too. :lol:
 
joel_maxwell

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
Do as much reading on the sport as you can but use your own opinions about which ones think fit your style of running. I read at least one article a day on active.com. Great resource. I learn so much from our friends here at wdwmagic too.
 
MKCP 1985

MKCP 1985

Well-Known Member
Have you started walking at all? The first step, literally, is to get out of the house and spend some time in motion.

I wouldn't even worry about how far I'm going to begin with. Read that couch potato to 5K program and start implementing it and before you know it, you will be amazed at your progress.

See you in 2012!
 
popsicletrees

popsicletrees

Well-Known Member
Get some good running shoes! You might want to look online to see if there are any athletic or running stores near you that can help you find the shoes that are right for you and has employees who know what they are talking about. I tend to supinate when I run (I roll my foot outward) and finding the right shoes helped ease the knee pain I experienced for a while. Personally, I like Brooks. They make a good, sturdy running shoe, but again, those work for me but might not be good for you.
 
Erin_Akey

Erin_Akey

New Member
Congrats on making the decision to get started! I can tell you that in January of 2009, I was 325 pounds and MISERABLE. I am almost six feet tall, and was fooling myself into thinking I was "just a big girl"

I started off six weeks after my surgery walking one lap around the track at the gym in my church and it took ten laps to make a mile. Then I got up to walking a mile, and then two etc.

Now, I can run a 5k race without walking and am training with my hubby to run the WDW Half Marathon in January. I just took one step at a time.

I made sure to get some good shoes, and start slowly!

I also try not to compare myself to all of the hard body lifetime athletes out there and just be proud of myself for each time I go a mile farther, shave a couple of minutes off my best time in a 5k, etc.

I never really found a plan that worked in total for me, so I have sort of developed my own with the help of my buddy who does Ironman triathalons and I feel great!

Just do it at your pace and progress at your comfort level!

Congrats and good luck!! :sohappy:
 
Ariel484

Ariel484

Well-Known Member
Another Couch to 5K-er here...it worked for me, and I'd never "really" ran before.

I agree with popsicletrees, good running shoes - from a running store - are a must. I remember being shocked at how much they cost (over $100...I was used to just picking out cool-looking shoes form Famous Footwear for $40), but they make a huge difference.

Just stick with and don't try to push yourself too much...you don't want to get injured. I'd also suggest finding some sort of goal race that fits with the timetable of the Couch to 5K (if you decide you want to use that) and sign up for it as motivation. I know you said your ultimate goal is the WDW Half in 2012, but maybe start with a 5K or a 2-miler so you can build some confidence and get used to race-day atmosphere and work your way up from there.

I ran my first race - a 5K - in 2008 and worked my way up from there to a 10-miler in April. Right now I'm training for the Princess Half and am hoping to do the WDW Marathon in 2012. Good luck!! :sohappy:
 
dreamfinder

dreamfinder

Well-Known Member
I echo the sentiment of just getting moving. That is the crucial first key. Many couch to 5k programs have you alternating walking with the running, so if you already walk, then you have a good base.

Active.com is a good resource, as is coolrunning.com. Jeff Galloway's plans are usually popular, I believe he now has some on the runDisney site as well.

Initially, you can start out with whatever running type shoes you have around the house, but once you start to get into it, definitely go to a running store and get a good pair. Not a store that sells running shoes, but a running store. Everyone I have ever been in is staffed by runners, who know alot about the products they sell and will make sure that you have the correct footwear. Just because it feels ok in the big box store or has the cool colors doesn't mean it is the shoe your body type needs.

If your ultimate goal is to do the 2012 half marathon, keep that in mind as you go. The races at Disney are completely unique and an awesome experience. You may also have lots of fun experiences at your local shorter racers. Listen to the other runners, and dont be shy to ask them for recommendations.
 
JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
I've heard alot of great things about the Couch to 5K program. As for me, when I first took up running and could barely run 1 block, I used the Beginners program in Bob Glover's running book for beginners. It also had a lot of great tips in it. Essentially, you set aside 20 minutes 4x per week for 10 weeks. The first week you Run 1 minute/Walk 2 Minutes the whole time. The next weeks it's Run 1 min/Walk 1 min. The next week you Run 2/Walk 1, then Run 3/Walk 1 until you're finally up to Run 10/Walk 1/Run 10, and the final week you run 20 minutes straight. It worked for me, and from there I worked up to regularly doing 3 mile runs. And from there, 10 years later, I ran a marathon and now enjoy long-distance running.

I ditto the tip about investing in good running shoes. It's worth the investment to avoid injury. Good luck! :wave:
 
MKCP 1985

MKCP 1985

Well-Known Member
The only thing I would add about the shoes would be this: Don't wait until you can afford to buy a $100 pair of shoes to get started if you aren't exercising at all and you want to start getting fit. If you are going to spend that kind of money, you will want to get advice from several sources about what type of shoes, where to shop for the best price, etc.

And then there is the issue of the clothing . . .

and the accessories . . .

The first thing to do is start exercising with what you have, and then plan to get better gear - starting with your shoes.

I say this because most of us are procrastinators and not having good gear can be an excuse to put off starting getting fit. The most important part of learning to run is to at least start walking right now. Every day you wait to start is an opportunity for something else to come up in your life to get in the way of you getting started. :wave:
 
DisneyRunner

DisneyRunner

Active Member
I started running in January of 2007, for a half-marathon scheduled during Labor day weekend 2007. I have been working out since the mid 80's. The way I started, was to run for five minutes straight after walking for 25 minutes. I would do this every other day. Then I would increase the running, each session, by two minutes the following week. Within a few weeks you are running for ten to 15 minutes straight, always at the end of the walk. The walking will get you warmed up. After a few months of this, you will be running for a half hour straight. Take it slow, to avoid injury. And as others have said, go to a running store for shoes. You can wear running shoes for walking.
 
HoneyMnShawnee

HoneyMnShawnee

Member
Original Poster
Thanks everyone! I have already purchased a new, good pair of shoes. I am also waiting on delivery of a new treadmill, that will help me through the winter. I have started walking to get myself moving. I'm all ears with regards to anything else people have to suggest.
 
Phonedave

Phonedave

Well-Known Member
Tip #1

Go Slowly

Tip #2

GO SLOWLY


What you are doing is great. If you stick with it, it will be one of the greatest decisions you will have made in your life.

However, take it slowly. What you dont want to do is injure yourself, get frustrated by it, and then quit. Listen to your body. Pushing through tiredness and going further is one thing. Ignoring real pain is another. Just keep at it, make step by step improvements and you will keep going.

Last tip - keep comming back here for motivation. This is a really great group (If I do say so myself :) ) on these boards.

-dave
 
HoneyMnShawnee

HoneyMnShawnee

Member
Original Poster
Phonedave said:
Last tip - keep comming back here for motivation. This is a really great group (If I do say so myself :) ) on these boards.
Click to expand...

I totally agree about this group. I have been finding inspiration and motivation here everyday. It's been great to check out the race reports and pictures. :D
 
frank2271

frank2271

Member
Well, first of all good for you!!!! I will echo some of the other previous posts and say, small steps at first. In the last two years I have lost 60 pounds and in May of 2009 (17 months ago) I could not run for an entire song on my iPod. I remember saying to myself "self, some day I will be able to run for a whole song". Seventeen months later (last weekend) I ran a whole half marathon in just under two hours.

Keep moving and the distance will come.

Once again, "Good for You!!!!" You're through the hardest part, deciding to DO it.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Frank
 
Erin_Akey

Erin_Akey

New Member
frank2271 said:
Well, first of all good for you!!!! I will echo some of the other previous posts and say, small steps at first. In the last two years I have lost 60 pounds and in May of 2009 (17 months ago) I could not run for an entire song on my iPod. I remember saying to myself "self, some day I will be able to run for a whole song". Seventeen months later (last weekend) I ran a whole half marathon in just under two hours.

Keep moving and the distance will come.

Once again, "Good for You!!!!" You're through the hardest part, deciding to DO it.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Frank
Click to expand...

Frank that is really awesome! Congrats on the weight loss! That is part of why i started as well. Maybe one day I will be able to do a half in two hours!! My goal for my first one in Jan. is under three hours!

Another tip and something I have learned- days when I think i am too tired- GO WAK OR RUN. I swear it cures my fatigue. I can have a very long and toring day at work, and then go run and i feel amazing after.

That was a fact that surprised me. So now i cannot use the excuse, oh I am too tired today! :D
 
HoneyMnShawnee

HoneyMnShawnee

Member
Original Poster
frank2271 said:
Well, first of all good for you!!!! I will echo some of the other previous posts and say, small steps at first. In the last two years I have lost 60 pounds and in May of 2009 (17 months ago) I could not run for an entire song on my iPod. I remember saying to myself "self, some day I will be able to run for a whole song". Seventeen months later (last weekend) I ran a whole half marathon in just under two hours.

Keep moving and the distance will come.

Once again, "Good for You!!!!" You're through the hardest part, deciding to DO it.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Frank
Click to expand...

Frank, congrats on the weight loss and the running. I hope to be as successful. :sohappy:
 

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