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Original poster

Starting running from scratch

36 replies

M0reGinPlease · 05/02/2019 21:48

How do I do it?! Do I literally whack some trainers on and go for it? Are there any essentials I'll need (sports bra?).

I've never even run for a bus before. How long before I won't feel like I'm having a heart attack?

OP posts:
friskybivalves · 05/02/2019 21:52

Couch to 5k. There's a free nhs app. Michael johnson was my trainer. Life changing and builds you up so gently. It's BRILL

Lottapianos · 05/02/2019 21:53

Sports bra for sure, get properly measured for one. How much activity do you do on a daily basis? Do you walk much for example?

BobLemon · 05/02/2019 21:55

What a great decision! Do you have an idea of where you would like to run?

My very first essentials were a sports bra and an iPod.

yips · 05/02/2019 21:56

Couch to 2k, absolutely

BobLemon · 05/02/2019 21:57

Also, yes, couch to 5k is a good idea. And if you can’t manage to keep running for the length of time you’re supposed to SLOW DOWN

Honestly, even if you feel ridiculous, keep the jogging movement going, but do it tiiiiiny. If you stop and walk when you’re not supposed to, it WILL be harder.

babysharkah · 05/02/2019 21:59

C25k, loads of different free versions to download. Decent trainers - no need to spend a fortune but converse won't do, and a sorts bra. I've always night in my usual size no need to get measured.

apintofharpandapacketofdates · 05/02/2019 22:00

Watching with interest. My fear of embarrassing wobbles, pain and lack of motivation are holding me back. I'm so annoyed at myself. It's irrational and self-defeating. Confused

Politicalacuityisathing · 05/02/2019 22:00

Definitely couch to 5k or similar run/walk programme. I went from zero to regular 5k runs in about 3 or 4 months but it is AMAZING how quickly your stamina builds. Don't rush it though. The main thing is to keep it fun and injury free to help keep the habit. It has done wonders for my mental health.

Sakura7 · 05/02/2019 22:00

I found at the beginning that I got out of breath quite quickly, even when my fitness was improving. It was because I wasn't breathing properly so watch for that. Deep breaths and exhale fully as you go. You need to increase your lung capacity if you're not used to running, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

Original poster
M0reGinPlease · 05/02/2019 22:02

Thanks everyone. My base level of fitness is okay-ish. I walk a lot regularly and usually swim but finding it harder to get to swimming. I've never run anywhere. Ever. I own trainers so that's a start. I also own a massive pair of boobs so thanks for the bra tips. I'll look at couch to 5k. How do I pick a good route? Do I just aim to go round the block the first time?

OP posts:
Wineloffa · 05/02/2019 22:02

C25K. Get the BBC app on your phone and some music. Plug in some earphones and off you go!! Make sure you’ve got decent trainers and a sports bra!

Wineloffa · 05/02/2019 22:03

Round the block a few times is good for starting off or run around your local park?

VanillaSugarr · 05/02/2019 22:10

I’ve started running (well..... ahem) and I am very very unfit and wobbly. However, whenever I’ve been out people do look at me, but with an indulgent look of approval. I find this quite surprising as it’s like a verbal compliment. Quite nice really. So don’t let the fear of people judging you put you off, because they won’t.

drspouse · 05/02/2019 22:11

I'm on week 3 of C25K, I was moderately fit before but I'm glad it's slow.
However I need to do extra stretches!

MrsTerryPratcett · 05/02/2019 22:13

Flat at first! Hills are for other people later. MapMyRun has good routes with distances and elevation.

Good shoes and a good bra. I need music but other people don't.

itdoesnthavetobefun · 05/02/2019 22:13

C25k is great, as is a good sports bra! I find park run really useful for running with other people! My local parkrun has a regular that takes an hour slow walking, and there is always a tailwalker, so you'll never be last!

I love my goodgym group too! Great for new runners

anniehm · 05/02/2019 22:13

Started a few months back - you need a sports bra (mine is M&S running/very high impact) and a pair of running shoes - sports direct have them from around £30. You can make do with normal leggings but I recommend karrimor ones (sports direct) which have a pocket for your phone and key). I use ordinary tops and fleeces.

Highly recommend park run - free and very motivating. I'm nearly the slowest but it's still exercise!

MrsTerryPratcett · 05/02/2019 22:13

Oh and stretch properly AFTER your run.

BikeRunSki · 05/02/2019 22:17

Trainers
Sports bra
Both running specific and properly fitted *
Couch 2 5K

  • trainers are likely to be a size bigger than you expect. Sports bras fit completely differently to ordinary bras. I’m a 32E, but 36D in my Shock Absorber run bra.
Original poster
M0reGinPlease · 05/02/2019 22:19

Love you all, thank you!

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratcett · 05/02/2019 22:20

BTW I started three years ago, chubby and unfit. I now run three times a week every single week and did a 10k recently without walking. Three years ago I could barely run for a minute.

CMOTDibbler · 05/02/2019 22:21

Yup, C25K. I was a lifelong non runner - just thought that running was something I couldn't do. Aged 40, I decided to give it a go and did C25K in a Tescos sports bra and trainers I'd bought online knowing nothing. That was the April, and I did my first half marathon that September Grin.
I'll never be fast, but I'll give anything a go now, which included a marathon and I genuinely thought that wasn't for people like me

OhHolyJesus · 05/02/2019 22:39

Placemarking

The gym isn't cutting it for me anymore, haven't shifted a pound. I hate running but time wise it might be my best option.

Watching with interest. If it helps OP, I'm right there with you!

importantkath · 05/02/2019 22:42

#inspired

Lucked · 05/02/2019 22:46

I needed Bluetooth wireless sports headphones as everything else fell out. A running belt to store phone and keys and running socks which have a double layer to stop blisters.

Also it’s dark so high vis clothing or a flashing belt

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