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Original poster

Starting running (again!) please offer advice and handholding!!!

30 replies

SirCharlieStinkySocks · 13/04/2010 18:24

I began running using the Rawbert podcasts exactly one year ago. Got to week 3 and then family circumstances meant I gave it up. Now I want to start again, and actually keep it up. I've had a great deal of personal issues and tragedy to deal with lately and I need some sort of escape route, plus 2 stone I need to lose asap.

So, my question is, does everyone use that type of running programme or would I be ok to devise my own? I hated to music on Rawbert and was thinking of just running to my own pace and see how I get on, probably take my own music and try to run for 1 song, walk for the next and build it up if you get what I mean. Would that be feasible or do I need a structured plan? Has anyone just gone out there and run and stuck to it without any sort of training plan?

Thanks

OP posts:
Baileysismyfriend · 20/04/2010 19:14

Umm well the alarm went off at six and I kind of snoozed through it...

Will try again tomorrow >hopeful emotion

Baileysismyfriend · 19/04/2010 22:07

New runner here!

I have tried the couch to 5k plan, but hated the music and I always end up watching the clock so much that I don't really enjoy it.

You have all motivated me to start again though and I am going to copy the run for one song and rest for one approach.

Im going to set my alarm for 6am and go before work tomorrow morning.

Will report back skippers.

LolaLadybird · 16/04/2010 20:10

Well done on the running. Maybe try 2 thin pairs of socks inside your running shoes - theory being that one pair move with the shoe, the other with your foot and the socks take the friction, not your skin. DH has some 'thousand mile' socks which are basically two layers so you could recreate this yourself. Your are right though to go and seek proper advice about your shoes and what a nice reward. A good shop will analyse the way you run and recommend some shoes to correct any problems. My feet overpronate or roll-in when I run which causes stress on my knees but my shoes correct that completely and so no knee pain.

Keep it up!

Original poster
SirCharlieStinkySocks · 15/04/2010 18:25

Thanks for your reply and the handholding, much appreciated!

Actually went last night and followed my plan and quite enjoyed actually. It was quite liberating not clock watching and even though I've no idea how long I walked/ran for, I figure at this point just doing it is good enough. I will try and stretch myself as time goes on and yes I think early mornings may be my forte too, hopefully I won't wake the kids up on my way out!

I am aching a bit in the legs today and do have a blister on my foot from my running shoes. Think I may need some insoles and give myself some motivation by visiting the local running shop for proper shoe advice if I stick to this for the next 4 weeks. The ones I have are proper road running shoes but were bought as a gift by dp who researched them on the net and while they've never given me problems before I do wonder if they are 'right' for me. Need to try and tell him in a way that doesn't hurt his feelings though!

Next run tomorrow!!

OP posts:
LolaLadybird · 13/04/2010 22:11

I started running nearly a year ago and have kept it up. Altho' have only been able to go out at weekends through the winter as I live in a rural village with no streetlights. I started by following a run/walk programme designed to get you to 5k (think I got it from the Runners World website) to start with but then ditched it after a while and just started to run for as long as I could and lengthen that each time. Two reasons for this:

  1. where I run is very hilly - and when you're starting out you don't want to be running up hills just because the clock says so

  2. I found the watching the clock all the time a bit soul destroying

I'm usually all for a bit of structure and hated the idea of throwing the plan out of the window but I sometimes run with a neighbour who is a bit more relaxed and it's definitely paid off. The plan was good to get me started but I somehow seemed to be able to do much more once I got less hung up about when I should be walking/running. I would just experiment and see what works best for you - it's got to be fun at the end of the day or you won't stick to it. Also, find out when you're at your best. I love running first thing in the morning - I sometimes go out very early (ie. 6.30 am) so that I can be back before DH leaves for work. Whilst it takes a bit of motivation to get out of bed, there is nothing more therapeutic (IMHO) than being out on your own at that time of day.

Good luck. I am v happy to handhold by the way. I think it's good motivation to log on in the evening and let others know how it's going.

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