any tips for novice runners?

[Moomin]

am thinking about starting running to keep fit. am very out of shape after 18m doing next to nothing (bad pregnancy and slow recovery after birth). Have recently started pilates to help strengthen my back which is weak and also playing badminton once or twice a week, but as the badminton is not always guaranteed, i'd like another activity to do when i can't play.

any tips on how to start; what trainers to wear, etc? ta

I'd be interested to hear too. My stamina is rubbish. How do I build it up. I run a few 100m and have to stop. I can swim for ever but running does me in.

Ooo there's been loads of threads recently \link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=138&threadid=166930&stamp=060424085735\here}

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=9&threadid=165476&stamp=060423094730\here}

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1378&threadid=164825&stamp=060417141247\here}

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=138&threadid=165125&stamp=060418204224& here}

If that doesn't cover it give us a shout

I read in the Times years ago an article about running the London Marathon, you start the day after the Marathon and run for one minute, then day 2, run two minutes, day 3 three minutes... etc... (sure it must have been a piss take!)

however I am extremely unfit but started yesterday adn its quite fun!

managed 2 minutes today, but not looking forward ot tomorrow (on the spot running)

does this count? lol

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1375&threadid=162490&stamp=060408084836\More!}

There's also a really long runners thread under 'Health'

take it really slowly, and don't be afraid to walk when you need to, then start running whej you feel you can. I can run for up to 90 mins now (and only resumed it properly about 5 weeks ago) I am v slow though!

ooo thank you. doesn't bode well does it, if i'm too lazy to even do a search on the computer

I'm very slow too dinny!

That's probably the number one mistake you make when you first start out, going off too fast - think jog, not run. Otherwise, you just end up knackered, think you'll never do it and give up.

Cheers SMBK your link to a link to runners world page was really useful.
Going to try the 8 week plan for getting going.

And avoid dogs!

Glad to help - I started running at 35 and it's the best thing I ever did.....hardly ever get colds, waved goodbye to my PMT, cut back on the booze....I could go on and on.

Saggarmakersbottomknocker... how often do you get out running?...

I'm 37. I used to swim loads but am so out of shape after 4 babies. Have lost lots of weight but now need to tone. These light summer eves make me want to get out and do something. I swam loads today and feel so good this evening hopefully running will do the same

saggar - the dogs comment - are you taking the p*ss? have you seen my thread about dd being bitten at the weekend?

i bought \link{http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11041488/c/1892.html\these} trainers for badminton. are they ok for jogging do you think?

Off the road pretty much completely at the moment - got bitten by a dog a couple of weeks ago

Before that I was only managing 3 times a week - a short, fast 2 miles, a steady 3 or 4 and my long run which is 6 or 7 miles currently. If I can fit it in I might do an hour hilly powerwalk too. Really I'm better doing 4 times a week - that seems ideal for me - but dh works shifts so I have to fit in with that.

Are you all running by yourselves? I run with a mate, find it much easier to pace myself and we drive each other on when the going gets tough.

Moomni - no - I posted on your thread. Got bitten by a Jack Russell (there was a pack of 4). Thought it was just a nip initally but the bruising stretches from under my ankle to 3/4 the way up my calf. It's a right mess

eeeee that sounds nasty. they can be very vicious can't they (jack russells)? poor you