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Original poster

Starting to run - some questions....

17 replies

emsyj · 04/09/2011 21:18

I am thinking of starting to run, as I just don't have enough hours in the day to go to exercise classes (which were, pre-DD, my preferred exercise - aerobics and spinning, specifically).

I am a bit fat and very unfit after about 2 years of doing sweet f-a. So how should I get started? I have bought the 'running made easy' book, has anyone done it and how long did it take to be able to go for a run without having to stop after 20 yards, gasping in horror at how bloody hard it was??

OP posts:
Conkertree · 04/09/2011 21:23

Main advice in Runners World for beginners is always to do a run/walk combination to begin with. Over. Few weeks, increase the running time and decrease the walking break until you are running for 20 or 30 mins, an you can then lengthen the runs there.

Make starting out much more manageable and enjoyable, and you dont end up too sore!

birdsofshoreandsea · 04/09/2011 21:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Conkertree · 04/09/2011 21:25

Sorry meant to say havent read Running Made Easy, but I think th run/walk thing is very commonly used as a gentle way in.

Original poster
emsyj · 04/09/2011 21:29

I would be doing mostly walking at first I think!!! I can't run to the end of my (tiny) street Blush.

I haven't heard of the couch to 5k podcast, will take a look now - don't really understand podcasts, but DH does....

How long did it take you to get up to 8 miles and how fit (or otherwise) were you to begin with, birdsofshoreandsea?

OP posts:
ohijustdontknowanymore · 04/09/2011 21:41

Hi

I started approx 2 weeks ago running and this was with a run/walk combo.

Started 30sec running then 1 minute walking and repeated 10 times, then increse the running after a couple of runs out. The last few nights I have managed to run (no walking) for 10minutes and feel I could do more, but choose not to as quite enjoying it.

Trust me I am/was prob one of the most unhealthiest people you could meet but I can feel fitness levels rising and am enjoying that feeling.

Also have downloaded some good upbeat music on to my iphone and use this as my running music and this proper helps.

Good luck

Original poster
emsyj · 04/09/2011 21:56

That sounds promising, I think I could just about run for 30 seconds - will have to just bite the bullet and try it. Do you have special headphones that don't fall out when you run?

OP posts:
ohijustdontknowanymore · 04/09/2011 22:08

No, only my iphone ones which at times are bloody annoying so am looking to get old fashined over the ear ones lol. If I tweak them before take of as I call it they tend to stay in.

I have the arm band to put my iphone in and thinks that is what helps them stay in as they dont pull.

Good luck, I loved the 30 seconds to start with as goes really quick and I felt had achieved something after years of being unhealthy and to be honest lazy.

Original poster
emsyj · 04/09/2011 22:17

I might get an ipod shuffle - have just ordered a long sleeved top, long ronhill pants and a new sports bra from sweatshop so think that represents some level of commitment to starting this...!

Will check out the podcast and the other running threads in hopes of getting some inspiration!

OP posts:
birdsofshoreandsea · 04/09/2011 22:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BsshBossh · 06/09/2011 12:58

I am a complete non-runner but wanted to start running due to lack of time too. I'm doing the NHS Couch to 5K programme that's free, here:
www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

I use their podcast on my Nano and the woman on it tells me when to walk and when to run, all set against music. It starts off with a minute of running and 90 seconds of walking alternating and then, over 9 weeks, builds up the running. I'm on week 3 and walk 3 minutes, run 3 minutes.

It's fab and I'm amazed at how my stamina is building.

There are a couple of C25K threads here. Pop in and say hello!

BsshBossh · 06/09/2011 13:00

I just use basic over-the-head headphones as they never fall off and they keep my ears warm Grin. I use these:
www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-100-II-Foldable-Open-Headphone/dp/B002VPDOH8/

BsshBossh · 06/09/2011 13:02

I don't think podcasts work on Shuffle. They do on the Nano and, obviously, the iPod/Touch/Phone. I clip my Nano onto a waist strap that also can contain my keys.

Goldberry · 06/09/2011 14:02

I started running a couple of years ago. I was pretty overweight and very unfit. I didn't follow a specific regime, but started by alternating one minute walk, one minute run, then built up the amount of running very gradually. That way you can go out for a reasonable amount of time from the beginning. Some people find music really helps, but I quite like the quiet.

As with anything, the willpower to keep on doing it is the hardest, especially in the winter. I have had phases where I've nearly given up, but have always dragged myself out again in the end. I entered myself for a Race for Life 5k early on, and did my 1st 10k last year. It's good to have goals.

Oh also, I run with a group once a week. It was a 10-week complete beginners' running course to start with, but we then carried it on as a permanent group. It's part of this organisation Run England. It's great!

Good luck!

Original poster
emsyj · 06/09/2011 14:09

There is a Run in England group near me, but sadly the times are no good to me. It's a pity though as I have a good friend who goes to the ultimate beginners/beginners group.

I am very confused about mp3 players and what I can and can't use for a podcast Confused... I have an ancient iPod mini but not sure if it even works any more. Will have to investigate. What can I buy to replace it if it doesn't work? I don't want to spend more than £30.

OP posts:
BsshBossh · 06/09/2011 15:30

I think the NHS podcast is just a MP3 download so you can pop it onto any MP3 player. You said your DH knows more about this so could you ask him? In the meantime, I would say just get cracking. Go out with watch on and jog 1 min, walk 1 min for 20 or so minutes and see how you fare. Before you start running speed walk for 5 mins first and cool down at end with 5 mins walking.

So:
5 min brisk walking
1 min running at a slow, steady pace (don't be tempted to run fast, a gentle jog only)
1 min walking (podcast says 90 secs walking)
1 min running
Etc to 20 mins
5 min brisk walking.

In meantime get your DH to sort you out with podcast and player.

Original poster
emsyj · 06/09/2011 16:25

Asked DH about podcasts and he helpfully told me that he listens to his on his iPhone or macbook and otherwise has no clue Hmm.

I am putting it off til my long leggings and long-sleeved top arrive from sweatshop... We have a specialist running shop about 10 mins' walk from our house, but am too scared to go in there!

You're right, I need to just bite the bullet...

OP posts:
BsshBossh · 06/09/2011 17:15

My DH uses an older version of this MP3 player when running. It's under £30, clips on, has a tiny visual display and is made by the trusty Sony:
www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NWZB163-Music-Clip-Walkman/dp/B004Z76N78/

Then go to that NHS Couch to 5k site I linked to unthread, download the entire programme, open up your Sony software and transfer the NHS MP3 files to your player (hopefully someone in RL can help you if you are unsure).

Have fun!

Remember to ensure you have comfy, supportive running shoes - very important.

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