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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:
TheWitche · 28/08/2023 21:31

Amazon do some cheap leggings with pockets fyi

ghostbusters · 28/08/2023 21:32

@blibblibs Well done! That first run is the hardest...

Howtosolveit · 28/08/2023 21:32

@TheWitche what's a boob buddy??

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
rhubarb84 · 28/08/2023 21:32

If you're near one, try Decathlon. You'll be able to get decent basic shoes, bra and other running clothes if you need them. Leggings with a phone pocket is an alternative to a running belt.

MrsMariaReynolds · 28/08/2023 21:33

Definitely try the Couch to 5k, and invest in a decent sports bra, running leggings and good pair of running shoes (I like Brooks). That's all you need to get started.

AnaNimmity · 28/08/2023 21:34

You’d be a lot better off losing the weight first and then starting running.

Steady state cardio will make you super hungry and make it very difficult to make sensible food choices ime.

If you’re overweight by more than a stone or so, you risk damage to your joints too so really wouldn’t recommend taking up running if this is the case.

Perhaps go with some portion control for a few weeks/months to get some weight off and then start running? Just eat your normal food, but serve smaller portions.

EmpressaurusOfCats · 28/08/2023 21:34

Also Hilly twin skin socks to avoid blisters. Good luck!

CurlyhairedAssassin · 28/08/2023 21:36

I started doing C25k with basic running trainers and a pair of leggings from Sports Direct. Unfortunately after a few outings, I realised my bladder let me down more than my fitness did. 😳So I decide that high impact exercise wasn't for me, and my left knee generally agreed with my bladder too. I like a nice rowing machine instead. But I was impressed with how the C25k app was working. So go for it!

EarringsandLipstick · 28/08/2023 21:37

AnaNimmity · 28/08/2023 21:34

You’d be a lot better off losing the weight first and then starting running.

Steady state cardio will make you super hungry and make it very difficult to make sensible food choices ime.

If you’re overweight by more than a stone or so, you risk damage to your joints too so really wouldn’t recommend taking up running if this is the case.

Perhaps go with some portion control for a few weeks/months to get some weight off and then start running? Just eat your normal food, but serve smaller portions.

With respect, this is poor advice. It's absolutely fine & a good approach to start running, albeit carefully, first.

Running is great at increasing your metabolic rate, so you'll burn calories more effectively, even after your run.

Of course diet is important but often exercise provides the motivation for a healthy diet.

Doing couch to 5K, regardless of some extra weight, is a great idea.

Good luck!

PingPowKaPowWow · 28/08/2023 21:37

I second gait analysis and decent running trainers

I prefer leggings with a phone pocket, and a zip for keys, rather than a running belt, as it jangles less. M&S good move are excellent. I also highly rate M&S sports bras.

Like pp have said focus on going slow and building up the time you spend running for a while, don't need to worry about improving speed or distance at first.

AnaNimmity · 28/08/2023 21:40

Respectfully, I disagree.

Metabolism does increase, but for most people that brings on some serious hunger. it’s very difficult to lose weight in this way meaning most people give up long before any heath benefits are seen.

Russooooo · 28/08/2023 21:42

As others have said, all you really need is decent sports bra (mine are just from Amazon, but look for ‘high impact’ and ones with underwiring) and trainers (Sports Direct / Decathlon to start, then your local running shop). What I’d really recommend though, is running buddies! If there’s a club near you, ask if they do C25k. If not, it might be worth posting on local FB groups, “I’m about to start c25k. Anyone want to join me?” Having others in a similar position - and who will hold you to account - is really helpful.

I wouldn’t bother taking water. Carrying anything puts me off my stride, and realistically, you don’t need water for 20-30 mins if exercise.

Good luck!

xsquared · 28/08/2023 21:42

Can you see whether there is a womens running group locally? Try Facebook to see whether there is a women's group who may run a C25K or even a postnatal weekly event.

Definitely get propertrainers, not Converse or Vans. If you have a Nike factory shop nearby, they usually have some decent entry level running shoes for around for £50 or less.

Wear leggings or shorts, a good sports bra and a T-shirt not made of cotton.

You can try
www.sportsshoes.com
www.decathlon.co.uk
www.wiggle.co.uk

for running clothes.

Running Shoes, Clothing & Equipment | SportsShoes.com

Looking for new Footwear, Clothing & Equipment for your next Run, Hike or Gym session? Discover our large range from adidas, Asics, Saucony & more now!

http://www.sportsshoes.com

Emmaemmeline · 28/08/2023 21:42

We ( DSis and I ) started on the C25K app , then ( lucky timing ) I found a running club on Facebook , that were doing a beginners running club in the local park
£15 for once a week group class for 8 weeks , then the 9th week , we all ran 5k and got a medal !
It was the same as C25k really , there were about 30 of us , a leader and some helpers from the club
Have a look on line / Facebook etc , you might be lucky and find a similar group

DSis and I still run twice a week , not so far , I’m still chubby and we’re both over 60

JW13 · 28/08/2023 21:44

100% recommend couch 2 5k. I've just done it and now run for 25-30 mins 3 times a week. I even ran when I was on holiday. I don't always feel like going but I feel a million times better when I've been. I've never really been properly fit but hoping to keep it up this time. Now I've finished the programme I do Map My Run which tells me when I get to a km and how fast I've gone.

Original poster
Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:47

Amazing!! thanks so much, I actually feel excited about this! I’ll have to go once kids are in bed, so about 7pm but hopefully I’ve got a few more weeks of light evenings.

OP posts:
Peony654 · 28/08/2023 21:48

Another vote for couch 2 5k, NHS app. You don’t need to carry water just hydrate before and after. You do need trainers but get them from decathlon or sports direct.

Heatherbell1978 · 28/08/2023 21:49

I'm out of the habit at the moment but pre Covid and when I had a 1 and a 3 year old I too decided one day I'd start running! And one day in February I went out in the pitch black with my couch to 10k app (I decided that by the summer I wanted to sign up for a 10k) and it worked!

I could barely run to the end of my road and in the September that year I ran two 10Ks in under an hour and was in the best shape ever. I had an old pair of Asics that did the job to start but just bought a better pair online after a while as I knew they fitted me well. Now I'll just buy Asics online and usually get a bargain as they bring out new versions and discount the older. And defo a good sports bra.

I find running with water a faff and worry I'll pee myself too so empty bladder is a must for me!

wizzler · 28/08/2023 21:50

Another vote for couch to 5k. Critical success factor for me is some music on my playlist with a strong beat

Original poster
Newperson4 · 28/08/2023 21:51

Re - sports bras! I’m a 30H which is a really awkward size to buy for. Any recommendations?

OP posts:
3rdtimemumma · 28/08/2023 21:51

As others have said, couch to 5 k. You don't need the music/ podcast, there was an app that just beeped for me and gave a couple of tips? There's different versions. Don't worry about losing weight first (someone said to do this). Thing is with couch to 5 k is when you start, it's the times of "running" and "walking". But when I first started my run was pretty much the same speed as my walk. It doesn't matter. Keep going regularly every other day you'll start noticing a difference and it's easier etc. Just font overdo it to svoid injury. I've done couch to 5k, 3 times to get me back to running. Best thing is getting out there. Personally I don't take water until longer runs over 5k, just drink well before. I hadn't run to the end of the road before c2 5k and now I do (slow!) runs of 10 miles etc. If you watch a local run, you'll notice all different shapes and sizes. Well done for getting out there. I'm excited for you! Good luck!

Tremaine · 28/08/2023 21:52

AnaNimmity · 28/08/2023 21:40

Respectfully, I disagree.

Metabolism does increase, but for most people that brings on some serious hunger. it’s very difficult to lose weight in this way meaning most people give up long before any heath benefits are seen.

Running might not help people to lose weight, but has a host of other health benefits. And those going from being almost sedentary to even just walking benefit the most. OP don't wait, just get moving gently :)

AuntieStella · 28/08/2023 21:53

rhubarb84 · 28/08/2023 21:32

If you're near one, try Decathlon. You'll be able to get decent basic shoes, bra and other running clothes if you need them. Leggings with a phone pocket is an alternative to a running belt.

Also in Decathlon, there's a chance you'll find a staff member who knows a bit about running shoes (rare as hen's teeth in Sports Direct - but I've just had a browse on their website and they seem to have quite a lot of heavily discounted ASICS, so try those!)

Oh, and as you're a runner in a previous life and excited to be starting again, then what I recommend you do right now is download Strava (just the free version to start with) so you have a record of your progress

EarringsandLipstick · 28/08/2023 21:55

AnaNimmity · 28/08/2023 21:40

Respectfully, I disagree.

Metabolism does increase, but for most people that brings on some serious hunger. it’s very difficult to lose weight in this way meaning most people give up long before any heath benefits are seen.

We'll have to disagree!

I can see the point you are making. However, if someone is motivated to exercise, that's worth doing.

Perhaps some people will end up eating more.

Many others (I've known plenty) will make healthier choices, feel better about their bodies & happier overall from exercising.

I do a lot of exercise. I come across overweight people making changes every day, and I've seen people transform through doing so.