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Exercise

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Any advice for novice runner? I'm not particularily enjoying it - could running just not be for me?

18 replies

peggotty · 21/03/2010 20:25

Admitedly I am only on week 4 of a 10 week novice training programme but tbh it's just not that enjoyable. I'm getting sore shins, everything wobbles and I sweat like a pig. I don't seem to get any endorphin high just relied when I don't have to run any more! Am I a hopeless case or is there a point after a certain length of time when you have some kind of runners epiphany?

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lovelymama · 21/03/2010 20:39

The sore shins are probably the thing that will put you off the most - it's likely that you're wearing bad trainers or have running style that could do with a bit of perfecting. If you haven't already done so, go to a specialist running shop and they should watch you run on a treadmill and prescribe trainers that perfectly suit your running style. Admittedly, this is an expensive exercise if you're not sure you're going to commit to running (good trainers can be £70-£100) but if you keep running and hurting your shins, you can do some serious damage. You could also ask them if they can spot any obvious problems with your running style.

As for the sweating - that's brilliant. It means you're doing your body a good 'detox' and working hard. And things won't wobble for long if you keep running, combine it with other exercises and try and eat healthily.

I subscribe to Runner's World magazine, which is surprisingly beginner-friendly. You can log-in to their chat rooms and talk to fellow runners about problems/advice for good running routes. You could even meet local people to run with as running alone can be so boring and easy to give up on. They list loads of races, many of which are suitable for beginners and give you a great incentive to train for.

Don't give up just yet - you will reach a point where suddenly running becomes easy, because your body gets used to the motion and the pace that you're going at. Then when it gets easy, you raise you're game and move on to the next level.

Next time you run, chose a scenic route and look around you at the things you've never noticed before. It's a wonderful distraction from the tiredness and a great opportunity to see things in your area that the car will never let you see.

Enjoy and remember how good you will look in a year if you keep it up!

thelunar66 · 21/03/2010 20:42

Try to find a running mate Pegg. It makes all the difference. Also agree with the Runners World advice from Lovelymamma.

Where do you live by the way?

peggotty · 21/03/2010 20:48

Thank you lovelymama - I'm actually running on the treadmill at the gym atm, maybe that's half the problem? My shins don't hurt badly all the time but there is usually an ache there to a certain extent every time I run (well, it's mostly walking just now!). I didn't get my running style assessed but I have very high arches and bought trainers with a lot of cushioning for that reason.

THink I may be wobbling for a while yet, although I am trying to eat healthily - and I have always been a sweated heavily when exercising (attractive, not!). I have just discovered the wonders of specialist running t-shirts etc that wick the sweat away from your body which has helped a LOT. anyway I am wittering, thanks for your advice!!

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peggotty · 21/03/2010 20:49

Lunar - Leeds. I have a friend who runs but she's much more advanced than me, so may be a possibilty to run with her in the future when I am fitter...

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DrNortherner · 21/03/2010 20:50

Oh God treadmill running is boring. All I do is watch the clock. Get outside in the fresh air, some tunes on your ipod and go for it.

peggotty · 21/03/2010 20:56

hmmm I think you might be right DrNorthener, but feel I need to build up my stamina on the treadmill first before I inflict myself on the open highway. Plus I can't run for any more than a couple of minutes at a time!!(at the moment)

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DrNortherner · 21/03/2010 21:00

I think you can build up stamina outdoors too. It's more interesting and you can vary the terrain. You can still do 1 min walk 1 min run outside, in fact outside you can say to yourself 'I will run to that lamp post then walk'

tummytime · 21/03/2010 21:02

Don't worry about the running for more than 2minutes at a time. I started at new year unable to run for more than 1 min and that was wheezing horribly. I went out for a run today and did 25 mins and feel great as though I'm not about to have a heart attack when I finish.

Second the advice about running shoes, they can make a huge difference.

peggotty · 21/03/2010 21:04

I think people may point and laugh at me! (ok i am being silly now) I will try an outdoor run soon, I can only get out when DH gets in from work and atm it's dark by then. Will give it a go next week after the clocks change.

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peggotty · 21/03/2010 21:05

tummytime, that's brilliant, very encouraging!!

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DrNortherner · 21/03/2010 21:07

Oh yes stick at it peggoty. Good luck!

thelunar66 · 21/03/2010 21:08

If you are iffy about running outside, try running from one lampost to another, then walk to the next lampost, then run the next one.

peggotty · 21/03/2010 21:14

Ok, will get my arse outside asap!

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ByTheSea · 21/03/2010 21:16

I hate running and the treadmill but love the elliptical cross trainer and burn just as many calories as if I ran.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 22/03/2010 13:13

I'm sure you will enjoy running outside much more than a treadmill.

I think the other key thing is not to push yourself too hard. If it's getting too hard then just repeat a week of your program. If you are feeling completely wasted at the end of every run you won't want to keep doing it.

And try running slower. I think they say you should run at a pace you can hold a conversation at. It might seem a bit slow but you soon get faster.

I run off-road which I can highly recommend. I started off on the roads but have got somewhat addicted to the mud peace and lovely views of the South Downs so do most of my running there.

Off road is better for your knee's aswell.

DebiNewberry · 22/03/2010 13:21

I think it is worth really pushing to get over the 10 minute mark as well. I hate every minute until I get about 3 songs in, and then it gets much easier.

LieutenantPigeon · 22/03/2010 14:03

Hello I'm a novice runner too. I'm pretty crap at the moment and go BRIGHT RED almost instantly. I don't sweat so much in this weather, but come summer I'm sure I will be.

I defo agree with everyone who says run outside. It IS more interesting, and looking at the view etc takes your mind off the pain. Also if you stick to the same route and can see yourself improving (ie. I usually stop for a walk at this tree but I don't need to today).

I run around the local park (as live in a city) and I WOULD feel embarrassed on the streets. Also prefer to run on grass as it's better on your joints (and shins!) than concrete.

NO ONE laughs at me or even notices me, as there are loads of other runners doing the same thing, and some are even crapper than me believe it or not

LadyintheRadiator · 22/03/2010 14:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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