Advice on how to start running????

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

Used to run a lot I wAs 16 so not sure it counts, 26 now Really want to start again. Can only run 5 steps before I feel like death. Do I literally just carry on or are there any tips???

[Sirzy]

Get a decent bra and decent running shoes.

Some people love things like couch to 5k but i wasn't keen so I just went it alone building up times gradually.

[golemmings]

Check out couch 2 5k. It's a fabulous introduction starting with running a bit and walking a bit more for 20 mins... and then slowly over time the running increases and you find that you can run for 20 mins at a time... and then 30 mins... and then 5k...

Also check out Parkrun. They're free events and happen all over the UK on a saturday morning. You register on line, pitch up and run or walk a 5k course. As you get better you get quicker and quicker. I've seen lots of people running a bit and walking a bit but getting lots of support and encouragement from the course marshalls.

I started a thread a couple of years ago on here and found some other folk starting c25k. I think we all got to 5k. then I started another one a few months later for a half marathon.

It's amazing what you can achieve when you feel obliged to report back that you've been out and done it. And thye chocolate/wine after tastes sooo much better!

Good luck!

[Wonder77]

Download couch to 5k app, run double is a good one. This got me from zero
fitness to running 5k 3 times a week. Going to use it again after having baby!

[kazza446]

Start small, think scouts pace, run a little, walk a little. Use something like mapmyrun to log all runs. It really motivates you. Keep at it, however rubbish you think you are. You will soon see results!
Plan a route which is easy. I live on a hill so planned route around running down hill. Once you start it becomes very addictive! Good luck!

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

Thanks. Will have to look at couch to 5k. I thought about cycling to work but it's 12k to work and not cycling roads. I could do with reporting back. That's what's helped me most on weight loss

[Sirzy]

Evves - check out the general running thread if you want somewhere for reporting back mix of runners new and old there so good for advice and encouragment

[BikeRunSki]

I second C25K
Decent trainers (get fitted properly at a running shop. They'll check your gait and look at the shape of your foot and find the right shoes - this is unlikely if you go to TKMAxx and buy something that feels OK of the shelf)
Decent bra
Park Run

[isisisis]

I'm about to start couch to 5km if you want a buddy? I meant to start yesterday but have got a horrid cold & a baby with a horrid cold that will only sleep upright, on me. I've signed up for a 5 km in 10 weeks so I have to do it!
Hopefully I can start in the next few days.

[CrispyCrochet]

I've had friends who had get success with the c25k things.

I really like my Nike+ GPS watch. They are pricey (So may want to decide how serious you are!) but it really helped motivate me as you can keep track of speed & it congratulates you when you get new records. There is a Nike+ app for iPhone & android which you could try first to see if you like it.

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

Yes Isis! We will do it!!!!! How exciting!

I purchased some Adidas trainers that are good and apparently they work with a mi coach app which I downloaded... That's as far as I got do any of you know about that???

[isisisis]

Brilliant! shit. I really have to do it now

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

Hahaha where's the running thread or is it obvious??

[Sirzy]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/1948631-Is-there-a-general-running-thread?

[isisisis]

I've signed up for this colour bomb & this mud Think I may of gone mad.

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

Mud looks good. If it came to Northampton I'd be tempted...

[kazza446]

Oosh! Don't forget some good tunes on an iPod! Helps you get in the zone too. Need to get going again myself.Still breast feeding at moment, none of my running clothes will go near me. Word of warning ladies... I started running to combat my stress and anxiety. Lost 1.5 stone, got uber fit and obviously boosted my fertility. Ended up pregnant at 42, whoops!!

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

A happy whoops I'm sure.

What songs do you advise?????

[kazza446]

A very happy, whoops! Once I was over the shock!! l found old dance music, high intensity stuff was the best to run too. I also enjoyed old cd's from my youth that I could sing along to. Would also set myself targets when tired, like "I will stop running at the end of this song..." I would then concentrate on lyrics of the song rather than the pain. Good luck ladies.

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

See I like old Skool hip hop but a lot of it's quite slow. I'll have a google for ministry of sound. I'm possibly going to go out tonight but probably Wednesday.

[kazza446]

Woop woop. Let me know how it goes. Try your hip hop. Stone roses isn't that bloody lifting at times but it worked for me. Honestly, if you persevere you will start seeing a difference in no time. Do the same route and have yourself markers such as tree's, paths etc which you aim to beat each time you go out. Good luck x

[5ofus]

Just popped in for a quick wave at golemmings

I was n your original c25k thread :)

[isisisis]

evesmummy how are you getting on? I finally started this morning. I actually enjoyed it which shocked me!

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

How far did you go? Well done!!!!

Ermmmm, if I said I went every day since I wrote this thread would you believe me? I did however, ring my local gym today. I'm going to join and go there three times a week... Starting... After pay day.

I feel bad now well done tho!!!!

[isisisis]

Ha! I'm really glad (sorry, that sounds really mean). Just made me feel better about my lax start. No idea how far, to the park, across it & back again. Which obviously gives you a very good idea of the distance! It was 8 mins of running in total, more doable then I expected.
Am quite smug that I took DD out in the running buggy before DH did ( he does marathons & shit). I bought it for him on eBay when I was pregnant. She seemed to like it so can't even use her as an excuse. I'm doing my first postnatal Pilates class tomorrow as well, hark at me!

[TwittyMcTwitterson]

How old is she? I'm extremely jealous!!!! Looks like I'll have to pull my finger out and go. Sounds really good for a first run.

I'll see your eight minutes and raise you TEN... Tomorrow