Calling all runners!!

[Married_In_Maui]

Hey girls, I need some advice. I am looking to get into running (ultimately to meet my goal of running some sort of a marathon), but I currently DO NOT run. I do, however, work out 5 times a week doing 30 min cardio & 45 min strength training. I'm wondering if any of you runners can give me some advice on how to start conditioning/training myself to run. I know I will have to slowly build myself up, but I'm wondering if anyone has a program I can follow. Thanks in advance for any help/advice!!!!

[Tonir]

I also was a cardio junkie but never could consider myself a runner. For me, I run much easier on a treadmill, so if you can start there I think it helps you set a pace (and also makes you keep going when you want to stop). I also think I have a mental block in running because I get bored FAST. I have found that watching TV while running helps immensely. Also I run in intervals. So I will run 1 minute, jog 1 minute, etc. and keep increasing my speeds. That makes the time go much faster. Good luck!

[Ginalyn]

I agree with Tonir, running in intervals is good. I'm not a total runner by any means but pushed myself to do a 10-mile race last year (I was definitly not a regular runner proir to it). Runners World has some cool things...I used the Smart Coach thing to get myself a personal training plan.

 

Runner's World: Running Shoes, Marathon Training, Racing

 

I would also recommend going to a running store and get fitted for a pair of running shoes. I went to one where they watched how your feet strike the ground when you run and walk, and picked a shoe for me that fit. I noticed a huge difference in my running after I got the right pair of shoes!

[Blkatz]

try this-it is designed to help new runners. I know a lot of people who have had a lot of success with it. They also do a podcast.

Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

[Married_In_Maui]

Thanks girls; I appreciate all the good advice - I knew BDW would come through with some great suggestions.

 

THANKS!!

[~Keira~]

The best advice that I could give is make sure you stretch.

 

I've been out of commission for a while because of a pulled muscle in my leg. Normally I would push through but with the wedding coming up I just can't risk being peg legged while walking down the isle.

[cpark]

I began running on a treadmill and then decided to train for a half marathon this September. Running outside is much harder. I began with only 2.5 KMs straight and built myself up a little further each time. I went to the running room store and got fitted for a pair of good running shoes because my toes were bleeding and blisters were difficult to deal with. I got some advise there as they said they train people by running 10mins and speed-walking for 1 minute. It seems to be working. I'm now up to 15KMs but still more training required to reach my goal and run the 1/2 marathon comfortably. I try to do 1 - 2 long runs 10 to 15KMs per week and a shorter 5-6KM run every day that I can fit it in. Hopefully I will increase the distance soon as September 27th is just around the corner. Good Luck!

[krayzeekitty]

A really neat website is walkjogrun.net - it is a great tool for knowing how far you are running and building yourself up for greater distances - good luck!

[Beach Bride 80]

I would start running 3 times a week, so alternating days with cardio. If you already go to the gym, it would probably be easiest to start on a treadmill. Runners World has some great training programs for beginning runners looking to run a half marathon or full marathon that you can follow. Once you start running consistently I would add days in when you do sprints or tempo runs and long runs to change it up a bit. Like the other posts said, a good pair of shoes is a must, if you go to a reputable sports store, they should be able to tell you what type of shoe you need as far as cushioned, stability, or motion control, by looking at your arch and the way your foot strikes the ground. If you have the wrong shoes it can really make running a lot harder on your body, especially when you start running for long periods of time.

[mrsrhbtobe]

YAY runners! I love when people get excited about running! I agree that good running shoes are a MUST. I would avoid the sports stores, however, and go to a running store if at all possible. The staff there should be trained in how to evaluate your gait (how you walk), the wear on your current shoes which demonstrates where you apply more pressure on your shoe, how wide your foot is, how high your arch is, etc... When I 1st started running I was in the absolute wrong shoe for my foot type, and since my change I've been a happy girl:)

 

I'd suggest buying some books on running also. Hal Higdon is a running guru who has some good book out. Before my 1st marathon, I bought and read The Non-Runners Marathon Trainer Amazon.com: The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer (9781570281822): David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, Tanjala Kole: Books. Awesome book for inspiration and to get you ready to finish your 1st marathon.

 

I also was never a runner until medical school. I used to do tons of cardio weekly, but never ran, and when I 1st started running I couldn't even go 5 minutes without stopping! I now run several half marathons a year, and have completed 5 full marathons. The feeling of crossing any finish line during a race is worth all of the training:)

 

Good luck and great goal to set! Once you get started you'll be hooked!