Tomorrow I start The Change. First time runner...

[Mammabear31]

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my running life. I am finally going to actually get the F off my lazy arse and get out and run, for the first time in ages. I have been promising myself that I will do some exercise this year and be confident with outfit choices by summer (need to loose the tummy flab and wobbly thighs) and after reading that it can take 3 months to notice significant results, I have finally Decided that enough is enough.

But I am a tad worried. I've never been a runner. First timer advice please? I have the kit, but that's about all at the moment!!!

Have you downloaded a C25K app or podcasts? Building up your running slowly is the real key to success

No I haven't but will have a look at that - thank you! I am totally clueless.

Yes, I second the C25K app. I used Get Running. Trust the programme, rushing through will risk injury DH, but move on each time even if you find it difficult.

I finished the programme but I still have days when I can't run for 30 mins without a walk. But I feel so much better for it!

as others have said start with walk/run intervals and build up gradually, running can feel shockingly hard at first but it does get easier.
You dont need to kill yourself so that you feel terrible each session, just challenge yourself a little bit each time and your fitness will improve

Where are you planning to run? A good route with lovely parkland or landscape or even some house porn really helps take your mind off the effort!

You have a fab opportunity to learn good habits. Keep your head up, your strides short and focus on your feet landing under the body. Your body should be vertical. As you get fitter you don't go faster by extending your stride but by increasing your cadence. A bit technical but it really made a difference to my speed once I got this - I also had fewer aches and pains.

Enjoy it!

Couch to 5k yes
Walk run intervals
Do it with a friend when pos
Use run keeper to track speed, distance so you can have personal targets
Put yourself down for a 3 mile charity fund raising run, then a 5 mile fun run.
Use a reflective vest and small hand torch if running when dark
Look on line or ask about for good short routes on your area.

Expect to find it bloody hard and not very enjoyable for the first couple of months

Aim to run 4 times a week, you will get better fast!

are you in the UK and is there a parkrun near you ? Parkrun being simply the best thing to do at 9 am on a Saturday for runners of all standards.

I agree with Get Running as an app too, very good. I enjoyed it from the first couple of runs.

I like to have music on, low enough I can here traffic etc of course.

I finished C25K last month, did a charity 5k earlier this month. I am even ridiculously excited that I splashed out on new trainers today after a gait analysis, because I feel it was a worthwhile investment as I enjoy it so much. Planning on a 5K parkrun this weekend and even better my children are very keen after my charity run and want to do the junior 2k parkrun too.

Give it a go and enjoy the endorphins!

Although I've been off running for a year since an achilles injury (hoping to start again soon), here are my tips:

• Use the c25k app on your phone
• Make an amazing pumped up playlist but have the volume down enough to hear the road traffic
• Go with a friend if you can
• Look up stretches for runners to do after every run
• Don't be afraid to repeat a session if you feel you haven't nailed it but always be honest that you are challenging yourself and not copping out
• When you finish the programme, keep up with your 3x/week schedule running 5k each time

-Join your local park run and sign up for a fun 5k

Enjoy!