Tips and Suggestions for a Running Beginner

[vacationmadness]

I'm also a Couch to 5k graduate. It really let me start off slowly and build up my base skills. I started in the beginning of July, and I ran my first 5k last weekend. It was such an incredible experience! It also gave me the confidence to tackle the half marathon in January.

I'd also agree with the advice already given. Start slow. Listen to your body. Wear good shoes. (I figured that last one out after my first two painful weeks).

 

[HoneyMnShawnee]

Well I started today. Not doing the couch to 5K program quite yet, but I started moving none the less. I took my new treadmill for an break in walk today. I did 20 minutes of walking and managed 1 minute of running, might not sound like much but it's a good start for me. I'm hoping that a week of walking daily on the mill or outside and I will feel comfortable enough to start the couch to 5K program.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Well I started today. Not doing the couch to 5K program quite yet, but I started moving non the less. I took my new treadmill for an break in walk today. I did 20 minutes of walking and managed 1 minute of running, might not sound like much but it's a good start for me. I'm hoping that a week of walking daily on the mill or outside and I will feel comfortable enough to start the couch to 5K program.

Way to go. My first stage was to just commit to walking every day...30-40 minutes daily. I did that for probably 4 or 5 months, just trying to lose weight. Running races wasn't really a thought.

Over time I started to feel stronger and walking alone started to feel unsatisfactory. I had the urge to run short distances during my walk. Starting in January or so, I began the Couch to 5K and ran my first 5K on May 1. On Labor Day, I ran my first 10K race, and I'm now 6 weeks into Hal Higdon's marathon training plan. All of this would have sounded like Fantasyland to me about 16 months ago. It's all about focusing on the step in front of you, I've learned.

 

[Tybee]

Hey folks,

This thread is encouraging. I'm 36, 6'5", and a testicular cancer survivor. I recently lost 30 pounds (288 to 258), primarily by counting calories. My wife, who also is trying to get fit, suggested we do C25K with the WDW Fun Run during our upcoming trip in Jan. as a goal. Having never run a day in my life (and actively attempting to avoid doing so), I was skeptical. But the program seemed doable and a good next step to getting healthier, so off we went. New shoes were purchased. Sweat pants were donned. Serious oaths were sworn.

We started this week using this great iPhone app (hipster approved! :animwink. So far, so good. We won't be able to complete the full regimen before the WDW 5K, but we're going to do the best we can. As long as they don't make me ride to the finish line on the cleanup cart, I'll consider it a personal victory.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Hey folks,

This thread is encouraging. I'm 36, 6'5", and a testicular cancer survivor. I recently lost 30 pounds (288 to 258), primarily by counting calories. My wife, who also is trying to get fit, suggested we do C25K with the WDW Fun Run during our upcoming trip in Jan. as a goal. Having never run a day in my life (and actively attempting to avoid doing so), I was skeptical. But the program seemed doable and a good next step to getting healthier, so off we went. New shoes were purchased. Sweat pants were donned. Serious oaths were sworn.

We started this week using this great iPhone app (hipster approved! :animwink. So far, so good. We won't be able to complete the full regimen before the WDW 5K, but we're going to do the best we can. As long as they don't make me ride to the finish line on the cleanup cart, I'll consider it a personal victory.

Congratulations on getting started! And greetings from just up the road in Forsyth County. :wave:

 

[wdwmagic]

Hey folks,

This thread is encouraging. I'm 36, 6'5", and a testicular cancer survivor. I recently lost 30 pounds (288 to 258), primarily by counting calories. My wife, who also is trying to get fit, suggested we do C25K with the WDW Fun Run during our upcoming trip in Jan. as a goal. Having never run a day in my life (and actively attempting to avoid doing so), I was skeptical. But the program seemed doable and a good next step to getting healthier, so off we went. New shoes were purchased. Sweat pants were donned. Serious oaths were sworn.

We started this week using this great iPhone app (hipster approved! :animwink. So far, so good. We won't be able to complete the full regimen before the WDW 5K, but we're going to do the best we can. As long as they don't make me ride to the finish line on the cleanup cart, I'll consider it a personal victory.

Nice work! The fun run will be great motivation for you and should be a lot of fun. Good luck with it all, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Disney Dawg88]

Congrats on making the decision to get healthy, I wish you the best! Keep us all updated. First, I think you made a great decision by setting a goal for yourself (2012 WDW half). This is really important, in my opinion, because it's very easy to stop running if you don't have something to pre-pare for. Trust me I've been there.

The very first thing that I would recommend, like some others have already, is look online and go to a running only store. While I'm sure ________'s or some other large sports chain has knowledgeable sales people, you absolutely have to go to a running only store. These people are experts and will properly fit you for the right shoe. You might spend a little more money but trust me it is well worth it and will help prevent you from having an injury. Have them get you in the right shoe and spend some money and get some good socks too - Balega's is the one I have been running in for years.

A running only store should be a good resource center for you as well. I know the two that I stop by here where I live often have group that get together at all times during the week. From beginners to advanced, they have it all.

Keep us updated and best of luck to you.

 

[Disney Dawg88]

Congratulations on getting started! And greetings from just up the road in Forsyth County. :wave:

And great to see two fellow Georgians on this thread! Hello from Atlanta/Sandy Springs near 75/285 :wave:

 

[Wilt Dasney]

And great to see two fellow Georgians on this thread! Hello from Atlanta/Sandy Springs near 75/285 :wave:

We should start our own running club. :lol:

 

[Tybee]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice, everyone!

Congrats on making the decision to get healthy, I wish you the best! Keep us all updated. First, I think you made a great decision by setting a goal for yourself (2012 WDW half). This is really important, in my opinion, because it's very easy to stop running if you don't have something to pre-pare for. Trust me I've been there.

The very first thing that I would recommend, like some others have already, is look online and go to a running only store. While I'm sure ________'s or some other large sports chain has knowledgeable sales people, you absolutely have to go to a running only store. These people are experts and will properly fit you for the right shoe. You might spend a little more money but trust me it is well worth it and will help prevent you from having an injury. Have them get you in the right shoe and spend some money and get some good socks too - Balega's is the one I have been running in for years.

A running only store should be a good resource center for you as well. I know the two that I stop by here where I live often have group that get together at all times during the week. From beginners to advanced, they have it all.

Keep us updated and best of luck to you.

If I was able to get shoes at a running only store, I would. But I am a big guy and few running shops carry a selection of size 15s. So I did the next best thing. I went to Friedman's (which some of you Georgia folks may be familiar with). It's a 90-y.o., four story shoe store in downtown Atlanta that deals primarily in VERY large sizes. Thus, the bulk of their clientele are athletes, especially pros. Patrick Ewing was in the day before we were there and apparently bought an entire case of shoes. Half of the Baltimore Ravens stopped in last Thursday before playing the Falcons that night. It's a neat place.

Anyway, I ended up with a nice pair of New Balance. They fit well, have great arch support, and after running and walking in them on Monday, seem to be great. We did pick up some other items at Fleet Feet, a running shop here in Decatur. I'll look into the socks you mentioned and see if they come in my size.

And great to see two fellow Georgians on this thread! Hello from Atlanta/Sandy Springs near 75/285 :wave:

Actually, my office is right off of Powers Ferry near where it turns into Akers Mill. So very close indeed!

 

[Texas84]

Native Texan now living in Houston County, GA :wave:

I'm a big Jeff Galloway fan. I decided back in February to run the Halloween 5K through MK and started using Galloway's books so I wouldn't embarrass myself. So first give yourself a goal. Now, 15 lbs lighter, I'm using his marathon book to train for the WDW half in January. Can't wait!

 

[cindrelly]

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!

Hi. I am re-entering the Forum community having been gone so long I can't remember my original login!!:shrug:

I am also heavy and asthmatic. I finally got that under control and am trying to re-enter the running world. The last time I ran was I was a Freshman in HS. That was a VERY long time ago!! (Over 20 yrs!)

My goal is to run the Princess 1/2 in 2012. (if I happen to lose some weight, well, that 's just a bonus!) I hope to meet some new friends there! I have a couple apps for my phone I am trying, but the most popular is the C25K. I found that to be kinda hard so I found this other app called 5K coach. It starts with 3min warm-up, run 1 min, walk 1 min, (For 15 min) and a 3 min cool down. So far that is working for me. I can report back in a couple weeks to let you know if I have started the C25K. (I hope so!)

Congrats on getting started. It's cold up there, my neighbor to the north. Did you get your treadmill? I have been using mine, but I much prefer running outside.