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Original poster

Running tips

99 replies

Whydidieatallthechocolates · 31/12/2024 01:28

New Year New Start.

Desperately want to get in to running but unsure how to even begin. There is clubs nearby but evenings don't suit me. It would have to be done in the 1.5 hour gap I have between finishing work and collecting kids.
I would love to eventually be able to run 5k.

How did you begin?

OP posts:
TrackDay · 31/12/2024 22:52

Whydidieatallthechocolates · 31/12/2024 12:36

Wow thank you everyone for the fantastic replies. Can anyone recommend a good pair of running trainers?
Unfortunately I'm a smoker and this will go against me. But I'm starting a non smoking scheme tomorrow.

Brooks for me. Do you have a running store nearby? Get your gait analysed.

I started c25k - I keenly remember how bloody hard it was those first few weeks of training, just learning to jog for 30 seconds was...intense!

But it gets SO much easier. And it's addictive!

I'm not a natural but now I run 200km a month regularly.

Do strength train too, this will help avoid injuries. Lots of stretching will help.

You can do it! Don't be pressured to run 'fast'. A steady pace is much better for you.

Jabbabong · 31/12/2024 23:19
  1. Find trainers that fit and some sports clothing
  2. Put on the above clothing
  3. Open front door and walk through it
  4. Close front door behind you
  5. Start running

Once you have done this for a few weeks you can then start considering distances, speeds and times. But for the time being focus on 1-5 above.

Not meant as a piss take but it really is that simple to begin with. There is no need to overthink anything from the outset.

You don't need an app
You don't need to make notes after every run
Start turning simple runs into a habit and enjoy it. You can focus on the finer details later on.

xsquared · 01/01/2025 00:45

You don't need an app

This isn't meant to be a piss take either, but
for obviously many people, the C25K app has been beneficial as a starting point.

Not everyone can just go from nothing to running continuously on their first run, even if it's a simple, leisurely one. Having been a run leader for C25K, the short intervals of running/walking help that transition as new runners progress over the weeks.

Edit: Meant to have quoted the previous poster.

Nextyearhopes · 01/01/2025 00:46

Whydidieatallthechocolates · 31/12/2024 12:36

Wow thank you everyone for the fantastic replies. Can anyone recommend a good pair of running trainers?
Unfortunately I'm a smoker and this will go against me. But I'm starting a non smoking scheme tomorrow.

I like Mizuno/Brooks but I would go to a running store and get fitted for your first pair as everyone is different.
Good for you stopping smoking too! Best thing you can do!

xsquared · 01/01/2025 00:54

OP, is there a Facebook mums/women's running group that do social runs or track during the day? You may even be able to find a local C25K group, which you might find more motivating to start with.

CandidaAlbicans2 · 01/01/2025 12:00

Jabbabong · 31/12/2024 23:19

  1. Find trainers that fit and some sports clothing
  2. Put on the above clothing
  3. Open front door and walk through it
  4. Close front door behind you
  5. Start running

Once you have done this for a few weeks you can then start considering distances, speeds and times. But for the time being focus on 1-5 above.

Not meant as a piss take but it really is that simple to begin with. There is no need to overthink anything from the outset.

You don't need an app
You don't need to make notes after every run
Start turning simple runs into a habit and enjoy it. You can focus on the finer details later on.

Edited

I get what you mean but there's a real danger of overuse injuries which can easily happen in the early enthusiastic days. It's happened to me. That's why having a plan like N2R or C25K is so useful because they recognise that our CV system improves quicker than our musculoskeletal system, so we feel fitter than our tendons and ligaments actually are. But I agree that we simply need to get into a habit of putting the kit on, leaving the house, and actually doing it.

princesspadam · 01/01/2025 12:09

CT5k is fabulous, I am not a born runner

I did it years ago, and then again last year after surgery.
I'm still running 2-3 times a week and I love it for my sanity

Definitely get some special running shoes, will make things so much easier, less pain / injury

Brooks / ASICS are my fave

Good luck - you got this

CrashThere · 01/01/2025 14:06

Can anyone recommend a good pair of running trainers? I like Asics and Saucony. Asics vary though.

You don't need an app There's no way I would run listening to something,
You don't need to make notes after every run I did and I found it helped because the progress was so quick.

Londonmummy66 · 01/01/2025 16:09

The hard bit is getting changed into the running bra

😂Some days that feels like a work out in itself......

Yourinmyspot · 01/01/2025 16:15

Couch to 5k, it really works. I did it nearly 11 years ago and I’ve been running ever since. Was the best thing I ever did for my health and not just physical. I’m a member of my local running group and on the committee I’ve made some really good friends through running.

All I will say is don’t be disheartened if you finish the couch to 5k and can’t run 5k in 30 mins. It took me about 4 years to run it under 30 mins. We all have our own pace, just enjoy it. I also recommend you look into your local parkrun.

Original poster
Whydidieatallthechocolates · 01/01/2025 17:01

Starting tomorrow. Currently deciding on an app best to use. Will go get trainers in morning. Have a good outlet shopping complex nearby. Will I need some sort of watch to track times?

OP posts:
CrashThere · 01/01/2025 17:13

@Londonmummy66, I never got on with the ones you pull on over your head. They are great once on but I was in danger of injury getting out of it.

VoyagerOfTheTeenYears · 01/01/2025 18:10

Will I need some sort of watch to track times?

You don’t need one but it helps - you can see how much further you have covered with each session compared to the last one and what your pace is for the running sections for example. Garmin are the best known brand but as long as it has a GPS there are other options.

Bandol · 01/01/2025 18:18

@Whydidieatallthechocolates you've had lots of recommendations for various apps. Like @soberfabulous I highly recommend Nike Run Club and Coach Bennett.
Coach Bennett has an amazing coaching style that works wherever you are in your running journey. On the Nike Run Club app there are guided runs which coach you through your runs. There is a series for starting out.

In addition to the app, Coach Bennett also has Coach Bennett's podcast. Try episode 82 which was just released called New Year's Resolve. Also listen to last year's New Year episode 30, Start Your New Year Running. Then there's episode 17 What You Need to Start and Episode 5 How to Start. Whatever app you choose to use for your running, I really recommend also listening to these podcasts in parallel.

I like the coaching because it helps you understand running, and how to celebrate and keep it fun and to have sensible objectives for your running.

My takeaway from the first run was to take it easy so that you want to run again.

Every run has a purpose.
This is about running.
This is not about running.

VoyagerOfTheTeenYears · 01/01/2025 19:04

You can use Strava directly from your phone.

Baddaybigcloud · 01/01/2025 19:07

Get a pair of Hoka Clifton 9’s - they aren’t cheap but a perfect all rounder and can be used as a walking shoe too!
couch to 5k app is popular - essentially ‘jeffing’ which is walk, run intervals. I personally don’t like jeffing and prefer to go for a run and no matter how slow run it, rather than walk.
Get Strava so you can document progress. Leave for pick up 30mins before and do a run and pick up at the end of your run.

CrashThere · 01/01/2025 19:16

Don't spend lots on shoes just yet, and keep running shoes for running.

frockandcrocs · 01/01/2025 19:22

I would ignore any advice about expensive shoes until you've had a gait analysis. I spent a lot of money on a very nice pair of running shoes that gave me plantar fasciitis.

Coach to 5k all is great for starting.

If you need motivation, maybe book a race for around the time you'll be done with the training plan?

CrashThere · 01/01/2025 19:47

A running shop will do the gait analysis for you. They'll advise on the shoe type.
Be wary with brands that do fashion shoes (eg Nike, Adidas) if going to the high street or outlet shops. Same with running clothes. 'Athleisure' might look nice but tried and tested brands like Ronhill won't chaffe.

Original poster
Whydidieatallthechocolates · 01/01/2025 21:21

Have downloaded stravas and the nike running app just now.
So determined to do this.
I want this to help me

OP posts:
Chocolateteabag · 01/01/2025 22:01

If it's a "run day" - put your sports bra on first thing
Even if you are running in the evening - it's one less thing to put you off going for a run

And it reminds you / confirms to you that that is what you have planned in to do

If you can do your run first thing - then get all your kit out ready to chuck on - so you don't have a chance to back out

Original poster
Whydidieatallthechocolates · 01/01/2025 22:06

Good idea @chocolateteabag

looking forward to it improving my mental health. Hopefully soon I can join a group and make new friends also.

OP posts:
TrackDay · 01/01/2025 22:08

Chocolateteabag · 01/01/2025 22:01

If it's a "run day" - put your sports bra on first thing
Even if you are running in the evening - it's one less thing to put you off going for a run

And it reminds you / confirms to you that that is what you have planned in to do

If you can do your run first thing - then get all your kit out ready to chuck on - so you don't have a chance to back out

To add - sometimes I'll sleep in my sports bra and running vest, so when I get up that's two less 'barriers' to getting out the door or on the treadmill!

Gymbunny2025 · 01/01/2025 22:09

Agree- one of the biggest challenges is not talking yourself out of it. Especially in the winter! Don't allow yourself to get into the conversation. If you're not feeling it go out anyway and walk instead. You never regret a workout you do, only the ones you don't (or something!)

TrackDay · 01/01/2025 22:15

Gymbunny2025 · 01/01/2025 22:09

Agree- one of the biggest challenges is not talking yourself out of it. Especially in the winter! Don't allow yourself to get into the conversation. If you're not feeling it go out anyway and walk instead. You never regret a workout you do, only the ones you don't (or something!)

Yes the mental aspect is actually where the true determination is.

It's actually fairly easy for your body to learn/adapt to running, it's your brain that's the pain!

It'll tell you that you can't keep going.
But you can.

It'll tell you a million reasons why you shouldn't run today.
Ignore them all.

Even after years running races, I often have to tell myself that I'll just do 5 minutes because I'm tired/achy/busy but once you've started, you always find energy to keep going.

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