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Original poster

I’d like to start running but I don’t know how

112 replies

Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:12

Just that really. I’m very unfit and a bit overweight. I have a 1 and a 5 year old and I’d like to improve my fitness without it costing too much.

What do I wear? how do I get started? Do I need to take water with me…
I need a “for dummies” explanation please! 🥲

OP posts:
BunnyMum2000 · 28/08/2023 21:14

Couch to 5k .. the NHS app.

its fantastic, it’s free, and it builds you up slowly.

I highly recommend it. That’s how I started

x

BabbleBee · 28/08/2023 21:14

Couch to 5k is a great starting point, there’s several free apps to use. Wear comfortable, cool clothing and trainers. When I did C25k I took water but once I was established I didn’t need to.

Changingplace · 28/08/2023 21:15

Try the couch to 5k app, it starts you off really slow and builds up, get that and some music on your phone, some decent trainers and you’re off :)

Ive never been a runner but following the app really works for me, and you can just repeat each one as often as you like - it builds up weekly but when I started I often repeated a week.

Interested in this thread?

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
Changingplace · 28/08/2023 21:17

Oh, and I wear leggings and a T-shirt, and I do like to take water with me.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 28/08/2023 21:18

Yep, Couch to 5k or similar. All you need is proper, well-fitting trainers, and a decent sports bra (well...and some other clothes Grin) and away you go. My advice is to go a lot more slowly than you think you need to at first!

MidnightOnceMore · 28/08/2023 21:18

You need some decent trainers (not expensive, just good enough) and a sports bra. Basic leggings and t-shirt would be fine to wear.

BumbleBee75 · 28/08/2023 21:19

Couch to 5k app. I used that and was fab. I'd never run before, verrrry unfit etc but it eases you on bit by bit

Original poster
Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:20

Ok so falling at the first hurdle, I don’t have any trainers… well i have vans and converse but i’m guessing they won’t do?

I’m now downloading couch to 5k again! I got put off by the music last time but perhaps I didnt give it a chance !

OP posts:
OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 28/08/2023 21:21

The couch to 5k app is a good place to start. It is only 30 min ish workout so make sure you are hydrated before you go and you won't need to take water.

A group might help too, helping you to stick to it and getting a bit more out of it because while the app will get you running for 30 min it won't do much for pace. Have a look and see if a local running club does a beginners group. I'm 12 weeks in to one with our club and have gone from dying after 60 seconds of running to doing over 7km at the weekend with the aim of getting up to 10km. I honestly would not have been able to do it without the group. I've tried the app before but the expertise of the coaches has been invaluable. A local parenting page spawned a mums running group around here too so you may find there are a few options of you have a look.

HeyDiddleDumplings · 28/08/2023 21:22

As others have said the couch to 5k app is great. It got me running. i have young children and I try and go first thing in the morning, it works for me and then I know it’s all done. I’m not very good at getting motivated to go out in the evening.

you don’t need much to start running - just a decent sports bra. Some trainers. I started with legging and a loose t shirt.

Good luck - it’s amazing how much fitter you get in just a few weeks.

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 28/08/2023 21:22

As for what to wear, a decent sports bra is important but other than that, whatever is comfy. And good trainers. A well fitting pair of trainers will really help prevent injury.

ghostbusters · 28/08/2023 21:23

Another vote for Couch to 5k. I use the NHS one. I started off running about 4 years ago, couldn't run the length of me but I could by the end of the 9 week programme 😁 I've had some time off running and I've gone back to the Couch to 5k app to build my stamina again.

Oh and I used to think it was a good activity that didn't cost much. Now I have a fancy smart watch, a drawer full of running clothes, 2 pairs of running trainers, a box of medals and a few weeks of podiatry sessions for my sore foot (from races I've paid to enter...). Worth it though!

megletthesecond · 28/08/2023 21:24

Don't run in vans or converse.
Sports direct have decent running shoes for beginners (road is for pavements, trails for fields and forests etc but will also do for mixed surface runs). Running shops tend to set you back £80+ but you can do that once you get a feel for it. They do gait analysis but I've never done it in 30 years and just try trainers for size and comfort.

Changingplace · 28/08/2023 21:25

Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:20

Ok so falling at the first hurdle, I don’t have any trainers… well i have vans and converse but i’m guessing they won’t do?

I’m now downloading couch to 5k again! I got put off by the music last time but perhaps I didnt give it a chance !

The app I have cuts into your own music, it’s the one with Jo Wiley.

Curtainconundrum · 28/08/2023 21:26

I had really rubbish tracksuit bottoms when I started and bought myself some decent running gear as a treat for completing C25K. I honestly couldn't even run for a minute when I started but have since run a couple of half marathons so if I can do it, anyone can!

ghostbusters · 28/08/2023 21:27

Check out sportsshoes.com or mandmdirect.co.uk for discount running shoes. Go up by at least half a size as your feet can swell when you run. You want about a thumb width between the end of your toes and the top of the trainer.

Original poster
Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:28

This is all really encouraging, thankyou! I used to be really good at cross country running at school so I am hoping I can get fit and enjoy it again.

I will look in sports direct for some trainers tomorrow.

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 28/08/2023 21:28

Yes, you need trainers with a much better sole than Vans/Converse.

How much are you willing to spend? Really you should get gait analysis done to see if neutral or supportive is likely to be better for you, but for the early months, you'd probably be OK with anything with a neutral sole.

Good firm bra, preferably a sports bra, is really important too.

Any leggings/shorts and t-shirt will be fine.

To do C25K, you'll need your phone with you, but could just carry it. But getting a running belt that you can put it in (and other useful things like your keys) is pretty handy.

Curtainconundrum · 28/08/2023 21:28

megletthesecond · 28/08/2023 21:24

Don't run in vans or converse.
Sports direct have decent running shoes for beginners (road is for pavements, trails for fields and forests etc but will also do for mixed surface runs). Running shops tend to set you back £80+ but you can do that once you get a feel for it. They do gait analysis but I've never done it in 30 years and just try trainers for size and comfort.

I second this. Get some cheap but decent trainers to start you off but definitely not Converse or Vans.

blibblibs · 28/08/2023 21:29

I did C25K for the first time today. It was hard but I did it and I haven't exercised since PE at school which was a very long time ago!
Wore jogger t-shirt and a pair of DC old Nike trainers. Didn't take any water but I definitely will on Wednesday when I go out again.

Original poster
Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:30

AuntieStella · 28/08/2023 21:28

Yes, you need trainers with a much better sole than Vans/Converse.

How much are you willing to spend? Really you should get gait analysis done to see if neutral or supportive is likely to be better for you, but for the early months, you'd probably be OK with anything with a neutral sole.

Good firm bra, preferably a sports bra, is really important too.

Any leggings/shorts and t-shirt will be fine.

To do C25K, you'll need your phone with you, but could just carry it. But getting a running belt that you can put it in (and other useful things like your keys) is pretty handy.

See this is why i’m glad I started this thread - didnt know a running belt was even a thing!

OP posts:
Flibbertigibbettytoes · 28/08/2023 21:30

Couch to 5k is awesome. Definitely get decent trainers - I had to pause for a couple of weeks as I did my knee in. Also for me some headphones and shorts with a pocket for my phone were good as honestly running so boring I have to listen to something to fill the time.

Howtosolveit · 28/08/2023 21:30

Ooh, if you were good at cross country this will be easy for you OP. I agree that all you need is a decent pair of running shoes and a sports bra; otherwise wear whatever is comfortable. Couch to 5K is great, but you can also just get out the door, put some music on (if you want to) and run. Take it at whatever pace you like and don't be afraid to walk as much as you want to. My best tip is to find a nice place to run - I love my local park and also a trail by a nearby river. At least half the joy is being out in nature so that's a big motivator too.

Cazaletto · 28/08/2023 21:30

I stuff my phone in my sports bra. DH bought me a special phone holder thingy but I can’t be doing with extra kit. Drink water half an hour before you go out, remember the door key, bish bash bosh.

TheWitche · 28/08/2023 21:31

Couch to 5k (NHS version) 100%
Ive fallen in love with running, I did 15km this morning, my longest ever. I’ve been a bit hasty with trying to get ‘fast’ and my HR has been high so I scaled it back today and ran slower, kept my HR lower and did my longest run.
Leggings with pockets for phone, I also use a boob buddy as I’ve lost over 4 stone so need new sports bras, and decent headphones. You need some running shoes too, go half a size bigger but not too big as you will get blisters. When you’re sure you want to continue then gait analysis at a running shop for proper shoes is a game changer.

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