Any runners?

[pajamajes]

I'd like to start running. I need to lose weight and get in shape, but I'd like to run as a hobby too. So, what is the best way to start? I'm really really out of shape right now so I don't know what to do to get started.

[andyxcore]

I've been a runner for a few years. When I started, I just got home, and it was a crappy day, and I just felt like running. So I went, and just kept going for all the days after that.
First, you need motivation for running, something that will keep you going. It could be as simple as you just love it.
Then, I would look into getting proper equipment, some good running shoes, some good running clothes. I don't know where you're located, but if it's cold, don't be afraid to throw on some sweaters. Also, if you're running along a road, wear a reflective vest at all times! Even in broad daylight, people have told me before what a difference it makes.
Also, run with a friend or an iPod. This can often make the difference in keeping your going. Find good running music, with a good steady beat.
For when you are actually running, pace yourself. If you want to go for distance, find how far you can go, without pushing it too far ... you're body should be able to tell when it needs to turn around. Just use this distance to start off at, even if it's not very far at first. Just keep working on it, and you will get farther, believe me! If you need to stop for a breather, do it! If you are hurting or cramping, stop! Also, make sure you do lots of stretching, as well as drink lots of water. Running dehydrated will make you feel terrible.

I hope I've been some help. All I can really say now is go for it, give it your best, and good luck!

AXW

[pajamajes]

Thanks! I'm really excited about it. I think it will be fun once I get past the pain, lol. And once it gets a little warmer outside too.

[Poppy]

I've been a jogger for about 25 years now. Here's my #1 piece of advice - never wear worn-out shoes. Your long-term enjoyment and injury-free running experience needs decent equipment - good shoes! You absolutely do not need to buy top-of-the-line, but you should go to a running shoe store, explain that you are new to this, and have someone look at your stride and fit you properly.

My second piece of advice is to start out slowly and build up endurance gradually. Walk/jog/walk/jog for 30 minutes and gradually decrease the amout of time you spend walking over the next couple of weeks.

I think jogging is an absolutely wonderful way to get in touch with nature and hear the birds, and very efficient way to stay fit. And you'll be surprised at how quickly you warm up jogging - I was out this morning at 28*F and after the frist 5 minutes, I was fine. I even took off my gloves.

Best of Luck! :hamster:

[laurie15]

I would do the Couch to 5-K program. I think it's great for beginners.

[pajamajes]

I would do the Couch to 5-K program. I think it's great for beginners.

I looked it up and I think that is exactly what I'll try. Thank you.

[hellparadiso]

Hi there! I've been running for only a few months, and it's right up there with going vege as one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself! I started running right after I quit smoking, and there has been no better way to feel my lungs healing than by running. So as a newbie myself, here's my advice:

1) Make sure you're committed to the idea of running before buying a bunch of expensive clothes and shoes and equipment. Try it a couple times in comfortable shoes and clothes (but no more!) and make sure it's really what you want to do before spending money on things you'll never use.
2) Go to www.zenhabits.net and read all of the blogger's posts with the "running" tag. He has had an amazing journey with his running career, and he's been my inspiration from the beginning!
3) I actually wouldn't recommend running with an iPod or a friend (unless you plan on not talking) at first - you need to be able to focus on breathing, and a lot of people find that talking or listening to music can screw up their breathing rhythm. I breathe in and out through my mouth whenever my left foot strikes the ground. That's really helped with my endurance.
4) Do it anyway. If you're tired, unmotivated, or just don't feel like running, just do it anyway. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to literally drag myself out of bed and force my shoes onto my feet and scowlingly face the cold morning (okay, it's, like, everyday), but I have never...ever...EVER regretted running when I was finished. Every single time I run I'm glad I did it. It's a truly amazing feeling.

Goooooood luck! Keep us posted with your progress!!

[Brandon]

There's good advice in this thread. :yes:

I've been running a few years now and just started participating in organized races this past year. It's an amazing, liberating thing to feel your whole body work as a system and propel yourself forward.

Something I've not seen mentioned yet:
Listen to your body. If you start to hurt (I'm not talking about a cramp or anything, but real pain) you should stop and not risk injury. As Poppy mentioned, you have to build up gradually. Pushing yourself is great, but don't push yourself into an injury.

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I'm not going to perform perfectly each and every time I run. Sometimes, I suck and it just happens. Maybe I'm not rested enough, or not hydrated enough or what have you. When it good, it's awesome, and when it's bad, well, even that isn't really that big of a deal. I just try to do my best. :)

I agree with hellparadiso, the feeling after finishing a run is so incredible. :sunny:

Best of luck pajamajes!

[pajamajes]

4) Do it anyway. If you're tired, unmotivated, or just don't feel like running, just do it anyway. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to literally drag myself out of bed and force my shoes onto my feet and scowlingly face the cold morning (okay, it's, like, everyday), but I have never...ever...EVER regretted running when I was finished. Every single time I run I'm glad I did it. It's a truly amazing feeling.

I was just sitting here thinking that I need to go run now, but I don't want to. *add whining and excuses* Then I read your post. I'm about to go now. :]

[Elisabeth]

My question here is comparing a tredmill to outdoors
My brother is a marathon runner and kinda on my tail about keeping up with him this year. I moved last winter and haven't ran since the move. I don't like this area for running... Nothing but highway and parking lots. Been thinking of getting a running trredmill. Does anyone really see any difference?

[Katieq]

I started with the Couch to 5K program and it really worked. There are a lot of running programs available online for varying skill levels and goals, and I find it really helps me to have a program to tell me what to do every day, and build me up towards a goal.

[hellparadiso]

My question here is comparing a tredmill to outdoors
My brother is a marathon runner and kinda on my tail about keeping up with him this year. I moved last winter and haven't ran since the move. I don't like this area for running... Nothing but highway and parking lots. Been thinking of getting a running trredmill. Does anyone really see any difference?

I think it depends on the terrain and your personal preference. With a treadmill you have control over what you do - you can set the speed, the intensity, make "hills," do intervals, and most models will monitor your heart rate and even keep track of your calorie loss. But I've found that I need to actually have a physical destination when I run. I need to see a point in the distance and say "I'm going to run there and turn around and run back" in order to stay interested. Plus, running in the natural weather can be refreshing and adds to the experience (I think).

But again, it's all about your personal preference. There's definitely nothing wrong with going for a treadmill.

[meljer89]

My question here is comparing a tredmill to outdoors
My brother is a marathon runner and kinda on my tail about keeping up with him this year. I moved last winter and haven't ran since the move. I don't like this area for running... Nothing but highway and parking lots. Been thinking of getting a running trredmill. Does anyone really see any difference?

For me, running isn't just about the exercise, but, it is also about the experience. Treadmill running fulfills the exercise part. However, it falls way short on the experience part. Drive to a park, or something worth experiencing!

[GameOver]

I have been running for 2 years but have only become serious in the last 2 months, enabling me to loose 10kg. My advice is to start off easy. You don't need to buy any expensive running gear. I just use old crappy joggers and a normal shirt, however I do recommend buying a few pairs of running shorts. Start off running 1-2 km. Don't ever stop on your runs- this is important. Your body will tell you to stop but you have to ignore this and keep running. Take it easy at first and once you can run your 1-2 km track easily, include a few sprints. Sprinting not only makes you fitter for short distance but also for longer distances. Once you feel ready start running further and harder. I do a mixture of different types of running: short, fast runs, short runs with sprints, long runs, hill runs and beach runs. Each of these requires a different type of fitness and it is important to increase each type of fitness. The two most important things you should do is to stretch before and after the run for around 5 minutes (you will not get any fitter unless you stretch) and have rest days (1-2 times a week) to allow your body to recover.

[julietplz]

I also agree with the couch to 5k suggestion. It got me extremely motivated. :)

[coley]

My question here is comparing a tredmill to outdoors
My brother is a marathon runner and kinda on my tail about keeping up with him this year. I moved last winter and haven't ran since the move. I don't like this area for running... Nothing but highway and parking lots. Been thinking of getting a running trredmill. Does anyone really see any difference?

I always found the tready a lot easier to run on than outdoors. I think it is a combination of the steady pace, as well as the belt giving you an extra kick for some reason. Running outside is quite lovely though. I like to run along the river near my house.

I'm not sure what the program everyone is mentioning (will google after this) but how I start running when I'm very unfit is jog a minute, walk a minute until you eventually can jog longer. Only ever keep the walking to a minute though. I have to take my own advice now, since I've had my bub I haven't jogged once.

[Brandon]

I always found the tready a lot easier to run on than outdoors. I think it is a combination of the steady pace, as well as the belt giving you an extra kick for some reason. Running outside is quite lovely though. I like to run along the river near my house.

I'm not sure what the program everyone is mentioning (will google after this) but how I start running when I'm very unfit is jog a minute, walk a minute until you eventually can jog longer. Only ever keep the walking to a minute though. I have to take my own advice now, since I've had my bub I haven't jogged once.
Treadmill is definitely easier, for some reason. I like that I can't cheat and slow down on one too. Makes it easier to do intervals too.

[Photojess]

I am not the runner in this family, but huuby is a runner and weight training, and is concerned about his protein intake. Is this something we really need to be watching? I know about about the site veganbodybuilding, and I don't know if he's been on it or not yet. He's probably about 80% vegetarian now, and I know there are the ratios of .8gms /kg of weight, and body builders need a higher ratio, but how do we track this, or should he just go by what feels right? He's still trying to lose weight also.

thanks!

[annabanana]

I am not the runner in this family, but huuby is a runner and weight training, and is concerned about his protein intake. Is this something we really need to be watching? I know about about the site veganbodybuilding, and I don't know if he's been on it or not yet. He's probably about 80% vegetarian now, and I know there are the ratios of .8gms /kg of weight, and body builders need a higher ratio, but how do we track this, or should he just go by what feels right? He's still trying to lose weight also.

thanks!

The best idea is to go with him to talk to a registered dietitian. The dietitian will be able to work with your husband's specific needs and provide advice on how to eat for his activity level, and for general health.

You can find a dietitian near you at www.eatright.org by clicking the link in the upper right corner that says "Find a Nutrition Professional."

Hope this helps!

[dormouse]

About treadmills: I don't like them because it's so easy to just get off and stop. Physical distance is motivating. Also, if you get tired halfway through a run, you still have to walk home. If you get tired on a treadmill, chances are I'll get off and sit on the couch.

Also, it's really good to go slow and set reasonable goals. If you are too tough on yourself at first, you will be more likely to get really sore or hurt yourself. You don't have to start out sprinting up hills :)

[Photojess]

Anna, thanks. He's finally been on the vegan bb site, and is learning more than I could teach him. He is so surprised about how ripped you can get by eating plants! Another score in our favor.

[SobeVegChick]

For me, running isn't just about the exercise, but, it is also about the experience. Treadmill running fulfills the exercise part. However, it falls way short on the experience part. Drive to a park, or something worth experiencing!

That's such a great way to put it. This is precisely why I stick to outdoor workout regimens much more than gym ones.

[drstrangenorm]

First post ever from a vegetarian (2 months so far),

I was insanely out of shape when I started running. 5'9 about 230 lbs. I started running initially for weight loss reasons, and began with power walking about 2 miles with a friend of mine.

After a while, I was eventually slowly jogging. At that point weight loss stopped being my goal and running transformed from a job I had to do to a time to personally reflect on my life. If I did not do it, I did not feel well.

Unfortunately I fell from that, and have restarted recently.

At the risk of repeating what others had said I will suggest a few tips:

1.) Don't increase your mileage too quickly. I did this and found that I had developed an injury on the arch of my feet.

2.) Get running shoes fitted by someone at a shoe store that caters to runners.

3.) Finally, find a good friend to run with. I lack this at the moment, however, it helped when I was new to the game.

Good luck with running.

[SobeVegChick]

Thanks for the tips!

I've been thinking of getting some running shoes fit to me. There is a New Balance store around here. I wonder if they would be good at that? What store did you go to?

[annabanana]

Sobe, sorry for the incredibly late response, but re:running shoes your best bet is probably to go to a local specialty running store. NB stores are great and have a lot of shoes and experienced staff, but there is a lot of value in being able to try on different brands of shoes also (which a running store will have). Although many are similar in function, they all fit a little differently. Hope the running is going well!